The Truth About This Humor Writer
Blogging May 15th, 2010
I’ve been writing The Junk Drawer for almost three years now, and if you’ve been around a while you might assume a few things about me as a humor writer.
You may think that ….
1. I was a class clown. Hardly. In fact, I was painfully shy in school and afraid of my own shadow. I never told funny jokes, never made people laugh at crazy antics and I certainly didn’t want to be the center of attention. Too much pressure and I didn’t want anyone looking at me anyway. If you need me, I’ll be over here hiding in the corner.
2. Humor writing comes easily to me. Occasionally it does, and I’m always grateful when that happens, but many times I struggle to “funny up” a piece I’m writing. I’ve buried many a post over the years. Stories I thought would be humorous wind up falling flat, I kick them to the curb and start over with something else. People often say humor writing is a skill “you either have or you don’t,” but I say it’s a matter of degree, it takes work and the perfect piece doesn’t just write itself. Also, I don’t know what a perfect piece is. I’ve never had one.
3. I’m hilarious in-person. The fact is I don’t consider myself very funny in-person. I do better with the written word. My husband is the funny one, the expert joke-teller, the life of the party. I am a wallflower, content with soaking in my surroundings and watching other people be interesting and funny. I am not a laugh factory.
4. I always look at the lighter side of things. True, I do like to find humor in everyday things, but I’m a serious person by nature. Some might even say too serious, especially at work, where I’m laser-focused on the tasks at hand. But that’s because I have a solid work ethic, thanks to my parents. I’m a worrywart, stress a little too easily and can spend half a day stewing over something innocuous. Finding the lighter side means I first have to blast all the negativity out of my head. I admire people who ooze sunshine despite their burdens.
5. I gravitate to humor and comedy in books and movies. The majority of books I own are non-fiction and decidedly unfunny. Some examples are Salt: A World History, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and Museum: Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nary a chuckle in them. I will always pick a documentary over a comedy. At the top of my list is WordPlay, a film about the spellbinding world of crossword puzzles and the eggheads who love them. Riveting!
Put together, these personality traits probably shouldn’t have led me to write humor. But somehow I plopped myself down into this genre and got comfortable. Isn’t it funny how that works?
Stumble it!
May 15th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Good summary. You know yourself well! You’re selling yourself short on #3 though… you ARE hilarious in person. At least you were to me. ;b
.-= Jeff´s last blog ..And if we’re lucky, Debby Harry and Robin Leach may show up! =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Awesome post, Kathy. It’s like a “Behind the Music” for humor bloggers.
It’s definitely interesting how many humorists are not “on” all the time, nor are they necessarily all that funny in person. I have to say, tho, having spent some time with you: you ARE funny. Very funny. No, not the loud jokester always telling hilarious stories but rather the quiet, wry, deadpan observer who is VERY quick and VERY deadly with a sharply noted comment. I love your humor, both “on paper” and in person.
(I may be oozing some sunshine here, but I thought Stiff had at least a few funny moments!
.-= JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I’ve Been Married for 20 Years so you don’t have to be =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
That’s okay. Those of us who have met you in person like you regardless!
May 15th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Writing funny is not easy, not at all. It is a skill I greatly admire and don’t have. If I ever write something that turns out funny? Total accident.
.-= Grace´s last blog ..Short Stuff =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
what a good post kathy! your words are trickling through my brain and i see some similarities in my perspectives. i always love when you give us a look at the way you think about writing. i think the observers of life are often the funniest.
and i too thought parts of stiff were oddly humorous. i will have to look for the salt and museum books. i love behind the scenes books!
)
hugs,
puglette
.-= puglette´s last blog ..Best Cake Ever! =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
I think that introverted people are often the best comedy writers because it does rely on having a keen sense of observation and being able to put things together in a novel way. The more points of reference you have to do that, the better your writing will be.
I know a lot of people who can make the sort of obvious joke and get a mild grin out of people, but the ones who really stand out and come up with something fresh are the ones that have the ability to be observant.
I need to find that museum book, it sounds right up my alley. I loved Stiff and Boink and the one about the afterlife. Mary Roach is awesome.
Oh and one thing people often think about me that baffles me is that everything I write is to be taken literally. I thought a bit of hyperbole and one-sided-ness was a given in comedy but for a lot of people, either what I wrote is the gospel truth or I’m a big fat lying liarpants.
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Posts I Have Not Gotten Around to Writing Yet =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
This is a terrific idea. Can I steal it? If you think people have misconceptions about humor writers (do I count? I wonder), think of the misconceptions about rocket scientists, fantasy novelists and people who play with the occult (like a “Tarot Queen”).
