Should I keep going?

Question

I signed up for a near $300 comedy writing class, but I felt weird there. I'm funny everywhere but in class and it frustrates the hell out of me! I've only been to one class though (7 more to go!).... Should I continue to go and bore my classmates and teacher, or should I give up? I'm really at a crossroads and people that know me think it's weird for me not to be a riot in class! I even make strangers laugh... what's wrong with me in this damn class?

Actually, I have a BA in creative writing from Loyola University Chicago. I'm taking this class because of the compliments I got on my funny short stories and my sense of humor.

You guys are awesome. I should ask my questions on Sunday mornings all the time. Fewer meanies! Thnx everyone. Oh, and the class is 3 hours long, so it was a bit nerve-wrecking, so I got the point. I'll take my a** to class today. I've got nothing to lose, but 275 if I quit after one class! Holla!!!!!!!

Answer 1

It's obviously an unconscious reaction caused by fear. I have the same problem and I know what you mean.
Whenever I'm alone in my room and I feel relaxed, I just sit down and simply start writing. When I have to write something that is going to be exposed to the public eye, I automatically and unconsciously get nervous and, although I don't realize it, my writing style changes. It's as if I'm trying to limit myself.
If you compare them, you'll see that the first one is much more natural, because you're not hunted by the idea that you have to expose your 'project' to an aydience and even get comments on it. Showing your work in public is like showing yourself or your outfit to the public. If you're natural, you go out naked or dressed casually (provided that casual is your true style and you're not just trying to leave a certain impression). If you care too much about their opinions, you're gonna work hard on your outfit; and usually, if you pay TOO much attention to how you create this outfit, you're gonna end up exaggerating and filling it with useless elements. It's the same with writing. It's an unconscious fear that makes you self-conscious and makes you feel the need to examine everything again.
So you need to find a way to consider your public's taste and opinion while staying true to your actual, natural style.

Answer 2

do what you usually do, but write it down! Think of some things you've said in the past and try them out! Try some jokes noone thought was funny! Not all people have the same sense of humor, so try to spark a joke thats diffrent from what you usually do.
If that dosent work, try to get your money back, and try another genre.

Answer 3

You have attended one class and you were frustrated! It looks that you need to exert more efforts to be on your own natural way in making strangers laugh. Do attend and continue the next 7 classes. What was lacking in 1st class session was camaraderie, go and room for it and am sure you'll enjoy the Incoming sessions. Good luck.

Answer 4

give it a few classes. i signed up for a drawing class (and having lived under a rock i didn't realize life drawing meant nudes)... i was extremely uncomfortable at first. after a few classes though i got it down, it took some effort, but i didn't give up just because i was thrown off in the first class. if it's something you want to try - go for it! and obviously you want to try otherwise you wouldn't have paid $300 for the class.

and remember, not everyone has the same sense of humor either. you can't always please everyone!

Answer 5

You're just putting too much pressure on yourself. You feel that your there is class to be funny, and this is freezing you up. You've only been to one class and your ready to quit? Relax, see it through. Learn what you can from the class, and chill out. I highly doubt that you're boring your classmates and your teacher. Once you relax, I'm sure that you'll become your natural funny self.

Answer 6

Yes, you are probably nevus subconsciously, you normally do this kind of writing. don't give up quiting is never the answer, just go back and do you're best! I have faith in you! Set gaols in the class, like next week I'll make ne person laugh and so on and so forth. Good luck don't give up, have more confidence!

Answer 7

Nerves?

Writing comedy and standup comedy are different to normal haha comedy.

When you're writing comedy, or doing stand up, you have to be funny there and then. With normal off-the-cuff comedy, you're funny when the situation arrises.

Answer 8

Of all the subjects in writing you chose to study, it had to be comedy. It's a very strange thing, but writing comedy is the hardest of all the writing genres. Try drama, detective, historical, romance.... anything but comedy. Sorry if you lose out on the fee, but leave it, and try one of the other genres.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

im the same way when im around friends im funny but when im tryin to be funny man i think i hear crickets lol but if u already paid 4 it then yeah u should go no point in waistin money rite uhhhhhh rite ok pce out