Q+A with the legendary Miss Pamela Des Barres
About 2.5 years ago I was lucky enough to be one of 20 women in Pamela Des Barres first Toronto writing class. My life has never been the same since. Not only did I get to know a legend to the point where I could casually ask her to do a Q+A for my zine. But I also met women in that group who have become close friends and who are some of the funniest and most talented people I know. Here are ten burning questions I had for Miss P.
Q: If I'm With the Band were written today, what 5 rockstars would take the place of the men you wrote about in the 70s?
A: Jack White
Jack White
Jack White Jack White and Jack White
Q: You hold writing groups across North America where you teach, give tips and allow women to open up and share their stories in a safe environment. What is something you have learned from doing this?
A: I learn as much as my dolls do each week about how women tick! I am so lucky to be able to watch them grow and become more aware of how to deal with all their various difficulties or challenging experiences by writing about them. It's cathartic, rewarding and very surprising a lot of the time. They discover they are a lot more courageous and brilliant, astute and loving that they ever imagined.
Q: What do you do when you have writers block?
A: Write.
Q: Do you have a favourite Frank Zappa story and do you still keep in touch with the family? (I'm a huge Marc Maron fan and got a little jealous when he was dating Moon)
A: I just loved being able to make him laugh. There was nothing better than when you could get Mr Zappa to laugh out loud, and beat his knee with enjoyment at one of your antics! Or a little ditty or a wild outfit! I am close with the whole family, yes...
Q: How does it feel to be such an influential woman for not only pop culture, but also for every day women like myself?
A: Surprising. I was just living my life, still just living my life in the best and most free-spirited way possible. I love that I am kind of a fashion muse. I wore vintage clothing long before it was called that! Haha! I love to deck myself and my dolls out in feminine finery. Don't be afraid to be a dream doll, a muse in every way, a GIRL! a WOMAN!
Q: I'm trying to get my writing published, do you have any tips?
A: It's a tough one. I was turned down by several publishers myself. I believe in self-publishing, blogging, writing for various sites, staring your own website just to write.
Q: What is your favourite kind of ice cream and why?
A: I don't eat sugar any more, and almost no dairy except GOAT! SO my fave now is La-Loo's chocolate ice cream!
Q: What is wrong with Hollywood? It's insane your life hasn't been made into a move (or a mini series like it almost was on HBO)
A: I've sold it numerous times to no avail. I think ultimately the bigwigs are afraid to take a chance on a sexy 60s women's music story. This country is still afraid of a lustful woman unless it comes with bondage, guilt or fear. And they haven't figured out how to get the 60s music scene right!
Q: What is your favourite Disney movie?
A: I love all the earliest, Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Dumbo, Bambi, Peter Pan. Let's have a good cry!
Q: I remember the last time I saw you, you mentioned a new book you are working on, when can we expect it?
A: It's a book called "Let It Bleed" about my women's workshops. I need a good subtitle, help! It should be out next Spring!