You know, I might sound a little full of myself here, but I find that there is nothing that those books really tell me that I don't already know. The only thing that they do is reinforce what I do know. It's just good to hear it from someone else. I'm talking mainly about the writing and performing. The business behind it is logical, but that's just something you'd have to be apart of before you could apply what you read, anyway.
Half of those books look like they've been written by struggling or working comics that think they can come up with a book to make a few extra bucks, when they haven't told you anything novel (that last dep. clause was a bit redundant).
Having said that, I do read those books from time to time to give myself confidence on what direction I'm mentally going in...it's great.
I took a Judy Carter 1 day workshop when I first started like 3 months into doing comedy. The most important thing I learned was setup/punch formula for writing jokes. I was kind of leery of it at the time because I thought stories were funny. I resisted it at first then came up with the idea to do setup punches into my stories. This was out of her first book Stand Up Comedy. She was not a big fan of stories, impersonations, props etc. This books can be good for writing exercises and some marketing but it is just like someone giving you advice..if it works for you do it and if not go on.
No, nothing new that wasn't available before....that's why I said "I might be full of myself!" :p
I did realize that one time doesn't mean shizzle in the scheme of becoming successful...or even just a local comedian! I'm gonna have to do some law breaking, I figure to get more stage time. Damn America and the shitty drinking age....I'm legal if I go to Amsterdam, but I can't even have a wine cooler in this country...sheeeet.
Back to the topic: I wanna read Jim's book because I've actually seen him on tv and some evidence he knows what he's talking about. I hate these books that claim to give you the inside edge of stand up/acting/performing and you've never heard of them or seen their work ANYWHERE!...that could also be partially due to half of them were working in the 80s.....
I found this. It seems to be the quickest guidelines of Stand up. After that, there's not much more...and you didn't have to devote your time to a bad, outdated stand up book.
----------------------------
STAND UP AND BE FUNNY! A V. SHORT `HOW TO...' GUIDE FROM LUCY PORTER, COMEDIENNE
1 Write your own material You need five minutes' worth to secure an unpaid, open stand-up spot but it must be original. Most stand-ups are obsessive anoraks and will know if you've nicked it.
2 Practise your set Once you've got your material, practise it loads - in front of a mirror or into a tape recorder. I spent the week before my first gig constantly muttering my set under my breath. This meant I was very confident but people have avoidedsitting next to me on the bus ever since.
3 Don't worry if it goes badly Every one of us has `died on our arse' at some point. But if you enjoyed being in the limelight keep going - you may get better. And if you are really talentless, you can apply for the next series of Big Brother.
Thanks for that! I do believe in the "trial by fire" approach to comedy myself, that you just have to keep doing it and find what's funny for you. I just to love to read about comedy as much as doing it, but there is no substitute for yourself.
Okay, I went shopping today and bought Mendrinos' book. I flipped through it at Borders and had to buy it. I haven't finished it yet. But I can already tell it's going to be great. Previously, I've read Sankey and Ajaye's books. Both were superb. But I feel Mendrinos' tome is just as good if not better. So if you haven't gotten it, do so. Trial and errors is the best way to approach comedy. But having guidelines or a template can spare you a lot of grief. Mendrinos book does much to contribute to that end.
Oh and one more thing about books. I couldn't find a copy of Pryor Convictions anywhere! I noticed on this site, they're out of them too. Any word on when richardpryor.com will have more in stock?
Yeah, I think I'll pass on the Ebay one too. I'll just wait for this site to get new ones. Feel better about giving my money directly to the source...thanks
