Let’s try something different today, friends! I’m happy to take (most of) your questions—so long as you play nice. Got a career question? Need a book recommendation? A beauty tip? Pop em in the thread below and I’ll respond over the next 24 hours!
Can you give us any specifics about your book writing plans? What kind of book do you want to write and what are some of the themes/ideas you want to focus on?
What was the most difficult illusion to part with as you gained more experience in the industry (or, hell, the world), and what made you decide it wasn't true after all?
Thank you so much for doing this. I shared this a few times before, but I am in awe of your work every time I read it. You are truly an inspiration for me. I'm an aspiring queer magazine journalist (graduating this semester). How do you recommend I get started, especially in a time of uncertainty in the industry and budget cuts due to the pandemic?
What book has had a profound impact on you as a person - in the way you view life, question everything, celebrate relationships - that you would recommend?
The fashion industry is taking a huge hit with this pandemic, and this will have an even bigger impact in the fashion magazines (that each year sees their teams getting smaller, and smaller). What do you think will happen to these publication? Can they survive?
Any advice for a budding journalist, esp with trying to break into the magazine industry? Also, how do you practice self-care when a lot of the stories you write are deeply personal and tied to your identity and your communities?
Why were you so hard on yourself (brutal actually) when writing “I have some regrets”? You are still so young in your career and what you experienced is partly a product of that. Everyone here has no doubt of what you will accomplish in the future and the balanced perspective will support a happier life for you. Looking forward to having you with us in LA.
With your move to LA, will you pivot to TV/film writing/production? If you do, which of the skills that you've honed in editorial will you be most excited to apply in that role?
I am currently dating a triple fire sign (Leo with Aries rising,) and the experience is (sigh)...new to me. How does Darien do it? And do the two of you have any tips for me to survive during this trying time?
fruity inspired me to start a newsletter of my own just a few days ago! I'm thinking of it mostly as a personal creative outlet for now given all the extra time I have lately. I've struggled with staying consistent in my personal writing in the past with blogging. I work in content marketing, so spending my days writing and building blogs leaves me worn out to do it on my own time. Any advice on consistency with writing?
Hi Phillip ~~ Is there a topic you are extremely interested in, but never really get to talk about with the people around you? Mine is gymnastics history.
Not a question, but I feel a need to comment on your statement that you never deserved New York after all. I prefer to take exception to that as, from all that I have observed, I believe that you are exiting a New York that is richer and stronger thanks to your tireless efforts and contributions
First off, I enjoy your writing and thus, Fruity, so so much! I've followed you on insta for a couple years now and I enjoy what you post, from your columns to your outfits a lot too.
Could you recommend some books please? I enjoy LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction but I'm open to pretty much anything. Thanks in advance!
P. S. I recall you reading Isabel Allende a while back, and if you haven't read it yet, I recommend Paula.
I’d like to work in fashion but the industry is so small here in Texas. I may move when my health is in a better place, but what are some pieces of advice you would give to a queer person trying to find their way career wise? The last six years have been a real struggle.
What do you think is the future for the left wing movement? What do they need to change to be more effective in winning elections and the ideas battle? What has worked? What hasn't? (This could very well be a future blog!)
Can you give us any specifics about your book writing plans? What kind of book do you want to write and what are some of the themes/ideas you want to focus on?
What was the most difficult illusion to part with as you gained more experience in the industry (or, hell, the world), and what made you decide it wasn't true after all?
Thank you so much for doing this. I shared this a few times before, but I am in awe of your work every time I read it. You are truly an inspiration for me. I'm an aspiring queer magazine journalist (graduating this semester). How do you recommend I get started, especially in a time of uncertainty in the industry and budget cuts due to the pandemic?
What music or art do you turn to when you need to be uplifted?
What book has had a profound impact on you as a person - in the way you view life, question everything, celebrate relationships - that you would recommend?
The fashion industry is taking a huge hit with this pandemic, and this will have an even bigger impact in the fashion magazines (that each year sees their teams getting smaller, and smaller). What do you think will happen to these publication? Can they survive?
Any advice for a budding journalist, esp with trying to break into the magazine industry? Also, how do you practice self-care when a lot of the stories you write are deeply personal and tied to your identity and your communities?
Why were you so hard on yourself (brutal actually) when writing “I have some regrets”? You are still so young in your career and what you experienced is partly a product of that. Everyone here has no doubt of what you will accomplish in the future and the balanced perspective will support a happier life for you. Looking forward to having you with us in LA.
Can you clone yourself? Been thinking a lot about it. We get one -- LA gets one.
I really liked “I Have Some Regrets.” I graduated NYU in 3 years, too. What do you feel like you missed out on?
How does your relationship currently stand with Condé Nast?
With your move to LA, will you pivot to TV/film writing/production? If you do, which of the skills that you've honed in editorial will you be most excited to apply in that role?
I am currently dating a triple fire sign (Leo with Aries rising,) and the experience is (sigh)...new to me. How does Darien do it? And do the two of you have any tips for me to survive during this trying time?
fruity inspired me to start a newsletter of my own just a few days ago! I'm thinking of it mostly as a personal creative outlet for now given all the extra time I have lately. I've struggled with staying consistent in my personal writing in the past with blogging. I work in content marketing, so spending my days writing and building blogs leaves me worn out to do it on my own time. Any advice on consistency with writing?
You're in an interracial relationship. Do you have a lot of learning to do? How about your family?
Hi Phillip ~~ Is there a topic you are extremely interested in, but never really get to talk about with the people around you? Mine is gymnastics history.
What is the most engrossing novel you’ve read recently (or whenever!)? Looking for a one-sitting kind of read right now. Thank you!!
Not a question, but I feel a need to comment on your statement that you never deserved New York after all. I prefer to take exception to that as, from all that I have observed, I believe that you are exiting a New York that is richer and stronger thanks to your tireless efforts and contributions
First off, I enjoy your writing and thus, Fruity, so so much! I've followed you on insta for a couple years now and I enjoy what you post, from your columns to your outfits a lot too.
Could you recommend some books please? I enjoy LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction but I'm open to pretty much anything. Thanks in advance!
P. S. I recall you reading Isabel Allende a while back, and if you haven't read it yet, I recommend Paula.
What are your top picks for audiobooks?
What’s one money lesson you wished you’d have learned earlier in life?
I’m thinking of adding a serum with hyaluronic acid in them. Do you have any recommendations?
What are your favorite weird youtube videos?
I’d like to work in fashion but the industry is so small here in Texas. I may move when my health is in a better place, but what are some pieces of advice you would give to a queer person trying to find their way career wise? The last six years have been a real struggle.
PS I had tears in my eyes after reading "I Have Some Regrets"
What are your recommendations for some creative home facials since we can’t get to our favorite esthetician!
What do you think is the future for the left wing movement? What do they need to change to be more effective in winning elections and the ideas battle? What has worked? What hasn't? (This could very well be a future blog!)