.-= Stephanie Barr´s last blog ..For Anonymous: Drifting Friends Follow-up =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
But, I think you’re funny in person. And I’m not just some kid who laughs at anything. It takes something really funny for me to laugh.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Some folks can write funny while in real life they find it difficult to.
And others like me – Who was a class clown, is the butt of jokes at work, does not take life seriously but gets his job done – can’t seem to put all that down in words !
But you are funny – you may not realize it yourself but to me, in real life you are.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
You guys are going to make me cry! Thank you for all the kind words.
Jeff — Same right back at ‘cha. You are as funny in person as you are on your blog. You have the goods, written and otherwise. Thanks for making me replay our visit in Toronto. Getting lost, walking miles at the fairgrounds, meeting your kids and laughing the whole time. Couldn’t have been better. Except for the part where I couldn’t feel my feet the next day.
JD at I Do Things — Yes, it is like that! I’m always interested in behind the scenes stuff for authors I like. Stephen King’s “On Writing” is a great look inside his mind, how he operates, how he crafts stories from sometimes very small seeds. Thank you so much for your nice words. When we attended the BlogHer conference together, I felt so stupid during the “speed dating” thing. I didn’t feel funny. I thought everybody else was. I guess I just don’t see it in myself. Thank you for thinking so! And you’ve reminded me about Stiff. I forgot about the odd scene where all the heads were set out on the conference table in the beginning. I guess I’m just remembering the part where they talk about how you can tell how long a person’s been dead by the age and condition of the maggots.
Muskrat — Ha! Thanks, buddy. I hope you know what a delight it was to hang out with you at BlogHer last summer. I still remember you coming up to me outside the humor bloggers session asking if I was Kathy from The Junk Drawer and then me reading your name tag and not believing you were standing before me. What a joy! p.s. hope Baby Muskrat is doing well!
Grace — “Total accident.” Now that’s funny! You’re right, it’s not always easy. If I feel like I’m trying too hard, I stop writing or kill the post all together. At least one thing I know is how to tell if my writing sucks.
puglette — Even though writing is a solitary activity, I do like to share what I go through from time to time. It makes me feel less alone in it. Yes, Stiff was “oddly humorous” (see my comment to JD above). Oh, and one of my other favorite “behind the scenes” books is called “Gig.” The author interviewed people who held all different kinds of jobs, some ordinary, some not. Soooo interesting! Especially the crime scene cleanup crew job.
Tracy — Growing up, I never would have thought being an introvert would get me anywhere. I always felt left out. Maybe that’s another reason I gravitated to writing. I could do it alone. You know as a blogger yourself that observation is key to story ideas. Aren’t we always examining the ordinary to see what we might write about? It’s fun! I will never write a satirical post again. Another thing I know is that it doesn’t come off anywhere near the way I intended. I’m glad I learned that early on. Lying liarpants! Love that.
Stephanie Barr — Oh, you must. I cannot imagine the assumptions that are made about you working for NASA. You must get sick of the jokes, too. I love your tarot stuff. It’s unique and you’re the only one I know who blogs about it.
Regan — I consider that the highest honor, my dear.
Jaffer — Now lookie here, mister. You are one of the funniest people I know. Every time you show up at Tribal Blogs I’m rolling on the floor. You’re hysterical. Really. And thank you for thinking the same of me. I don’t think so, but I’m learning to take compliments.
May 15th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Just put “Stiff” on my wishlist at PBS. I ordered the one about the Museum.
Always love reading what others find interesting.
May 15th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
So if we ever meet in person, I shouldn’t say to you, “Quick, say something funny!”?
.-= Surfie´s last blog ..PhotoHunt: Half =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I am definitely with you on #1. I tried to blend in with the wallpaper whenever the opportunity arose. On the bright side, I worked a lot of thins out in my head before I said them. So I only APPEARED wiser. I think #4 is an acquired trait. Folks aren’t born with it. I always tried, but it took a near-tragedy to fully embrace it. And oh, I think I was WAAAY more hilarious when my life was in the dumper. I look back at blog posts and journal entries I made during that period and marvel at how I just let things ride.
.-= Chris@TheSnackHound´s last blog ..In a Pickle (You Don’t Want to Know) =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Sounds like we’re opposite sides of the same coin.
.-= Knucklehead!´s last blog ..Beethoven, Bugs, and the Terminator =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
It was very interesting to learn more about the real you! Does it take you very long come up with ideas for blog posts?
