When we read Antone Christopher's books we immediately wanted to interview him. When reading his work one instantly thinks this is the next Greg Behrendt, but in all actuality his books hit the market a year prior to Greg's. Christopher is a self-published author of "The Bitter Man's Guide to Dating" and "The Bitter Woman's Guide to Dating", two fabulous and enjoyable books packed with 48 full color illustrations and 144 different descriptions of personality types you may have encountered on the dating scene. Christopher is a single, New York City native who now resides in Florida. An artist at heart, from writing to being a percussionist, he admits he loves working in a creative atmosphere. He lives for the arts, swears that Ellen Degeneres is beyond Oprah and claims that although he wrote those books during a sour time he is in fact, no longer bitter. The talented author takes us where no writer has taken us before. He includes dating horror stories, his own personal experiences and a section on where to meet singles. In both of his paperbacks he describes the types of women and men you should stay away from and the ones you shouldn't let go. From the Horny Dog and Gangsta Guy to the Slutty Chick, one thing he promises and very well delivers is a Bitter Laugh.
- So "how bitter are you?" Well I like to think of myself as the author formally known as The Bitter Man; since there was a period in my life I was very bitter due to years of rejection and dating frustrations. On a scale of 1 to 10" I was a Bitter 11! In my past dating experiences, I've been used, abused and kicked to the curb. I was once a very Bitter Man! But after writing both my books it's been a Self-Therapeutic experience for me resulting in me being now a recovered Bitter Man. I feel everyone has been bitter at least once in their life, so I began to look at the humor in it and started to put it into words that everyone could relate to and laugh about.
- This should be a NY Times best seller! Tell us what led to the inception of a "Bitter Man's guide to dating"? After dating for about 10 years, I would always have new dating terror stories to tell my friends. In a humorous, yet sarcastic way I would always make them laugh. They would say to me, "Oh Antone you're so funny, you're just a Bitter Man. You should write a book!" I heard this over and over again, so I took it as a sign from the Dating Gods. I thought to myself, "Hmmmm, maybe I should write a book to make people laugh at themselves while they learn who is compatible with them as well". Sort of like a self-help dating book by turning a negative into a positive, and so that's how The Bitter Man's Guide to Dating was born.
- How did a "Bitter Woman's guide to dating" evolved? The Bitter Woman's Guide to Dating was the result of all the comments I was receiving at my book signings. Many women said to me". "Oh I should write the Bitter Woman's Guide version." So I figured I'd better get on it before someone else does. It was the perfect
balance to have the views on both sexes. So I set out to interview many
women and also to observe guys and how their quirky personalities are.
Everyone knows a Boozer Bob, Cheap Charlie, Cheater or a Bad Boy"etc.
But how you can learn to identify these types of guys? I set out to do
this. Both books are basically common sense. Everyone is aware of these personality types. I just happen to be the first to put it on paper and make these crazy characters come to life.
- If you can choose 5 personality types that you are in The Bitter Woman's guide to Dating, which ones would they be and why? I would say we all have a few of the character traits in my books. For me I would say I am the Romantic Guy/Rock Star/ Dreamer Dude/Gentle Man/Nice Guy with a bit of OCD Anal Retentive Al. I might have a few more character types that fit me but we won't go into that here"TMI
- Has the dating scene improved for you? The dating scene has taught me a lot. I've learned to be comfortable with whom I am and to enjoy myself with every person I go out with. You don't have to fall in love with your date, just have fun and enjoy the moment. People put too much pressure on dating. Just go out and have a good time, laugh, be happy and be yourself! Who cares if it works out or not? If he or she is not right for you then make friends with that person and move on. Life is too short to take every date so seriously. It is just a date!!!
- Any famous person you'd love to meet as your books continue to gain recognition? My dream is to meet Ellen Degeneres and be on her show. She would completely relate to my dating frustrations and humor. I can see us laughing together, hear her comments and feel the audience's laughter in my mind. It would be a great show on Dating Reality 101. Ellen is the epitome of what all talk show hosts should be, extremely funny and real"similar to my books!
- You mentioned loved ones at the beginning of your books, how have they contributed to your success? Most of my family has passed away so you ask how they have contributed to my success. Well, my family was all very talented and artistic people. My mom was a ballet dancer/pianist. My dad was a photographer. My brother was an accomplished music composer and my sister was a Broadway dancer and writer. So art, music, writing and creating runs in my blood. They all have inspired me to do what I love and to live my life with passion!
- What did you want to accomplish by writing such books? At first I just thought it would be funny to give to my books to friends and have a laugh. But then as I saw the reaction from so many people and all the press I was getting, I began to see that these books had something deeper to them. Now I feel that I'd like to accomplish helping people understand themselves and who they are dating. Making them aware as to who is a good match with them. Respect and Compatibility is essential for a good relationship. In a humorous way this is what I'd like to get across to the people who read my books.
- We're sure many people have compared you to Greg Behrendt, although your book was published a year prior to his, you published yours on January 2004 he did his on April 2005, are you familiar with his work? How do you feel about the comparison? Greg Behrendt is a successful writer and talk show host and they also did a movie based on his book on He's Just Not That Into You. I think he's great and we would make a dynamic duo! It's a cool compliment when people compare me with Greg and Sex in The City. I hear it all the time. But I wrote my books before I even knew who he was. I'm not a big movie buff or into the Hollywood scene. In fact I don't want to be influenced by anyone. I want my writing and creativity to be influenced from my own self. My work is totally independent based on my personal views, experiences, observations and interviews.
- You are very accurate when it comes to describing personality types, did you have any prior experience or special training? Everyone tells me my books are "Right On" when it comes to the reality of people and dating. I've always been interested in physiology, but have no formal training. Ever since I was a kid I'd love to read and observe people. I also love to learn about why they make wrong dating or relationship choices. Why do people try to change their partner? Why don't they communicate? Why do they put themselves in bad relationships, then they get BITTER and say""Why Me?" This has always fascinated me! I guess that's why I wrote these books"To help people laugh and get" De-Bitterized!
For booking information or to contact Antone Christopher, please visit his website at: thebitterman.us his books can be purchased via his website, at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com
-LR