Ask the Author: Ryan Murphy
Answered Questions (6)
Ryan Murphy
I'm presently writing a book about my experiences as a touring stand-up comedian. I'm having so much fun revisiting the wild characters I met, the dive bars I barely survived, and the brushes with death that were far too common on the way to my late night gigs. I honestly wouldn't believe half of these stories if I hadn't lived them.
Ryan Murphy
I've always believed that a change of scenery can reshape your mind. On those rare occasions when I do have writer's block, I step away from my desk and go for a walk or head to my community center for a swim. The change of location generally soothes my mind and the physical activity helps distract me from the creative issues I found myself grappling with minutes before. I generally emerge with renewed energy and and a handful of fresh solutions that I'm eager to try.
Ryan Murphy
I can't understate how much I love creating something from nothing. The creative process can be murky at times, and it feels almost magical when you produce a thought or story or turn of phrase that has never been recorded before.
Ryan Murphy
Write, write, and write some more. It's likely going to be rubbish at first, and that's perfectly okay. Get the bad stuff out of your system and continue to practice your craft every chance you get. Start a Twitter account and post daily content - even when you don't feel inspired - just to get in the habit of writing thoughts, stories, and anecdotes every day. Keep it all and revisit your work every few months. With any luck you'll see your slow and steady progress and will feel motivated to write even more.
Ryan Murphy
I began dabbling in how-to writing over 15 years ago when a popular men's magazine commissioned me to write an article on how to crash a wedding. I wrote dozens more in the years that followed and really enjoyed becoming an expert on different outlandish topics for 24 hours before moving onto the next piece. My two children are at an age where they now have dozens of how-to questions of their own, so I decided to put a book together answering some of their offbeat queries as well as subjects I've always wondered about like how to lay down on a bed of nails and how to escape quicksand. There are still so many more zany topics to explore, so hopefully I have another book (or two) in me.
Ryan Murphy
I recently purchased The New One by Mike Birbiglia. I've been a HUGE fan of his raw, confessional storytelling for many years and am looking forward to reading an expanded version of his hit one-man show. His delightful blend of humor and humanity is unsurpassed among today's top stand-up comedians.
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