My Mommeh says she is a very serious person, too. Most people would never guess she spends hours dressing us up in clothings and playing with clay men.
ps: I think the “what’s that” posts are tons of funs. I hope you will still do them!
.-= Daisy the Curly Cat´s last blog ..Spring Fashion! =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
It’s always nice to learn a little more about the person behind the blog. Your description actually sounds a little like me. Writing, whether it be humor or otherwise is always easier because you have the backspace key available when you say something stupid.
.-= ann´s last blog ..Giveaway Winner =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Sometimes the most serious people have the sharpest whit, which leads itself to a great sense of humor. I was always quiet and shy and find it much easier to try out my sense of humor on people I don’t know.
.-= Sheila Sultani´s last blog ..No What? No Fuck? No, it’s Norfolk – Norfolk, Virginia =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Kathy,
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. On #1, I am a little like you. I was always shy in school, and when I first went to work. I didn’t like attention and never knew what to say. Things did change, partly me and partly the jobs I took on. My last position before being laid off, was a group leader, and shy wasn’t in the job description. It seemed I could regularly make my coworkers laugh even though I never thought of myself as a funny person. I find it hard to put the everyday funny things that go on in our lives down in print. Just hearing that you sometimes struggle with pieces, encourages me to keep trying since I would like to add more of that type of writing to my blog.
Thanks for putting yourself and your life out there and setting an example for folks like me.
May 15th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Faaaaaabulous post, Kathy!
It was so wonderful to read about you!
Being someone who writes a prodominately humor blog, I can so identify with what you shared about a humor post taking work to write – it does! And there are some days I just don’t feel funny. Having been a comedy actor, I know that funny can’t be forced, it has to come naturally. Comedy is much more difficult than drama.
I too tend to be more introverted, quiet and reflective (if you can believe that) in my everyday life. And yes, even serious (especially when it comes to my job).
Some of the BEST comedians are not always “on” in their day to day life. Lucille Ball was one of them. But oh, when she entertained…she was pure genius!
Like you!
.-= Ron´s last blog ..Let’s Talk About Drag Queens, Y’all =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with #4. People who write or do comedy, tend to have a dark side. Humor is a coping mechanism. About #5, I watch The History Channel and I read mostly non fiction though I love my Christopher Moore who is one of the funniest writers I know. I think the reason I like documentaries and non fiction is because I like to figure out how people think, what makes them tick, and usually that is pretty funny.
It’s funny, I was just trying to explain what humor is to my daughter today. She is funny, but also an introvert and most of her peers don’t ‘get’ her yet. Her teacher most certainly doesn’t get her.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Dear Mr. Boss Man =-.
May 15th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Interesting article. I always enjoy a blogger revealing just that little bit about themselves.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:46 am
Well, at least you don’t have a cat who is funnier than you are, like me.
.-= Janiss´s last blog ..Photo Hunt – Half =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:59 am
It’s very interesting. I have found a lot of bloggers lately who say that in real life they are shy.
I think me personally I have been both shy and the class troublemaker. Depends on the situation.
I have found though as I have gotten older and more confident in myself about life in general, that I am less and less shy even in new situations.
Like writing, not being shy also takes practice.
And yes you are funny-at least on here, because I don’t know you in purpose. That’s why I signed up for your blog. You haven’t let me down yet.
.-= susie @newdaynewlesson´s last blog ..A Short Visit Is Better Than No Visit =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 1:03 am
See, that’s the great thing about blogging. An introvert can say what’s really on her mind. Isn’t it wonderful? Even when you’re going through a difficult time, as I am right now, it’s great to find some humor in the situation. Anyway, the reason I read your blog is because you have a very humorous take on sometimes difficult situations.
Besides, anyone who is owned by cats must possess a sense of humor.
.-= New Jersey Memories´s last blog ..Sister, Can You Spare (Two) Dimes? =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 4:22 am
I’m betting there are hundreds and hundreds of people very happy you plopped yourself down and got comfortable with the humor genre!
.-= Fisher´s last blog ..Cat in prayer =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 5:45 am
newbuffalomom — Stiff was excellent. I wanted Museum to be better. IMHO it was a little dry, but still a decent read.
Surfie — Ha! Yeah, don’t say that. Nothing funny will come out. It would be likely met with a blank stare.
Chris at TheSnackHound — Ah, yes. I do that too. Keeping my mouth shut has done wonders for me. It’s the safest approach when I’m not sure what to say. That’s interesting that you gleaned so much humor out of your life when things felt the worst. There is humor in tragedy!
