Taylor Cast

Q: You are currently taking a break from writing about dating disasters. How do you plan to spend the time off enjoying the single life?

I have basically buried myself in work and writing about everything else besides dating & relationships. It is amazing however that when you publicly state you're taking a break from dating the male attention increases ten fold. However I've stuck to my gun and have only been dating my good pals gin & bourbon.

Q: As a writer, you must have visited some of the best restaurants in town. Can you tell us which ones are must-see spots for visiting singles?
I am Orange County based but I love Los Angeles. Some great date spots are the bar in the Biltmore hotel have the best bartenders, Bottega Louie in downtown, Cliff's Edge in Silver Lake & The Little Door.

Q: You love gin and smoking cigars. How have either of these habits helped or hurt your social life?
Ha! It has helped me amass a large group of male friends who I can keep up with. It has also turned some men off. I have been told it's not lady like & it will keep me in the friend zone but I have also been told that it's hottest thing ever. Inevitability I want to end up with a man who appreciates the fact that I enjoy my gin & cigars.

Q: Since we’re on the topic, what’s the best cigar spot in town? What about gin bar?
The Edison is fantastic for vintage cocktails. The atmosphere lends it self to a gimlet. Also my favorite Orange County bar is The Continental Room in Fullerton. It has been there since the 20s. As for cigars I've yet to find a good cigar bar. The best cigar I ever had was in San Francisco on a rooftop with a very handsome gentleman.  

Q: You are an avid baker. Care to share the recipe for your favorite home baked dessert?
I'm known in my family for my chocolate chip cookies. I can't reveal the secret but I will say some people skip the salt in the recipe, don't, it's important. I have also mastered the art of pie making by using my great grandmother's recipes. My best tip is to ask for family recipes, then tweak them for your own tastes.

Q: Have you ever met someone you dated via twitter and if so what’s the key to making it last longer than 140 counts?
I have only made friends via Twitter. No dates as of yet. I am not opposed to it but so far I've only connected with other writers as well as made some "in real life" friends. I imagine the key is similar to online dating, taking it slow and getting to know the real person as opposed to the online persona.

Q: True or false: Men are losing masculinity. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
True and it annoys me to no end. However Mad Men has definitely helped in getting men to become more manly. The scotch drinking has definitely increased. I am so anti-metrosexual. I don't want to date a man who spends more time getting ready than I do or spends money on waxing his chest. Perhaps I am more old fashioned though. I appreciate a man that knows how to make a woman feel like a woman & still maintains his masculinity. There is a great site, The Art of Manliness that I am a huge fan of.

Q: What does settling down mean to you?
Settling down is a cop out. No one should settle. Instead we should find our equal. A person who is not only your best friend but also your lover. A person who will challenge you, cheer you on and turn you on. It doesn't require titles or rings but it does involve a certain level commitment. Monogamy is not for everyone and men are programmed to reject it. Too many people want to force it, even I have been guilty of this. But if you let things fall into place then it's not settling, it's love. Essentially I am a Goldie Hawn in search of my Kurt Russell.

Q: Biggest accomplishment you achieved on your own?
I dreamt of being a writer since I was 10 years old and I wanted to be interviewed because of my writing. I am now a writer and you are interviewing me about my writing. So thank you for helping me accomplish that goal. :)

Q:  Advice to all those out there who are stuck playing the waiting game?
STOP WAITING! My last two relationships have been all about waiting and I now know that no one is worth putting your life on hold for. Even if they are the right person for you. If it's meant to work out then it will. Live your life rather than factor someone into yours that can't be bothered to do the same. The best advice I ever got was from my friend Jack, he said "Your life is now. Don't postpone happiness."