Writing is a passion. Publishing is a business.

BERNADETTE LUCKETT


Interview with BERNADETTE LUCKETT

Bernadette Luckett is originally from the SF Bay Area, but started her standup career in New York City after working as a professional model, a cookie packer, and a lab technician at a VD clinic. She performed at comedy clubs all over the US and appeared on numerous TV shows, then segued from standup into sitcom writing, and has worked on several shows including: Living Single; Sister, Sister; The Tracy Morgan Show; Girlfriends; and Romeo!. Bernadette recently returned to standup last November after a 17-year hiatus. In addition to being a contributing essayist to the anthology NO KIDDING Bernadette worked as a Co-Producer on the documentary, “Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor”- which was recently honored with a 2014 Television Academy Honors Award – for television programming that inspires, informs, motivates, and even has the power to change lives.

What are you reading right now?

No books currently. Mostly magazine articles.

What first sparked your interest in writing?

There was a writing contest for kids in our local newspaper. I would write stories and won on several occasions.

What do you love the most about writing? The least?

I love when I see a scene in my head and I just write down what the characters say and do. That’s totally joyful!

I don’t like that I don’t have a good office space of my own to write currently./div>

Tell us a little about your writing process.

I write mostly scripts, and occasionally short stories. For scripts, I love to outline and figure out all the structural details. Then the writing’s a breeze. For stories, I just write it as it flows. Then I go back and edit and rearrange. It’s a lot of puzzle-work. It’s fun.

What are your passions?

I love people: smiling at them, talking to them, helping them, making them laugh. I’m passionate about using my talents to help create a better and happier world.

What inspires you?

I am fortunate to have some great mentors who inspire me to be more loving and be of service more in the world. When I see there’s someone who needs help, I always reach out if I can, or turn them on to someone else who can help them.

Did you know without a doubt what you would write about in your NO KIDDING essay or did you have a few topics from which you narrowed it down?

When I first thought of writing, a million thoughts came to mind, so it was just a matter of sequencing and editing.

Was it difficult writing about something so personal?

I’m one of those people who will tell personal information to anyone. God forbid you sit next to me on a bus. So writing about something personal was very easy for me.

What advice might you give to other women who encounter the perception that they should have a “snappy response” to why they don’t want or didn’t have kids?

Own yourself, own your reasons for what you do, and don’t do. Once you’re okay with you, you’ll know exactly what you want to say to those who ask. It could be a snappy response, or it could be a serious response. As long as you feel comfortable with yourself, it’ll be the perfect answer.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Take away the “should” and the “musts.” Write when you want to, but know the more you write, the more your brain will be lubricated for more writing. Don’t mix up making a living with living your passion. Hopefully they’ll both come together, but it doesn’t help to put pressure on yourself to make money from your writing. Write for Joy, for the Love of it!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

Meditation helps a lot with writing. Sitting quietly causes ideas to flood into your mind. Or even a walking meditation, or silent meditation. You provide the stillness and can tap into the universal supply of incredible ideas.