Featured Interview With Yuri Kagan
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Hollywood proper but spent most of my childhood in San Diego. I left at 18 to live in Florence Italy where I studied Italian and drinking. I then returned to San Diego for a few years. Eventually I moved to San Francisco for college and have been there ever since. There I bartended for near 10 years and more recently became a standup comedian. I currently live in a studio apartment with the love of my life, my 12 pound dog Rhoda and partner Rich. Having only grown up with birds as pets I never knew how much a little dog could take over my life. After years of making fun of other with their little annoying dogs, I have become that guy with the little dog (but mine is not annoying).
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always written. At the age of 7 a teacher told me they liked my short story and since then I was hooked. In high school I became fascinated with writing editorials for the school paper where I later became an Editor. At around 16 I became really focused on movies, television and scripts. This made me love and respect writing even more. It was then I learned that everyone has a story and some people have a real knack for telling them.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I tend to read comedic books often but also love a good autobiography as long as it’s not too dry. I don’t have patients for anyone that takes themselves too seriously. I have several favorite authors. David Sedaris is on the top of the list because I relate to him the most. Sloane Crosley is my next favorite. Her book “I Was Told There Would Be Cake” is amazing. Next on the list is Vonnegut, Kerouac and ironically Roseanne. Yes, Roseanne Barr. Her books are very well written and interesting.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book “Vodka and Limelight” is a collection of short stories about my 10 years of bartending in San Francisco’s highest-volume bars. It’s a humorous, inside look of what bartending in the Castro’s most infamous bar. See how bartending gave me a voice, lead me to standup comedy and becoming an author.
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