Broke-Ass Stuart interview on cango.com

Published below is an interview with Broke-Ass Stuart, author of the highly acclaimed Broke-Ass Stuart’s Guide to Living Cheaply in San Francisco, who now has New York in his broke-ass cross-hairs with a 350+ page Guide to Living Cheaply in New York City. 

I contacted him to ask him about the book and about his life, and as you will see, he’s not just a writer, but someone who is actually living the life. He moved to New York from California and is simply writing about what he’s doing everyday, and how he survives in the Big '˜bad’ Apple. This, along with some original and colorful language,  makes his guidebook a must read for anyone on a tight budget in NYC.

     
 
Question. You’re all set to launch a guide to living cheaply in New York in Nov 2008. Is that right? Can you tell us a bit about what’s in it?
Ans: Yes, that’s the plan.  I’m working my ass off right now to get it done.  This is hands down the biggest project I’ve ever worked on because, I’m basically building a 350+ page guidebook from scratch, whereas, when I did my SF book I had my zines to build on, and when I worked for Lonely Planet, I had the previous author’s work to build on.  So you wanna know what’s gonna be in the NY book huh? Pure unadulterated awesomeness, that’s what.  It’s gonna have a list of places where you can score free food with your drinks (like how the Crocodile Lounge on E 14th St gives you a free pizza every time you buy a drink).  It’s gonna let people know where the best cheap drinks, food carts, and greasy spoon diners are, as well as hipping them to where all the cool free and cheap sights and entertainment are.  And best of all, I talk a lot of shit in the process.   
 
Question. From what I can see, there’s considerable authenticity in your books, which makes it seem like you really walked the walk, and it’s not just something which you wanted to write about, so you went around looking in the city. Is that what makes your guide books different from other budget travel or city guides? Or is there something more?
Ans:  Yeah, I think that’s a huge part of it.  I write mostly in a first person narrative telling about my experiences wrangling these weird cities, while also delivering useful information.  It’s almost like a collection of very short stories mashed up with a regular guide book.  So that’s a big part of it.  But once again, I think it’s the shit talking that really takes it the extra mile.  People seem to like it when I curse and make fun of the lactose intolerant.  
 
Question. Now you’ve written about living cheaply in San Francisco and NYC. Which of these two cities do you like better, and why? What’s different about them?
Ans:  I could write a whole dissertation about this subject.  Hmm..I think the best way to describe the difference between the two cities is that in San Francisco, whatever energy you put out there, the city gives it right back to you.  Whereas with New York, no m
atter how much you love it, it fucking hates you.  I’ve been living out of a bag pretty much for the past 2 years, so for me 'œmaking it' would be to have enough money to permanently take my shit out of storage in SF and have an apartment there, but spend a month at a time, a few times a year, living out of the Chelsea Hotel.  Is that too much to ask for?  I’m a relatively simple man.
 
Question. If you plan on writing any more guides after this, which city would the next Broke-Ass Stuart guide feature?
Ans: My publishers really want me to do Los Angeles, but honestly, the thought of trying to do this thing that I do in LA, gives me tremors.  That place is just too fucking big!  Honestly, I think London would be a great city to do next, but I’d also like to do Montreal, Austin and Chicago.  Who knows really?  Realistically it would probably another American city.  Maybe San Diego since I grew up there and know it well.  I’m sure my parents would love it if I just showed up at their door with three bags and said, 'œHi guys, mind if I stay for 6 months?' 
 
Question. Is there anything else you do, apart from writing and poking around the city?
Ans: I begrudgingly wait tables (shaking my fist in the air).  It’s what pays my bills while I’m waiting for my millions to start rolling in.  Is that what you mean, or do you mean like hobbies?  I read about a book a week, I go on dates with my lovely girlfriend, I look at internet porn, and I rob old ladies for their bus money.  But other than that, not too much.  I’m pretty into watching The Wire right now.
 
Question. Anything else you want to add, about your book, or your life? Future plans?
Ans:  Um, yes, if you’re reading this, buy my shit!  Don’t worry if you don’t live in SF or NY, I have t-shirts that say 'œYoung, Broke and Beautiful'.  You’ll love them!  They are for sale at 

Question. Any specific advice for someone who’s broke, or on a tight budget, in New York? (Other than buying a copy of your book')
Ans:  Yeah make sure to go to www.myopenbar.com and sign up for their weekly newsletter which tells about which bars are giving away free booze.  Also make sure to hit up the aforementioned Crocodile Lounge as well as the Alligator Lounge and The Charleston (both in Williamsburg).  These places give out a free personal pizza with every drink.

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