Writing in a Group But Feeling So Alone!

So I'd like to broach a stand up comedy topic, the likes of which has frequently been broached before. The other day I met up with some compadres for a joke-writing session. There were four of us total at the mah-jongg table, minus the combative nature of a good Chinese tile game session. First of all, I think the main purpose for writing with other people is running your ideas by another jokester's brain―similar to lobbing tennis balls over the net easy, hoping for a nice safe validation of a return*. But I face the same problem every time I write with other people. I feel weird sharing my ideas. That's right. The very purpose of getting together with others is wasted because Team Self-Esteem wants to tyrannically rule EgoWorld for another day.

Chiefly, I worry about things like this happening:

Comrade: Aparna, why don't you share a joke now?

Aparna: Oh no, it's ok. I'm still trying to get my notes together.

(Repeat this 3 times throughout joke-writing session)

Comrade: Aparna, I have to go in five minutes.

Aparna: (cautiously) Oh! Ok so I did have this one idea...

Comrade: I'm all ears!

Aparna: Alright, so I was walking on the street the other day...[yada, yada, fetus of a premise]

Comrade: (delicately raises one eyebrow then the other, searches for words, suddenly, lightbulb-over-head face) Oh, that reminds me! I have a new tag for my pogostick joke!

Aparna: (feels bad about herself)

photo courtesy of Flickr and Cold Cut


That's not to say that happens all that often. In fact, on more than one occasion, I've shared a mere idea blip, and it's been well-received. But then I realize I don't really want anyone else's help in writing out a joke because that feels like cheating. Yeah I said it. Cheating. Because if the other person goes somewhere better with my premise, it feels like it should be their joke, not mine. Even if they say, "no, it's yours, take it. Also, take my wife, please!"―it still feels kind of dirty. One possible solution is trying the joke onstage before taking it into a workshop format. At least that gives me a better idea of where I'd like to go with it, if anywhere, and helps me feel more in control.

Conversely, I don't mind helping other people with their jokes because it would never occur to me to take someone else's idea just because I helped them with it a little. Double standard, me!


there's nothing wrong with teamwork so share the ball.
photo courtesy of Flickr and pixeljones

Maybe the real issue here is I expect crumbs of genius to fly out of my mouth regularly during comedy writing sessions, and that's just not realistic. There will be hits, and by George of the Jungle, there will be misses! I still come up with a great deal of my material 10 minutes before I get onstage, or when I'm standing somewhere without a pen or a piece of paper.

Mos definitely, I think I write with other people because I am absolutely 100% bonafide lazy when it comes to making myself write on my own. Believe me, I've tried. Usually, I open up my notebook, smile wistfully at some underdeveloped premise embryos, and then just end up doodling question marks everywhere until the page looks like a 13-year-old's heartfelt 6th-period tribute to the Riddler.

So I think I will continue writing in groups―even if just to create the illusion of friendship. Speaking of which, I forgot to say that part. It helps to write with people with whom you are on good terms. As opposed to people for whom you harbor an intense secret dislike. You're welcome.

*Yes, I like analogies. Analogies are to me what cheese is to a baguette. Vital and sustaining!
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