timwburke

Some think it odd that I strike a balance between writing grotesque horror and performing comedy. The skills and frame of mind needed for both come from “art”, and these links would be useful for any artist.

Here’s Joyce Carol Oates, who is literary and morbid, with tips:

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/07/19/joyce-carol-oates-10-tips-on-writing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+brainpickings%2Frss+%28Brain+Pickings%29

Improvisational comedians need to know how to build characters by providing a few hints. Comedians need to know how to create worlds through sensory cues, create tension through conflict, and be able to surprise. Here is a page of links on how writers do these things:

http://thewritingcafe.tumblr.com/post/55258391868/writing-references?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer93505&utm_medium=twitter

Most important is the balance between life and work. Those who live deepest in dreams must have the humblest expectations. This is a link to an improv comedy site, and all artists on this planet should read this page:

http://secondcitynetwork.com/15-reminders-for-every-improviser/