Standup Comedy and Storytelling
March 5, 2013
That's what I hope to be doing a lot of this spring, at various open mics as well as The Moth, the series of popular storytelling slams.I've noticed that many people are surprised, even skeptical or disapproving, when I tell them this is what I'm working on now. Since my published novels and short story are, first and foremost, comedies, and since my e-books have a strong humorous undercurrent, I don't see this as such a departure.
It certainly is something I need to do. I've often felt that I began writing, not because I "have to write," as most writers feel, but because I hoped that having some published works to my name would give me opportunities to perform.
In fact, I think I'm more of a natural performer than a natural writer.
Comedy requires great discipline, whether in written form or live performance. It all starts with good writing. And it's the hardest writing of all, because it must appear to the reader or the audience to be effortless.
I loved making myself laugh while I worked on Phyllida and Pride/Prejudice, even as I found that aspect of the writing to be the hardest creative work I've ever done.
So don't think I'm goofing off, just because I want to put that hard work into a slightly different outlet for a while.
I hope you will be able to catch some of my performances. I'll be posting the events to my Facebook page, and I look forward to seeing some of you.
http://www.facebook.com/AnnHerendeenAuthor