Knucklehead — Right, except you use idioms more than I do. I don’t because I typically use them wrong and it’s always embarrassing for me.
Daisy the Curly Cat — Does it take me very long to come up with ideas for blog posts? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Sometimes I get an idea so fast and have the story written in my head before I sit down at the laptop. Sometimes I sit and stare at a blank screen and nothing comes out. I’m sure you can guess which is more fun! I laughed about your Mommeh. She’s sort of like a spy then. She has her serious life, but also a secret life with you and Harley (and we’re glad we get a peek into that life!) Yes, I have decided to keep the What’s That game going. No worries!
ann — Ah, the backspace key. Your friend and mine.
Sheila Sultani — You hit on something there. It is easier to share our humor (or whatever) with total strangers. There is far less pressure to be funny or entertaining. Although now that I’ve been blogging a while and I’m meeting some blogger friends in-person, I encountered a new fear. “Will they still like me in-person? All they know about me is from the blog.” So far, so good. No one I’ve met has been disappointed (that I know of).
Linda — On occasion I have to give seminars at work. I always find that adding a little humor goes a long way to relax both me and the people in attendance. Although I will be honest and say that it doesn’t always work and then I feel dumb. But mostly it does. I even struggled with this piece. For hours, actually. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to “funny it up” or not. I settled with a mostly serious post because that just felt more appropriate. For me, it’s a combination of “my gut feeling” and how I want my readers to receive a piece. I don’t always strike the right balance. But that’s the great thing about blogging. You can always put up another post if the one before wasn’t so great. Blogging is very forgiving.
Ron! — Yep, I have unfunny days, too. Usually wait until the funny comes back before writing something (and it becomes easier then, too). I would never think you are quiet and introverted because you come through your blog and videos as gregarious and open. Isn’t that interesting? And thank you for the compliment, my friend. Made me smile.
Jen — When I started blogging, I struggled with whether or not to share my grade school nightmares. I consulted with a couple people who know the fear I felt. But ultimately I put it up and it was amazing how free I felt afterward. I realized it helped me cope with my memories of being the shy kid who was never super-popular. I love non-fiction because sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and I’m intrigued by the lives of real people who’ve done incredible things. I see blogging in your daughter’s future.
Arnold — I sat on the fence about that for a while. How much did I want to reveal? I have learned after 3 years of blogging to go with my gut. So I did take out a couple things I didn’t feel were necessary for the story and that I had reservations about revealing on the blog. Not publishing too soon is one of the biggest pieces of advice I’d give to a new blogger.
Janiss — Yeah, but do you know how much I’d like my cats to do something funny so I can get a post out of it? I have said aloud “Lucky! Do something funny!” while holding a camera in my hand. And he just sits there, being unfunny. Can I borrow yours?
susie at newdaynewlesson — You can swing a dead cat without hitting a shy and tortured writer. Agree about gaining more confidence as we age. I think it happened for me when I turned 40. I was sick of watching the world go by without me. I’m still the quiet one in unfamiliar groups, but I make an effort to mingle because you’re right — practice makes perfect. Thank you for hanging out here!
New Jersey Memories — I think humor saves us. I know I always feel better when I clear the stress of the day and sit down to write. Humor washes that all away. Blogging, and in particular, humor writing has broken me out of my shell and helped me look differently at things. Do I want to be miserable about work, about stress? No! I want to put it behind me and laugh about something. Ha! “owned by cats” That’s an accurate assessment.
Fisher — Maybe a couple hundred. Maybe.
May 16th, 2010 at 6:21 am
Ahhh… I love you even more, if that could be possible! Thank you for sharing this piece! But I suspected as much, almost to the word. The only part I was surprised at was the part where you sometimes have to work at getting the negativity out, as you are not only a serious person by nature, but also a positive one.
I would love to know what your MBTI (Myers-Briggs typology) is. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours!
May 16th, 2010 at 6:38 am
This was very interesting. I like getting to know you better but must disagree that you haven’t written the perfect piece–I do not know how you could get any better than the pickle post. I don’t know that I believe you are too serious at work though, having a party with decorations and all for Windy makes me doubt your a “stick in the mud” at work.
.-= Karen & Geraard Zemek´s last blog ..Happy Gotcha Day, Manny! He’s Now 5! =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Outstanding post! there are only few bloggers that are just as funny as you are. You have the gene and use it wisely. Glad I was able to find you and enjoy your world as you see it.
.-= Linda´s last blog ..Tapping The Green Power of Earth’s Oceans =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Great post Kathy. I was very shy as a child and I still am although at least I have learned how to say hello or smile at a stranger. Being funny is not easy and it is something I wish I could do.
