Interview: Andrea Martin On Her New Book 'LADY PARTS'

Fans of Andrea Martin should know that she's written a wonderful, moving, incredibly funny, and honest series of essays that have been published by Harper Collins into a book titled 'Lady Parts.'

Ms. Martin immediately sets the tone of her book in the introduction, where she confesses the greatest deceit that she has done unto her fans. "I need to set the record straight. I am not Canadian. I am American." While Ms. Martin has lived in and spent much of her career in Toronto, she was in fact born in Maine and is of Armenian descent. If you decide to not return her book (which she suggests in the introduction) and can live with the fact this Ms. Martin is not Canadian, you're in for a real treat.

The book is incredibly well written and each essay is on point - it never drags. Just like her comedic timing comes across on screen - it shines through the written word. I found myself audibly laughing in moments, and crying along with Ms. Martin in others.

Fans of SCTV will also be pleased to hear an entire chapter of the novel is devoted to the history of what has arguably become one of the few iconic, original Canadian television series. Among other treasures found in 'Lady Parts' are sections written by Ms. Martin's alter ego Edith Prickley, Ms. Martin's first headshots (circa 1970), and a hilarious chapter titled "Some things I think about but don't say out loud."

I had the opportunity to ask Ms. Martin a few questions about her book.

Alan: What inspired you to actually want to sit down and write down this autobiographical series of essays?

Andrea: Harper Collins Canada asked if I would be interested in writing some humorous essays, not a memoir, and I was so elated that I wasn't being asked to remember the minutia of my life, and I said yes!

Alan: You mention having difficulty sitting down and writing many times in the book. Was it very difficult for you to come up with the essays?

Andrea: It wasn't difficult writing, once I actually sat down. It was the discipline of putting pen to paper that was the challenge. All my writer friends told me the same thing: JUST WRITE. That's the secret of writing a book.

Alan: How long did writing the entire book take?

Andrea: Probably three years from beginning to end. In that time, I did three Broadway shows, two TV pilots, a movie of the week, a TV series, two movies, and performed my own one person show around the country and on a cruise ship to Europe. I had many excuses not to write and I used them!

Alan: Which essays were the easiest to write?

Andrea: I wouldn't say anything was easy. I was never satisfied, and went back and rewrote till the essays sounded true.

Alan: Which essay was the hardest to write?

Andrea: The most difficult was the essay about my mom.

Alan: In the novel you devote an entire chapter explaining how you regularly fly to Atlanta to have your hair done because this is where your hairdresser lives. How do you think people in your life and your fans will react knowing you fly to Atlanta to have your hair done?

Andrea: That's out of my control. I try not to think who I pleased and who I didn't please. Everyone has a opinion and everyone is happy to express their opinions, everywhere! I wrote the book as honestly as I could. Now it's out there and out of my hands. Of course, I hope people like it and find it honest and entertaining.

Alan: You write in your book that after you finished your last performance of Pippin you went straight to Magnolia Bakery (and started eating tons of carbohydrates.) Was it hard getting back into Pippin after being away for so long?

Andrea: Yes, It was challenging, but a welcome challenge. It feels better to be fit.

Alan: In the novel you also describe your relationship with your astrologer, Althea - who's predictions are always correct. Does she predict 'Lady Parts' is going to be a bestseller?

Andrea: I haven't been back to her in awhile. Thank you for reminding me to make an appointment!

Alan: Would you consider writing another book in the future?

Andrea: Possibly. I need some more of my life to unfold. My "third chapter" is just beginning.

Alan: Do you have any plans for after your run in Pippin in LA?

Andrea: I will continue to promote my book, and then we will be in production for the My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequel in the new year.

Andrea Martin's 'Lady Parts' will be available in print nationwide on September 23, 2014. She is currently appearing in PIPPIN on Broadway, and will also reprise her role of "Berthe" in the Los Angeles engagement of the National Tour.

Follow Alan Henry on twitter @alanhenryTO