Writing

I became a writer to avoid all the pitfalls that come with holding a regular job. Writing is insular; something that doesn't require team dynamics or ass-kissing. Or so I thought.

Since coming to Los Angeles, I've found that most of the people I encounter are very competitive. Waiters and waitresses try to one up each other by dissing each others restaurants. Comedians trash talk each others clubs. Hell, even unemployed people brag about who gets better benefits. This behavior extends to writers.The writing community here is so mean. These people seem to think it's a race to the middle. I overheard a conversation recently where one writer told somebody else not to talk to me because I wasn't "one of them."

This guy is a blogger for a site that he owns. Translation: He lives in his mother's basement writing about Lord of the Rings all day. Meanwhile, I had a job and a corner office at the L.A. Times. I sometimes have to put shit into proper perspective for people who live with their heads up their own butts.

Don't let the black skin fool you, assholes. I'm just as, if not more, legit than you. Just check my resume.