You do have the perfect post and that was the one about the pickles falling off the shelf. That was the best.
Have a great day and have a good laugh. There is not better medicine than laughing.
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Grass is over my head =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
The publicist had to learn her sharp retorts to survive her father’s erm, rapier wit.
It cut and if she didn’t learn to cut back….well. Her brothers are pretty witty too.
Dinner time was very interesting in her family.
Still is if they all get together.
.-= Pricilla´s last blog ..Sunday Movies with the Happy Goats =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Hand raised…also very much a wallflower in school. However I’ve come out of my shell quite a bit since then (granted, we’re talking, ohgod, 25 years now? More? And I’ve become much more comfortable in my own skin in that, ohgod, quarter of a century). I’m still sort of on the quiet/shy side when in big groups or among people I don’t know well, but I’m usually the one who comes out with the quirky, amusing, wise-ass comment and then retreats back into my corner to observe again.
.-= Sharon Heg´s last blog ..Please Stand By =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I believe that the events of our childhood set the stage for your humor. The things that happened to us were not funny at the time. Instead they were sad, pathetic, or embarrassing. Time is what frames those stories into gut-busting tales.
May 16th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Hi Kathy,
Reading your post reminds me of how blogs and blogging can take on a life of their own. I don’t know if you started this blog thinking it would be as humorous as it is, but yet it ranks high as a humor blog.
When I started my blogging blog, I didn’t think it would be anything more than a public journal of what I was learning about blogging, but with time, it has taken on a life of it’s own and has become more than I could have ever dreamed.
To echo what you said, “Isn’t it funny how that works?”
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Blogs – Should We Be Dumbing Down =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
The best writers are great observers and have an ear for dialog. The best writing entails rewriting.
I’m not surprised you’re a serious person. I think you have to be analytical to be a humor writer or a writer in general. Writers are keen observers and look at the world through a lens that is magnified, as well as somewhat distorted.
Btw, I’m an introvert, too. In a room filled with people, I’m more comfortable hanging out with the wall fixtures and potted plants. Also, you never have to call a cab for a potted plant.
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..We’re a Nation of Mutts. =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
I’ve met you….you are hilarious in person!
Or were you being serious…I’m so confused!
.-= Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings´s last blog ..Aaaaaagh! My thumb come off! =-.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
They say comedy is a serious business, right? They also say Comedy is not Pretty…oh wait, I think that was just Steve Martin. I have Stiff on my bookshelf right now, but I haven’t read it yet. I think a lot of humorists, particularly comedians aren’t funny in real life. People have this expectation and walk up to you and say, “Say something funny.”
I remember after one of the first times I met a fellow blogger IRL, she told someone else (who, in turn, told me) that I hadn’t been very funny during that first meeting. WTH?
.-= Margaret (Nanny Goats)´s last blog ..Test Post =-.
May 17th, 2010 at 5:05 am
Ferd — Thank you for seeing that in me. I guess I feel if I can counter the negativity of the day with a positive or funny blog post, I come out even. My Myers-Briggs type is ISFJ, which doesn’t surprise me at all. Hey, look! Johnny Carson was an ISFJ!
Karen — Aw, thanks. See, I didn’t view the pickle post as a perfect one. I’ll admit I liked it, though. If you ask my father, my perfect post was my interview with a dog. And thank you for reminding me that I can be silly at work! I’m usually so serious there, but I guess the Windy cakes make me a little off-beat, huh?
Linda — Oh, thank you for the high honor! You’re making my head so big I can barely hold it up now.
Marg — Being an outgoing adult is so hard for formerly shy children. I have to say I’ve come a long way in that department, but I have a way to go yet. And that makes two votes for the pickle post. I never really know what a standout post is unless someone tells me. Thank you for telling me!
Pricilla — I am not a sharp retort expert. Well, not when I need them. It’s always hours or days later, which means it’s no longer a retort.
Sharon Heg — Glad to hear it! I think you described the way JD sees me. Observe for half an hour, come out of the dark, say something witty, then retreat again. Hey, maybe our quality makes up for quantity?
annofthejunkdrawerblogfamily — You are right, Ann. I wonder if I’d still be writing humor if we didn’t grow up in a house with seven people in a space more appropriate for three? Or if we hadn’t gone to catholic school? Or if I hadn’t grown up looking like this.
Barbara Swafford — It IS funny how that works. No, this blog didn’t start out as a humor blog. That was only part of it. I talked about language and technical things, too, at first. But it turned out that my readers enjoyed the humor more than anything else and that told me I should change my focus to strictly humor.
