The Devastator Quarterly is a magazine dedicated to subversive and outright hilarious comedy, and Lynne Donahue is one of the Boss Ladies behind its genius. Join us as we sit down with her and ask her some burning questions about what it means to be in charge as a lady and a badass.
1. What’s your favorite cupcake flavor?
Vanilla with chocolate frosting OR chocolate with vanilla frosting. Also, any cupcake that’s been in my line of sight for longer than twenty minutes.
2. What or whom inspired you to pursue a career in comedy?
A blissful combination of insomnia and late night TV marathons of NewsRadio, Kids in the Hall, Sports Night, The Monkees, and MST3K. And since I watched them practically every time they were on television, the movies Comedy Central showed in the 90s/early 2000s had a profound impact on my sense of humor. At any given time, I have a quote from Clue, Empire Records, or Better off Dead running through my brain.
3. If Chuck Norris were to corner you in an alley and challenge you to a duel, what would be your weapon of choice?
He’s definitely stronger than me, but he is 72, and I don’t feel comfortable fighting a senior citizen. I’d probably just try to scamper away.
4. What are some challenges you’ve faced since going down the comedy track and what, in your experience, has made those obstacles worth overcoming?
My biggest challenges are, in no particular order, confidence, paying the bills, and confidence that I will one day be able to pay the bills with comedy writing. Working on the Devastator, especially when we punch up the issues before printing, reminds me of why I want to pursue comedy. Hanging out in a room full of hilarious people, laughing at them and trying to make them laugh, is so much fun.
5. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard/seen?
I once saw a large, black poodle, wearing a leather driving cap and goggles, riding in the sidecar of a moped. The driver of the moped was wearing a tuxedo. It was the most perfect thing in the world.
6. What’s the difference between appealing to women and appealing to men?
I don’t think there has to be a difference. Most of my favorite comedies, sketches, and stand-up comedians don’t appeal to a particular gender. Good jokes are good jokes.
7. What’s your favorite comedy movie or T.V. show of all time?
Of all time? Sure you don’t want a list broken down by decade and sub-genre? I’ve re-watched Wet Hot American Summer and NewsRadio countless times, so I’m going to go with those. (Ok, no massive list, but I have to mention Katharine Hepburn’s screwball comedies. If you haven’t seen them, get to a library immediately.)
8. When you’re not immersed in the world of comedy, you’re…
Learning Photoshop. I always wanted to be awesome at Photoshop, and now’s the time. I’m also trying very hard to be the kind of person who takes vitamins regularly, likes hiking, and eats vegetables. Basically, I’m trying to become a really, really exciting person. Consuming only French fries and Diet Coke, while flying by the seat of your pants on Photoshop, will only get you so far in life (I’m told).
9. What would the title of your autobiography be?
I’m one of those writers that doesn’t have an ounce of desire to be on stage or in front of people. My dream career is writing fiction and hiding behind my computer. So, I guess my autobiography would be called something like Please Put This Book Down.
****
Lynne Donahue is a comedy writer and photographer. She was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Hawaii, so she split the difference and settled in Los Angeles. In case you were wondering, she can’t surf, and she pronounces words like “park” and “car” with all of the appropriate consonants. She attended film school at Chapman University in Orange County. Over those four years, in the shadow of Disneyland, she learned how to structure a film and conquered her fear of roller coasters. You can find her writing in the Devastator, and, if the power of positive thinking is real, on your television and in multiplexes in short order. At the time of printing, she is seriously considering getting on Twitter.
