I’ve been very fortunate to read and review some wonderful books. But I’ve never had the chance to interview any authors…until now. Thanks to the lovely Elizabeth Jahns from Beacon Publishing Group, I was able to interview the iconic comedian Kip Addotta about his memoir “Confessions of a Comedian.”
According to his website‘s bio, Mr. Addotta has appeared on such classic programs like “The Tonight Show” and the syndicated show “Make Me Laugh.” He was also featured on “The Larry Sanders Show.” Not only a stand up comedian, Mr. Addotta is also a talented songwriter who wrote songs such as “Wet Dream,” “Big Cock Roach,” “Life in the Slaw Lane,” and “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus.” Some of these songs were featured on the the Dr. Demento radio program. In 1995, Addotta released the DVD “Live From Maximum Security!”
What inspired you to write a book?
I thought it was time to write the story of my life and help other comedians become better at the art of stand-up comedy.
Who inspired you to write your “Confessions of a Comedian”?
Steve Martin’s book, “Born Standing Up.”
How did you prepare to write this book?
I simply began putting down my memories:
“From the first interactions with “The Mob” in his early childhood, his nightmarish life with his father until he was on his own at 15 years of age, through his marriages, and how he became one of the best and most famous stand-up comedians of his time, Kip Addotta tells all. He names names and details the how-to and fine-tuning of comedy.”
Is your memoir arranged in a time? If not, how and why?
It starts from when I was eighteen months old and ends at the present time!
What are the similarities and differences between writing a book and stand-up comedy?
They are two totally different things and it was difficult to write both!
What challenges/difficulties did you face when writing your book?
Remembering the order in which things happened and making my point without being ponderous!
What experiences do you feel were significant for you? (personally or career wise)
Meeting Jack Benny and trying to find my mother!
What difficulties did you overcome writing this memoir?
It gave me the opportunity to explain my behavior to my family and friends.
Did you include photographs? Do any of them hold any significance to you?
Yes I did and the ones of my grandmother, who raised me and my uncle Victor who were both Made members of Bonanno crime family!
What else should people know about “Confessions of a Comedian”?
That it is a true story!
What are your future plans? Will you continue to write?
I have another book in mind, but can’t divulge any information now so as not to impair the sales of my current book “Confessions of a Comedian.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am amazed at the response to my current book and the fact that people are finding it so entertaining!
For more information on Kip Addotta, his comedic work and his memoir “Confessions of a Comedian visit the following links:
thebookselfblog 