Lauren — Sometimes I think people think I’m a little bit “off” when they see me looking for a strange angle to write about. I guess that’s somewhat of a skill, too. So what you’re saying is you’re not that lady dancing on the table wearing a lamp shade?
Lisa — Only because I showed up and gave you a bottle of Monkey Butt Powder. Ask Bryan and Kim how serious I looked at 11PM the first night I hung out with them. They watched me practically drop my head to the table and fall asleep. I’m convinced they’ll never invite me back. I don’t think I said a word for that last hour.
Nanny Goats — It must be brutally hard to walk through life as a card-carrying stand-up comic. I know one (a blogger) who is an accountant in his day job. I can’t imagine how many people in his office want him to be the office clown 9-5. Whoever said that about you wasn’t paying attention. Just sayin’.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:25 am
Does it say something about me that my first thought upon finishing this post (great post, btw) was “Wow, that cadaver book sounds really cool”?
Your description of yourself in school made me chuckle, because I was the same way. That’s why I called my blog “Nerd in the Corner”–I much preferred to find an inconspicuous spot and watch everyone else.
.-= absepa´s last blog ..Weird things seem to happen to me, Volume 1 =-.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Interesting post. I think I am much more serious than people expect me to be. I feed off of other people’s humor. Ilove to laugh, but I am not usually the funny one in a group. With family the humor seems to come more easily…maybe they just share the same warped sense of humor!
.-= SuziCate´s last blog ..Freaks, Geeks, And Squeaks =-.
May 17th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I dunno, I’ve read that book about cadavers and I nearly choked on my own snot I was laughing so hard. You’re saying it wasn’t supposed to be funny?
I think I need to get my prescription refilled.
May 17th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Hmmph – Late again!
I am surprised to read that I am a lot like you, in many ways. Numbers 1,2 & 3 are about right for me.
Always was the wallflower, who lived in the shadow of other people. I still will not go places alone, unless it’s to meet up with people I know, but at least I have blossomed a little in recent years.
My funniest posts usually flow easily and quickly. Posts I have to think about are never as funny.
There is also a very serious side to me, and often Mo says “Lighten up”.
I am, and have always been, the butt of other people’s jokes, and I like that fine. My humour ‘in person’ is more of a quick response to other people’s remarks.
I would lay bets (and win) on you being very funny in person. Maybe one day I will find out, and be able to collect my winnings.
.-= Babs – beetle´s last blog ..Who’s having lunch at Buckingham Palace? =-.
May 17th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
You have an amazing casual tone when you write and I think that really helps bring out the humor. I wish I could write hilarity into my projects, but my writing is the product of too many uptight college English courses. There’s nothing wrong at all with being a wallflower. We’re usually the only ones that remember the party afterward and can blackmail the others.
May 17th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I love this post so much for many reasons. Mostly because I can relate to a lot of it.
I was also shy in school, and to this day whenever I am somewhere new or with people I don’t know, you will NOT hear me doing very much talking – let alone joking around.
I dont think that I am a humorous writer. Sometimes I can find the funny, and deliver it via written word. And sometimes I cannot. I have countless Flat Posts. But I have been known to publish them on my blog anyway.
Much like you I am kind of a serious person [well, I am more of a nervous person and filled with endless worry] BUT, I always TRY to find the lighter side, or the humorous side of most situations I am faced with. Because even though things might not be very funny exactly when they are happening – hindsight can make things hilarious.
Personally, I think YOU are an awesome writer and have a true gift for telling stories. I ALWAYS look forward to a new post from you.
.-= meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..‘Doing Things Differently™’ My Week In Review – Part Fifteen =-.
May 18th, 2010 at 12:25 am
You know what? I’m surprised! But then again, I think I assume that everyone online is the same as they are offline – when of course I should know that isn’t true! I love your blog and I always look forward to your posts – you have a real gift.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Egg Custard Tarts =-.
May 18th, 2010 at 5:23 am
absepa — Yes, it says you’re an interesting person because you’re intrigued by something that most people would run away from. If we’d gone to school together, I would have made friends with you. I wasn’t nerdly in the true sense of the word, but it would have worked!
SuziCate — Same here. I’m not a leader, nor am I the first one to speak up in a newly assembled group. I’d rather sit and assess all the personalities first. Our family has a similar sense of humor, too. The family that sticks together laughs together about the same things.
Shawn — It’s been a while since I read it and I think I took away the grossest parts of it and forgot how funny it was. The maggots did me in.
