I was listening to old episodes of Tavis Smiley’s comedy segment “Funny Friday” on NPR’s website. When I played the Wanda Sykes interview, I fell out of my chair. As they closed out her session, they mentioned a book she wrote that was published in 2005. In a flash, I was on Amazon placing my order.
When the book arrived, I began reading it with anticipation. Page after page, it was filled with her random thoughts on a variety of topics. Hard truths and opinions injected with humor. Not every story had a punch line, but every story had a point: Keep the reader engaged in the content and leave them wanting more! What inspired me the most about this book her random thought process. Not only was the content relevant, but so was her explanations about why the book was a pain to write were hilarious.
Comedy is a tough business, and sometimes we need that kick in the pants to get inspired. I find that talking to people helps me develop new creative ideas. Meeting with people helps me brainstorm ideas about working in this profession. Here are two suggestions that I use to inspire me:
Create a Mastermind Group.
This is a technique I learned from Napoleon Hill’s Think And Grow Rich. Create a meeting with people who have the same goals, who are willing to learn and share from each other. It doesn’t need to be a formal meeting, and if you want to get creative with it…try doing a virtual meeting. Skype and Google Hangouts are the perfect tools for meeting people are not located in your immediate vicinity. We’ve been fortunate to have several headlining comedians visit our weekly comedy writers group and provide advice to our members. It keeps some of our members inspired, and I’d like to believe those comics are also inspired to see a group of amateur comedy writers working at their craft.
Study from your mentors.
The most valuable thing the internet provided us with was the ability to connect with almost anyone. If the person you want to connect with is dead, that might be an exception to the rule. Prior to writing for Stage Time magazine, I sent emails and tweets to people I admired in the comedy industry. Being respectful of their time, I ensured my questions or comments were honest and sincere. Some of those online conversations became interviews, and I’m using that content for future articles. More importantly, my comedy heroes were taking the time out to connect with me on a personal level. Some of my favorite lessons include:
Darryl Littleton (Author: Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy, Comediennes: Laugh Be A Lady)
Lesson learned: Keep writing every day, because when it’s time to write your next book….having a backlog of material will make the task less daunting.
Jordon Brady (Director/Writer: I Am Comic)
Lesson learned: If you find yourself producing comedy shows and performing less frequently, don’t let it get to you. Continue working on your comedy material because it will balance out in the end.
Judy Carter (Author: The Comedy Bible, The Message of You!)
Lesson learned: If you’re speaking at a conference, using social media tools can help increase your exposure.
For example: Most conferences include a twitter hashtag (i.e. #LiveLongConf). If you’re using their hashtags, people will focus on what you are tweeting about during the conference.
In closing, comedy can be tough, and it’s easy to become discouraged after a few failures. Disappointments can occur when writing material, booking gigs, performing, or other business related issues. Working and connecting with people you admire and trust will make those tough days manageable. Find a way to connect with people or events that inspire you. Tom Dreesen mentioned how some people in this business made it because they didn’t have the common sense to quit. Learn to become one of those people!
Stay inspired!
© 2012 Wayne Manigo
Wayne Manigo is a comedian and co-founder of DC Comedy Writers Group. He is the creator of “Addicted to Comedy,” and the ‘brainchild’ behind the annual comedy conference, Starting Stand Up: A Comic Beginning. He also produces the show, Bellylaughs in Bethesda at Caddies at Cordell.
