Laura’s Laughs: How To Blow Off Writing New Material 101
November 3, 2010 Laura Mannino Features, Lists
November 3, 2010 Laura Mannino Features, Lists
After months and months of writing, editing and performing new material, I’m at a crossroads. My “new material” is now “my set” and I’m bored. You’d think that would light a fire under my ass to bang out new material but I have to battle a comic’s natural ability to rot on the couch in a fog of malaise.
So if you’re also staring at a notebook hating yourself and every word that you ever uttered on stage, but still got nothing, here’s some activities to do while blowing off writing (aside from smoking pot, drinking, eating, watching YouTube, checking email and Facebook, and reading The Laugh Button):
1 – Finally watch that Netflix DVD. It’s been six months and you officially spent $60 on a DVD you don’t own. Here’s great opportunity to rediscover what it is.
2 – Find that one mailbox in your neighborhood to mail back that Netflix DVD.
3 – Re-apply lip balm.
4 – Shave your arms. You too, guys. You’ll just feel…different.
5 – Pick a fight with your boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband/mother/father/boss/barista and see if you can squeeze any material from that encounter.
6 – Tweet racial slurs for the Dutch. Or the Finns. Or Lithuanians.
7 – Finally read that 22 page New York Times Magazine article from last April.
8 – Think of twelve actions that can help move your career forward. Half commit to three of them then run out of steam and spend the rest of the time feeling bad about yourself.
9 – Take a practice LSAT test and just see…
10 – Sorry, I switched over to Election coverage for the last 15 minutes. What are we talking about?
Laura’s Laughs is a monthly column written by Laura Mannino, an LA-based comedienne, actor, and writer. You can read more on her website or follow her exploits on Twitter @LauraMannino | ![]() |