Babs Beetle — But you ARE so funny! I see it in your posts and our emails. You are one of those people who I sense does find the funny in everything. Isn’t it odd how other people don’t see us the way we see ourselves? I’m hoping one day we can meet and you can see for yourself how unfunny I am in person.
Criminal Justice Degree — Ah, thank you. I think I write in a casual tone because I don’t consider myself a very creative person. I use every day words and ideas. I admire people who can write fiction. That is so not my strong suit. I love your observation about wallflower types.
meleah rebeccah — See, now, I don’t agree with anything you just said about yourself. From your writing, your stories and your videos, I would think you’d be the first one to get a party going and have everyone laughing their heads off. You don’t appear afraid of anything to me! You touched on a good point, though. Things that aren’t particularly funny when they’re happening can be hilarious later. I strive to find that.
Katie — I would love to meet some of the bloggers behind the blogs that I read. I wonder how many of them I would say “You sound exactly like you do on your blog!” I did meet one blogger at a conference who was nothing like his online persona. I remember being taken aback because he was such a sweetheart in-person, but he’s rough around the edges in all his writings. It was a pleasant surprise.
May 18th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Wow! You almost described Willy
Willy likes to write goofey stuff but does not really want people on the internet to see who he is.
10-4 Willy
.-= Hillbilly Willy´s last blog ..Willy checks out the Candidates at the Cantina =-.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Well, who knew?! I think the majority of your posts are hysterical, but then I tend to see the humor in just about anything. In my family, we laugh the hardest when someone gets hurt – not like bleeding to death hurt, but you know, the falling down stairs kind of thing.
.-= Brenda @ Split Rock Ranch´s last blog ..I am Kitten Sitting a Bottle Fed Baby! =-.
May 18th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
So many of us online types used to be shy as kids. I would hazard a guess most bloggers would say the same.
.-= Anne – Israeli Mom´s last blog ..Happy Shavu’ot and Why You Shouldn’t Have Cheesecake =-.
May 18th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
“I would think you’d be the first one to get a party going and have everyone laughing their heads off. You don’t appear afraid of anything to me!”
Really? I am scared of EVERYTHING! That’s why I don’t go anywhere outside of my comfort zone! If I am surrounded by people that I know and trust, then I tend to let loose. But otherwise I am a total wallflower just like you!
.-= meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Tina Fey, Liz Lemon
May 18th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
This actually doesn’t surprise me, simply because of your picture! You look like a conservative, quiet and serious but happy woman.
But inside there is obviously quite the comedienne trying to get out LOL!
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..A Flute, A Silent Film Star And A Wooden Leg =-.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
I was a little surprised by some of the items, but not by some of the others. For example, a little surprised you don’t gravitate towards comedy movies, but not surprised you weren’t the class clown. You can tell that’s just not your style. I think you’re true personality shines through with the funny — more conservative and serious, and not so much into being the center of attention.
.-= erin´s last blog ..Rhubarb Crisp =-.
May 19th, 2010 at 7:36 am
I wasn’t the class clown, either.
The guy who got that title had the nickname ‘Animal’ and used to eat boogers off of lockers.
So..you know…pretty thankful to pass that title up.
.-= moooooog35´s last blog ..My Shampoo is Trying to Kill Me – WITH INTENSE DAMAGE!! =-.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:53 am
i always think the same silliness, but it only comes out in situations or ‘circles’ where i feel most comfortable.
i do love funny movies best but i was never the class clown either.
love your blog btw
.-= sammy´s last blog ..i rinse my teeth with sprite =-.
May 19th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I’m almost a reverse personality of yours. I personally known as a person full of humor but some how I unable to take that humor in my writing. You really have a bless of writing and I really have a bless of talking
.-= Arafat Hossain Piyada´s last blog ..Tips to watch favorite movies and web video on Wii =-.
May 20th, 2010 at 7:02 am
Not to be redundant, but this is a great post, Kathy. I think I’ve known you since the beginning and struggled with you when we made the switch to self-hosted WordPress platforms. So, I’ve had a glimpse of the “real you” in the past three years.
I appreciate your willingness to take risks and share your view of the humorous side of life. This post is another little risk that helps your readers know you that much better. The humor and these little insights are what makes this such a great blog.
It’s been fun studying at the feet of The Master. :0)
.-= Tarheel Rambler´s last blog ..Sunday Scenery – #101 =-.
May 20th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I think anyone who calls themselves a “humor” blogger is really courageous. I would feel so much pressure to live up to that moniker. It’s kind of like forcing an orgasm. It either happens or it doesn’t and it usually doesn’t when you know it’s expected. I’d much rather people read my work with little or no expectations. Then if they do laugh I look like a freakin’ genius.
