The Evolution of Anna David

Adam Gallippo
Student Life Editor
      
At a glance, Anna David’s beauty and intelligence is undeniable. However, her true appeal lies in her honesty. Though it may be brutal at times, one can’t help but listen when she speaks.

Whether it’s about sex and relationships or the current condition of journalism, she gives it to you as she sees it. She never pulls her punches.

Recently, I had the chance to interview David and when asked to sum up her life in one word she chose “tenacious”. Her tenacity and overwhelming desire to become a writer has been evident from a very early age.

“I remember being jealous when I read in the Guinness Book of World Records that the youngest novelist was six-years old,” said David. “I was seven at the time.”

From that defining moment on, David seemed destined to leave her mark as a writer.

She began the first of three internships while attaining her B.A. in English Literature (with an emphasis on Literary Writing) at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Despite the journalism internships, David dreamed of being a screenwriter.

However, not wanting to starve or be financially dependent on her parents for any longer than she had to, David decided journalism would be a good way to take what she both loved and was good at, writing, and apply it toward making a living.

“Even after three internships (Hartford Monthly, Mirabella, and Entertainment Weekly) and several staff jobs (Parenting, People, and Premiere), I still wasn’t sure I wanted to be a journalist,” acknowledged David.

As David continually worked hard at trying to make it as a writer, she recalls having her doubts.

“For a long time, I didn’t believe I could make a living as a writer,” said David.

During this time in her life, family members kept telling David she had to go to business or law school. They would also cut out and send her articles during the years she was struggling about how many people aspire to be writers and fail.

“I think the only thing that kept me going was that I’ve literally never been remotely interested in doing anything else,” recalled David. “When I realized I was actually already doing my dream job and that my fantasy of screenwriting was just that – a fantasy – I started making the kind of money I wanted to as a journalist.”

Shortly thereafter, things began to fall in motion. Celebrity interviews became common assignments.

Her first celebrity cover story was of actress Kate Hudson for Cosmo. During which, Hudson, according to David, “charmed her silly” and had her stay after the interview was over to watch 24 with her and her brother.

“Wanting to be liked by my subjects is one of my weakest points as a journalist,” admitted David. “I thought we’d end up being great friends, but then I saw her at this big Hollywood event and she had no idea who I was.”

David then took on what she regards as the proudest moment of her journalism career to date.

At the time, she knew nothing about the world of high-class prostitution in Hollywood when she pitched the idea to her editor at Details.

“I ended up spending about six months infiltrating the scene, gaining access to pimps, prostitutes, porn stars, and madams and really getting them to trust me,” remembered David.

The final product, Life After Heidi Fleiss: The State Of Hollywood Hookers[XX1], was published in Details on August of 2004 and prompted famed journalist Liz Smith to praise David for “carving out a niche uncovering the seedy side of deluxe living.” (Anna’s Bio at annadavid.com)

Currently, David has transcended the classic borders of print journalist. She answers sex and relationship questions on G4’s Attack of the Show along with other TV spots including Fox’s Reality Check. Her first novel, the slightly autobiographical Party Girl, is scheduled for release on June 1 later this year. She is also working on selling her second novel, Kept, which is based on the information she attained while researching high-class prostitution. All the while, she continues to write magazine stories and blogs.

David is proof that the possibilities are infinite for a hard working, self promoting journalist.

“It’s a wonderful time to be a journalist because, while people are always theorizing that the print world is dying, what they fail to explain is that the internet and TV open up a slew of other possibilities for creative expression and promotion,” said David. “Use them all. Podcasts, viral videos, blogs, books, radio – whatever you can find that can help you promote your product, you, do it.”

With her growing popularity and success, David still has many things she wishes to accomplish.

“I’d love to write many more novels, a memoir, a collection of essays, be a contributing editor at some wonderful magazines, and have my own TV shows,” admitted David.

Anna David’s evolution has had its fair share of highs and lows as do most stories of pioneers. However, there seems to be no limit to what she can accomplish as she continues to redefine the definition of journalist. Do not be surprised if, in the future, she writes a memoir that is on book shelves across the country.