a little about comedy

Excerpts from Comic Insights by Franklyn Ajaye

It's pretty rare to get some good insight about standup so below I've listed some that's held a lot of sway with me. These quotes are snippets of interviews conducted by Franklyn Ajaye who then compiled them to create his book about comedy.

Jerry Seinfeld
In regards to writing or performing, Jerry Seinfeld is known for his persistence. Here he gives and example of how he approaches writing.

How long do you try to write or sit?
I say, "I'm going to sit for an hour." I always consider sitting the accomplishment. If I could boil it down to the essence of becoming a really fine comedian, it's just getting your ass from upright to seated."

Now some of you might not be impressed with the idea of sitting for an hour and writing. But keep in mind that this is joke writing we're talking about, not some birthday card or anything like that. If you've never written a joke before or even if you have, sitting for an hour to write something funny and original is one of the most difficult things out there. Give it a try.

My favorite quote from Jerry Seinfeld is about why he likes the idea of being funny.
It's fun to be funny. It's great to be funny. It's as much fun to be funny as it is to have someone be funny for you. Being on either side of that equation is just the most wonderful thing in life.

I love that quote.