Really, there is no way to my heart faster than laughter. A writer who can make me laugh goes to the top of the queue, ahead of those who make me cry or cringe or yell in anger. That rule also got me my husband, so I'm confident that it's a fairly efficient way in which to approach life.
It's also the rule that made me a huge John Scalzi fan -- and you should be one, too.
I actually first noticed Scalzi from some of his videogame writing, because I'm totally geeky that way. But it wasn't until a couple of links from Andrew Sullivan that I started reading Scalzi's novels (Old Man's War and The Ghost Brigades, to start) and, more relevant to the post at hand, his blog, Whatever.
Dude is funny. Far funnier, I hate to say, than a lot of the gay and lesbian bloggers I read on a daily basis (myself included, truth be told). I never go looking for affirmations of my orientation from straight people, but I certainly appreciate them when I find them. And while he's funnier than most bloggers -- okay, not the hugest achievement -- his arguments for gay marriage and equality are just as impassioned and moving as any I've heard from my own "side," and come with the bonus of reminding me that it's not just all about me and my family. It's about everyone, straight and gay, who believes in equality for all Americans...and humans.
Scalzi's collection of Whatever blog posts, Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded, was just released in mass market paperback. I'd like to say something witty about it, but, you know, he has a blog post titled "Jesus' Dickheads," so I think he kind of speaks for himself. But, I have to say, it's disconcerting to have a straight writer making such good arguments on my own behalf. It makes me feel like a slacking homosexual. John Scalzi, you're making me look bad. Knock it off.
Anyway...
His writing about what it means to live in poverty is eye-opening. His thoughts on being a father are heartwarming, as are his lovely recountings of meeting (and marrying) his wife. And if you have any thought of being a professional writer -- god help you -- his thoughts on the business are indispensable.
Oh, for god's sake, just go buy the book already, okay?
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