Q&A with SNICKERING OUT LOUD author Jenny Sauer

As readers will learn in your new book, you grew up on a farm, worked in a lab, modeled, and have acted in numerous films and commercials. How did you come to write a book?

Those various experiences took me across the country to live in different places and subsequently threw me into different cultures where I met so many types of people. It made for a collection of interesting stories, especially from during my “serial dating” stage in L.A., I wanted to share for people to connect with and hopefully even learn from my mistakes and many adventures.

How are you so unapologetic? You say things most people probably want to say but for some reason or another don't.

My whole family is very quick-witted, so growing up I learned a lot from my older brother and sister concerning comebacks and how they dealt with things. From that I created my own effective way of dealing with people. I won't say I'm completely unapologetic, but I am brutally honest. I'm not a drama fiend and much prefer being straight up and real about something. I believe honesty makes life easier. That being said, I don't enjoy hurting someone on purpose. I do actually feel bad if my honesty unintentionally hurts a person’s feelings.

I think the people who come to me for advice ask because they know I will tell them the truth and not sugar coat things. And I respect others who are just as honest with me. If someone tells me I'm wrong about something, great! I want to know my faults, and I know that I can be wrong. You won't get anywhere in life just thinking you're better than everyone else.

While you do give many of your exes a tough review, the good guys definitely get a nice pat on the back and you're honest about your own faults, too. Is it hard to open up about such a personal topic as dating?

It really wasn’t hard to open up about my dating experiences; I'm essentially an open book anyway. I tell stories and argue with facts. So if the guys represented don't like how they are viewed, tough noogies because it's the truth.

You say you're really close to your mom - is she going to gawk at any of these stories about her little girl in the dating scene?

She has read the book and thinks it's funny. She has known all of the stories along the way; so there weren't any surprises to her. I really do tell her EVERYTHING.

The nicknames for your Match.com encounters are hilarious. What do you think your ex-dates would call you?

Hmmm, that's a good one. "Smartass McDoogle," "Eyes"...I've had a lot of different experiences with guys so I'm really not sure. I'll be frank, I really don't want to know. ;) I'm usually just known as "Jen" or "Jenny," in their phones anyway. For the record, I hate the nickname "Jen,” especially on a first date. Don’t shorten a person's name when you just met them, for crying out loud! You don't hear me shortening your name because I'm feeling lazy and don't want to speak an extra syllable.

You've written a book on dating, but you're not married?

You don't have to be married, or an expert, to date. And these are real, actual experiences. That's what I'm sharing. The good, bad and ugly. I'll find that person someday, but I'm in no rush. I'd rather take my time to make sure. I don't feel like pulling an Elizabeth Taylor and having more than seven or eight weddings. Plus, weddings are expensive and stressful, not my cup of tea to do more than one.

Do you stay in touch with any of your exes in the book?

Yes I do, and it’s probably obvious to the reader which ones. The guys I don’t speak ill about, I still like and we left everything on good terms, so why not stay in touch as friends?
There are actually a few where I talk to them about who they are dating now and give them advice. Not every day, but every couple of months here and there. It's nice.

From text hoarding, to stiletto porn, to old people's toenails, you draw quite a few laughs in your book. But there is a mix of funny and serious, as you also offer some real advice.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever personally received about dating?

"Stop looking, it'll happen."