Tag: comedy

  • Can’t Let Go

    Not letting these stand in my way because I can't let go of my desire to tell stories.
    Not letting these stand in my way because I can’t let go of my desire to tell stories.

    Been awhile since I’ve been here in any regular capacity. It seems, as I expected, that the Cafe has survived quite nicely and even thrived in my absence. For those who don’t know, here’s the short version: I got sick, really sick, and had to take some time to get healthy before I could think straight about what I needed to do to be a writer. Let me tell you up front that coming close to dying can truly change one’s mindset. Anyway, I’m a lot better and the outlook is good.

    All right, enough about that. It’s old news at this point for anyone who knows me and tedious going for everyone else who doesn’t really care. I mentioned it to give some context to why I think about certain things and how they may’ve changed.

    Now [rubs hands together], let’s get back to it, shall we? (more…)

  • Rituals: They’re Not Just for Cults Anymore

    As a writer, you need a ritual.  I’d recommend staying away from anything poor-hygiene related, and most states tend to frown on animal sacrifice, but whatever oddball habit you need to cultivate to get your mind right, latch onto it, and repeat it over and over and over again.

    When it comes to your writing routine, you need to be as superstitious as a major league baseball player on a hitting streak.  Think back to a time when you went on a particularly productive writing binge.  Your fingers flew across the keys, your characters were equal parts witty, insightful, and funny, and the voice of self-doubt that so often whispers in our ear was silent for a change.

    It was a good day.  Now go and recreate that experience.

    (more…)