A lot of my creative energy is spent coming up with a concept that, once I get it, I feel like it writes itself. Mallory Ortberg comeconceptcreative Change image and share on social
I love reading religious authors. Especially in the sort of circle I move in, people tend to be more secular, and I love reading books by just really smart people of religious faith. It's always a really cool perspective. Mallory Ortberg authorbookcircle share on social
I love 'Jane Eyre,' and I love the Bronte sisters. I actually didn't read any of them until I was in college, so I don't have quite the same connection with them that I think a lot of women do. Mallory Ortberg brontecollegeconnection Change image and share on social
I'm on Twitter a lot of the day because I really like Twitter. It's great for jokes. But when I'm writing, I can't do anything else. I can't even listen to music. I just have to write, and then I can do something else. I can't multitask. Mallory Ortberg daygreatjoke share on social
With a few exceptions, birds are not to be trusted; it is not normal to have such soft, vulnerable bodies bookended with slashing beaks and razor-sharp claws. It is as unnatural as an armed marshmallow. Mallory Ortberg armbeakbird share on social
I read my first P.G. Wodehouse when I was 12. Mallory Ortberg readwodehouse Change image and share on social
In my final year of attending a Christian sports camp in rural Missouri, the year before I started high school, they began to offer an elective Bible study group for young Christians who wanted a chance to read in the afternoons instead of learn to water-ski. Mallory Ortberg afternoonattendbegin share on social
Usually my writing is very over the top and bombastic and very, like, 'I'm amazing! Look at me!' Mallory Ortberg amazebombastictop Change image and share on social
I'm really not a journalist, and I don't do a ton of newsy pieces. Occasionally I'll write about something that's going on recently, but I really don't do a ton of stuff that's tied to current events. Mallory Ortberg currenteventjournalist Change image and share on social
My history teacher could make us feel like he was imparting rare gossip to us when he was talking about Maria Theresa and the Habsburgs. I just loved that sense of - the Western canon is here, and it's gossipy and tawdry, and everyone is sort of goofy. Mallory Ortberg canonfeelgoofy share on social
