Should I Start a Writing Group with Other Comics?
So, you’re thinking about starting a writing group with other comedians? First off—love the ambition, honey. That’s like saying, “Should I start a biker gang with my grandma and her Mahjong friends?” It sounds great in theory, but buckle up, because it’s gonna be a ride.
Now, as someone who’s been in this business longer than some of you have been able to reach the pedals on your bike, let me break it down.
The Good: Strength in Numbers!
Comedy is hard. It’s like trying to give a cat a bath—it looks easy until you actually try, and suddenly, you’re bleeding and regretting your life choices. That’s why having a group of comics to bounce ideas off of can be a game-changer. You’ll get fresh perspectives, new tags, and hopefully, at least one person who tells you that joke about your cousin’s foot fetish isn’t the move.
Plus, there’s something magical about sitting in a coffee shop with fellow misfits, looking like a broke version of “The Algonquin Round Table.” Except instead of witty literary discourse, you’re debating whether a fart joke works better if you use the word “squish” or “splat.” (Spoiler: It’s always squish.)
The Bad: Comics Are… Well, Comics
Listen, if you put a bunch of comedians in a room, odds are half of them have ADHD, the other half are clinically undiagnosed, and at least one guy is there just to borrow a ride home. Writing groups can quickly turn into therapy sessions, or worse—full-blown Roast Battles of the Soul where you leave questioning all your life choices.
Ever tried giving another comic a note? “Hey, I think that joke might be funnier if you—” BOOM, now you’re in an existential debate about the nature of humor while they defend their bit about cheese like it’s the Magna Carta.
Also, scheduling? Forget about it. Getting comics to show up on time is harder than getting your great aunt to understand Wi-Fi.
The Ugly: The ‘Too Many Cooks’ Problem
Comedy is deeply personal. Sometimes, too many opinions can turn a killer joke into a mess. Imagine you’ve got a solid bit about dating apps, and by the time everyone has had their input, it’s now a confusing monologue about the existential crisis of swiping left. Like, what happened?!
At the end of the day, it’s YOUR voice, YOUR perspective, YOUR weird little brain that makes you funny. A writing group should enhance that, not turn you into a focus-grouped sitcom pilot from 2003.
Final Verdict: Should You Start a Writing Group?
YES—but set ground rules. Keep it small. Respect each other’s voices. And for the love of all things holy, don’t invite that one guy who only does bits and never writes. You know exactly who I’m talking about.
Oh, and if nothing else, start it just to get out of the house. Because if I have to hear you run that one joke on your cat one more time, even he is gonna start heckling you.
Now, go forth, write, and if all else fails—just add a squish noise. Works every time.
