Writing Lessons from Amy Poehler’s Yes Please

I’m a big fan of Amy Poehler. She and Tina Fey are probably the two people that I would be most tongue-tied in front of if I ever got around to meeting them. Seriously. I’m pretty sure I’d have more words at my disposal if I met Matt Damon than if I met one of these two strong, awesome ladies. So, I don’t really know why it took me so long to read Amy’s Yes Please. I really don’t.

I read Tina’s Bossypants a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. Learning about her quirky family and how it influenced her comedy was a riot, truly, and Amy’s book doesn’t disappoint in that department. She shares how she grew up in Boston and worked at an ice cream shop just like every other high schooler. She also dives in a little more deeply and discusses how hard it is to get to the top, and how awesome and terrible and amazing it feels once you are up there.

She also writes a lot about writing, which is something that the other comedian memories don’t quite hit on. As a writer, I was of course intrigued by these little bits and pieces scattered throughout the novel. As Ashley and I have launched our podcast about finding time for your own creativity, it was interesting to see how a high-profile entertainer found time to write her book. While Amy’s and my lives are VERY different, it was encouraging to see that even with all the money she could need and the ability to hire a housekeeper and the support of friends, it was still hard for Amy to write. Because writing is hard. It’s also rewarding and frustrating and gives you a rush like nothing else on Earth, but a lot of times we forget to mention that it is hard, too.

Some of my favorite quotes from Yes Please:

“You do it because the doing of it is the thing. The doing is the thing. The talking and worrying and thinking is not the thing. That is what I know. Writing the book is about writing the book.” – p. XV

“Decide what your currency is early. Let of of what you will never have. People who do this are happier and sexier.” – p. 21

“It takes years as a woman to unlearn what you have been taught to be sorry for. It takes years to find your voice and seize your real estate.” – p. 65

“I didn’t really know who I was, but improv had taught me that I could be anyone. I didn’t have to wait to be cast – I could give myself the part.” – p. 117

“The biggest lie and the biggest crime is that we all do this alone and look down on people who don’t.” – 152

“Sleep can completely change your entire outlook on life.” – p. 177

“This routine seemed Sisyphean at first, but I soon learned the satisfaction of working at a place that truly closed… It was deliciously obvious and final.” – p. 209

“It’s important to know when its time to turn in your kazoo… I was aching for what came next.” – p. 211

“Your career and your passion don’t always match up. Plenty of untalented people don’t have the careers they want. Plenty of untalented people make millions and make movies. There is a difference between determination and talent.” – p. 221

“Creativity is connected to your passion, that light inside you that drives you. That joy that comes when you do something that you love… Career is different. Career is the straining together of opportunities and jobs… it will not fill you up and never make you truly whole.” – p. 223

Should you read this book?

Yes. If you like the comedic memoir in general, you will enjoy this. As a memoir, I enjoyed Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? a little better, but this was still good and entertaining. If you are a writer, I encourage you to read this one. Amy is a phenomenal storyteller, and sometimes she has a line that just zings the right way. Her mini pep talks for women are encouraging, and her tidbits on writing scattered throughout are encouraging. She reminds us to sit down and do the hard work, but to enjoy the ride, too.

So… have you read Yes Please by Amy Poehler? What did you think? Any other comedic memoirs I should try out?