Jerry Seinfeld: How to Write a Joke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itWxXyCfW5s I love this clip of Jerry Seinfeld showing the New York Times his process behind writing a joke. A joke two years in the making...about a poptart. Its interesting how deeply he thinks about his process, in a career where you might be tempted to think comedians just stumble upon funny material, or are just naturally funny.

He talks about trying to find the perfect connection between two parts of the joke.

"I'm looking for the connective tissue that gives me that really tight smooth link, like a jigsaw puzzle link. And if its too long, like a split second too long, you will shave letters off of words. You count syllables, you know to get it just... its more like song writing."

He makes me want to work harder on talks and catechesis and writing. Maybe take one 20 minute talk and work on it for two years. Obsessing about the delivery and the connections. Shaving off words. And praying about it. Praying and shaving. Praying and shaving. (What a t-shirt...)

Also, take note of the fact that he's weird about always using yellow pads and a specific type of pen - Bic clear barrel blue. Which if you're a long-time fan of the blog, you know how weird I am about Pilot G-2 10's.

I'm developing a theory that being obsessive about the small things gives room for being creative in the big things.

Something like "The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones." Luke 16:10.

So be trustworthy and use a Pilot G-2 10. Be faithful in the small matters my son.

And,

Work hard on your craft.

Pray.

And get back to work.