An Exception to Every Rule

You may recall that I have a love for notebooks. I carry one at (almost) all times and encourage writers, especially, to do the same. It helps keep random moments of creative brilliance together and can be a source of inspiration when you’ve hit a wall. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone back into my notebook and found a rendering of a stranger’s subway conversation that inspired a story or punchline.

But then there are the times you should put the damn notebook down and live your life.

Improv class, for example, is not a time to take in-the-moment notes. You don’t need to carry it around the stage with you, marking each time someone points out the importance of Yes, and or paying attention to details. Those notes are taking you away from what’s important!

It’s not history class. Nothing that gets said will be on the exam. There is no exam. If you heard a great phrase, write it down during break. If you want to remember how an exercise made you feel, go over it in your head while you’re falling asleep. Write all of the words you can remember on your commute home for all I care, but don’t take yourself out of the moment.

Are you going to read over the novel of notes you wrote about patterns? I doubt it. Experiencing your improv class in real-time is what will ultimately make you an improviser people enjoy watching.

And thus, I end my rant.