A step-by-step article on how Taylor Tomlinson wrote a joke, including performance video snippets as she workshopped it over time →
Such a well done NYT piece showing how much work & iteration goes into writing & performing a joke, and how specific & detailed it can get, eg. one syllable names are “funnier”. We see comedians on stage & they kinda give the vibe that they’re winging it, but they’re actually doing the opposite — EVERYTHING has been practiced & perfected. She’s put in the work, and has thus been rewarded.
One of the things I wanted to do in 2023 (but, didn’t), was craft a story for The Moth. Partially what I wanted to get out of that was learning how to write a joke. Turns out, it’s hard, and takes tons of focus & work, two things I couldn’t really devote to it last year. It’s still something I want to do, though, and I’m still fascinated with the craft of stand-up.
eyeintim 
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