Hi funny people, How's yer day? If you are feeling big things with the news these days, I hope you take moments of rest for you. I took some time and I peed a little playing the most low key bit of basketball with friends, so... yeah. It might not go how you want, but breaks are good, even if you have to do more laundry. Anyhow, I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday for our joke feedback session. I've not been writing much myself for a while now. I would get going on little stints of...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Hi funny people, I finally listened to the audiobook version of Anne Lamott's classic book on writing called Bird by Bird via Libby! It was recommended highly by Mike Birbiglia on his podcast and he is right, it's a real gift. The book is more personal than many books on writing. Anne is funny and takes detours between helpful tips while she explains exactly what the neurotic, self-doubting voices in her head are saying while she tries to sit and write. Those voices in your head can get in...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read
Hi funny people, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival wrapped up earlier this month and has already shared its 2024 gala themes. Canadian comedians writing jokes for Winnipeg application. Five of the following six themes will be filmed and you can submit more than once. Below are shortened writeups on the themes because it's great to have them in your head in advance if you plan to apply. YOUR NEXT ACT The transitions show. Material about different phases of life, big changes, upheavals, milestones,...
over 1 year ago • 2 min read
Hi funny people, Are you getting moments of rest each day? I hope so. In an effort to write when I was feeling unmotivated, I decided to go with free writing, just barfing whatever came out on to the page. Nothing even close to jokes came out, and that wasn't the goal. Sometimes we just have to shake out the thoughts that are tumbling around in our head, like stopping to remove annoying pebbles from a shoe before continuing on. Gif from @Taffy I've been reading (and by 'reading' I almost...
over 1 year ago • 2 min read
Hi funny people, Hope you are having more and more feelings of spring in the air where you are. In Vancouver, we were promised a week of rain and got some sun, so I insured my motorcycle and am getting ready to get back on the road. I find that when I come into spring, my body is so excited for sun that it is even harder to focus on moving creative projects along. My brain is like 'Squirrel!' because I am actually outside, trying to befriend squirrels. How do you keep your jokes, writing and...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read
Hi funny people, I've been thinking about how my jokes are different in different comedy spaces. I notice that when I perform in rooms geared towards queer and BIPOC folks, I tend to lead with identity based jokes or longer personal stories. When I perform at home in Nanaimo or rooms in smaller cities or towns, I have less success with that material. Part of this might be that less folks will relate to the jokes, but I think part of it is because I assume the jokes might not do as well. I...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read
Hi funny people, The idea that we can 'get on top of' or control our time is an inaccurate (but pervasive and alluring) concept. We are taught that we have to yell at ourselves and work hard now, so that we will have better times in the future. While there is something to be said for planning ahead, Western culture is so stuck on this, that many people struggle to enjoy or experience the present moment for what it is. I'm certainly in this boat myself and have admittedly been sucked into the...
almost 2 years ago • 7 min read
Hey funny people, There is a myth that you hear in comedy (and every other area of life), that some people make something from nothing. We love to throw around words like 'genius' and put some folks up on a pedestal. While I can ignore this thinking to an extent, I find if I am tired or down on myself, (or looking at other people's successes on social media), it is easy to think that I need better ideas for jokes or projects. Art by waywardpencil So it was very motivating to stumble across...
almost 2 years ago • 3 min read
Hey funny humans, What's new in your world? In my personal life, I am realizing just how little practice I have at identifying and saying what my needs are. Woof! It is something that has created strain in many of my relationships both romantic and platonic. The other day, a lovely therapist pointed me towards a tool that is essentially a monthly agenda for talking about hard shit in your romantic relationship(s). It was developed by some polyamorous folks who do a lot of education about...
almost 2 years ago • 2 min read