So when a writer has begun writing a novel, it seems to me the best way to get the novel is to just write it.
An outline written at the beginning would be a good idea though, so the writer has a plan to follow. Some writers though prefer to just get on with their writing of the novel, the ‘sit down and just write!’ method. I’m in the middle, but rally, I can see the merit it having an outline to follow, with relevant details about character, and settings as well as having some idea of what happens when would be useful.
I’m thing this now, when I’m in the middle of writing a novel, or if not the middle, I’m nearly there. But that ‘middle’, that’s the tricky part of it, with the beginning written, and a version of hte ending written as well, but witht he great gaping hole that is the middle of this novel I keep saying I’m writing.
And I’ve been doing an exercise in journaling, which is opening up my mind to an enormous amount of new ideas about possible things I might be able to do with my words. A picture book, is one idea, where I’ve written a few ideas, and of course there’s the other great new idea, the one that is that I could do my own illustrations for my Picture book – me, when I have zero experience in illustrating!
I mean I can draw a little bit, but doing an entire Picture book? It’s an idea only really at this stage, but it’s still sitting there, waiting for hte correct time to come along, who knows whether that one will ever happen …
And now, possibly my biggest, and scariest idea ever – The loony one about me becoming a stand up comedian, and I’m actually going to do it (well a stripped back version anyway). So I’ve created my new character, and written a short piece for her to do, and I’ve made notes about her, some of the things she says, what she’s like. It’s sort of like writing a book titled ‘Nanna Carreau, This Is Your Life!’⁸ And then performing a part of her story, rather than writing it down for people to read…
Instead of writing my homework for my next writing group meeting, I’ve been scribbling down notes and ideas for comedy skits my new character may ‘do’ sometime. Fortunately, it doesn’t really matter if I don’t do the homework, but I’ve been using the writing prompts from the writing group, to write pieces of my novel.
I think I’d better get back to that soon, and if that’s done, it will be time for me to get back to my new ‘person’ I’m learning about! She’s a country woman, older than me, living alone, with a funny look at life (well I hope it’s funny, anyway!).
Humour can be different for different people, but there are some who capture a bigger audience, and many people may find one particular comedian gunny, but never everyone. That’s a fine thing, it would be boring if all of us laughed only at one thing – a variety of different ‘funny people’ brings something for everyone!
I just have to hope my own kind of funny is amusing to other people. I’ve certainly been told by others that I’m funny, even though I’ve never actually made any particular point of being funny, I just see the silliness in things, and if it makes me giggle inwardly, I’ll share it with others, but it can just emerge in the moment too, the funny words just come out of my mouth, with no prior thought!
If I was doing a show though, I’d have done prior work, and have plenty of material to do! I wouldn’t want to bore anyone, if they’ve paid money to see a comedian at work! I took an easy way, for my first piece I intend ‘doing’. It’s written as a poem, it will be printed out so I’ll have it right there, so I can follow along with what I’ve written. And I suppose I’d better start reading it more, so I’ve at least come close to learning how it all goes …
I’m a learner at these things, but I hope I’ll be off my ‘L’ plates by next year and at least be on my ‘P’ plates! Then I’ll be able to a show, a short one perhaps, and make it a talk about me, and my new character? I’m not sure how I might do that. I’ll keep thinking and watching how others do such things.
I know I’m interested in the idea of doing monologue, and perhaps doing that, and including a few funny poems could help to fill in a 50 minute show … I’d be doing this in a town I know well, and there would be plenty of friends who’d come along to see me perform. I hope so, anyway …
As I’ve said, I’m new to this, but I’m funny! Not hilarious, apparently, but I was told the act I’m currently working on is ‘very funny’.
And given I’ve had zero actual formal training in this ‘being funny’ business, I reckon ‘very funny’ is an excellent start! I’m keen to get in as much ‘mic time’ as I can, so if anyone needs someone to warm up a crowd, or fill in a bit of time before something gets started, give me a call! If I don’t at least raise a grin, then I’m not for you, but if you do grin a bit, and think I’m the one you need, flick me a message, we can work together!
My pay rate is low – a space to put my published books, and some time for a book sighing session and encouragement to check out my books to see if anyone is interested in making a purchase can be enough, at this stage. But get in quick, I can feel success is champing at the bit, ready to bring me and my act to the attention of the world. A little piece of it anyway!
Carolyn Cordon - Creative 