About three years ago, I met Dave Barry at a humor writers' conference. He was the keynote speaker. Oh, it was a glorious evening. There are only a couple of celebrities I'd like to meet, and now he is crossed off the list.
I found a notebook yesterday with my notes from his talk. I was eager to re-read them, hoping to relive some of the fun and maybe be reminded of some tips.
Sure am glad I took these copious notes:
Daily Herald Tribune (yes, I think that was the Miami paper he wrote for?)
Grande Prairie
Lori Knutson
Shannon McKinnon All three of these are somehow related to Canada. Why he referred to them, I do not know.
Back of th- (yes, that's exactly what it says.)
300 attendees
World Record Mad Lib
11,000 blanks Moby Dick (What in the world??)
Sense of humor from mom (at last, a complete thought)
English major - sewage and zoning (Oh for Pete's sake! How did I think that could mean anything even 5 minutes later, let alone 3 years later?)
3rd Column: "You're not as funny as you used to be."
Taught effective writing seminars
"Florida-You can't spell it without 'DUH'."
Mississippi: How do they make toast? (Unbelievable. Even the CIA couldn't decipher this.)
Jeb Bush (I think I remember that he told about meeting Jeb Bush and something odd and funny he said to Mrs. Barbara Bush--what was it now? Wait, don't tell me .... Ugh. No idea.)
Good editor. Take criticism. I believe those were bits of advice.
North Dakota, Neil Diamond
Thick towel
Shampoo
Soup
Yes, incredibly, I began a grocery list at a later time right under the notes.
So I'm sure you'll glean as much from Dave's talk as I did. Welcome to my brain, my thoroughly mesmerized brain in the presence of Dave Barry.
PS: I did meet him for the requisite book signing, and he was more than nice to every single person in line. That says a lot.
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