.-= injaynesworld´s last blog ..injaynesworld we’d “Stop Saving Stupid People…” =-.
May 21st, 2010 at 2:10 am
Great blog post. I’m always interested in how individuals view themselves, especially when their assessment is contrary to stereotypes. Growing up, I was never the funny guy, either, and I definitely relate to the painfully shy. Luckily for those in the world who like dark, dry, sarcastic, or awkward humor, I bloomed in college. No one who met me in college or later believes I was ever a quiet shy person in high school. I guess some changes are for the better
.-= Master Dayton´s last blog ..Freelance Writing Struggles: Motivation & Encouragement =-.
May 21st, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I think you have a real gift for humor. Now, I don’t mean you are a laugh a minute, but what I love about your stuff is that it’s not slapstick, it’s a smart and gentle wit! And that is a talent, Kathy!
.-= Linda Medrano´s last blog ..I Hate Surveys =-.
May 21st, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Hillbilly Willy — God bless the Internet. All we had before was journals. It’s nice we can still put it all out there and remain somewhat anonymous, isn’t it?
Brenda at Split Rock Ranch — Man, I hate to say this, but people falling kills me. I laugh when I fall, just can’t help it. So how many visits to the ER has your family had to take?
Anne Israeli Mom — There is something so perfect about being about to “hide” behind the words as shy people. Maybe because we’re not so social, our thoughts and ideas get better airplay. How many people have been saved by their writing? Countless, I’m sure.
meleah rebeccah — I understand the comfort factor. But you have a sort of aura about you that I think probably attracts people to you. More than you think, I bet.
Katherine — Aw, thanks. That’s just how I see myself.
erin — I do like a good comedy, but I’m going to sound like a crotchety old person when I say “they don’t make ‘em like they used to.” The dialogue and slapstick in many comedies I find so stupid. I like a more subdued, “slow burn” with my funny movies.
mooooog3 — I can hardly believe you weren’t the class clown. You just blew my mind.
sammy — We are two of a kind. Thank you for loving my little corner of the world. I appreciate that.
Arafat Hossain Piyada — Thank you so much! I envy people who can be funny in-person, they laugh all the time and people like to be around them.
Tarheel Rambler — Yes! You have been with me longer than most people. I do see writing this piece as a little bit of risk-taking. It took forever to write and I pulled some things out at the last minute. But I’m glad I put it out there anyway. And my God, you’re giving me a big head. I can hardly hold it steady. {bats eyes}
injaynesworld — Do you know how long it took for me to call myself a writer with a straight face? Years, my dear. I feel the same way about writing with little expectation. Someone of my orientation is prone to being insulted easily and being critical of themselves. It’s something I work on, especially as a writer. If I’m going to move forward, I need to stop thinking this is something only other people can do. WE both can do it and do it well!
Master Dayton — That’s awesome. I’m glad you found college a new opportunity to stretch your wings and have people see another side of you. I feel bad for those who never take risk or break through their shells. I’m glad you got out.
Linda Medrano — Thanks so much. “A smart and gentle wit” is perhaps one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. Thank you, Linda.
May 22nd, 2010 at 9:49 pm
[...] The Truth About This Comedy Writer at Junk Drawer Blog. Kathy talks about how some of the assumptions people make about people who write humor might not necessarily be true. [...]
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I totally disagree.
Stiff was hilarious.
Great post. Thanks!
.-= frantically heidi´s last blog ..Potluck – All New – Travel Sized =-.
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I can relate to this list, Kathy. I’m much more gregarious on paper than I am in real life.
.-= CatLadyLarew´s last blog ..Forgive me… =-.
May 24th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
pretty cool write-up. i’m the same way, shy. i am, until you get to know me.
there is nothing wrong with being a wallflower. the wall needs decoration too.
May 30th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I realize I’m a few days late, but I just wanted to let you know that I really like that you used the word “nary” in this post.
May 31st, 2010 at 6:45 am
Hey Kathy! Indigo here. Our blogging personas can be very different from our real life ones. This is especially true of comedy and the often troubled people who create it. The same holds true in the cinema; from Chaplin and Keaton right through to the likes of Rowan Atkinson, there is a streak of studious perfectionism and a meticulous devotion to their craft. Now, I’m not putting any of us into such esteemed company, but speaking personally, I think comedy comes from a darker place than happiness. Indigo
.-= Indigo Roth´s last blog ..Year Two Looms Large =-.