We were lucky to catch up with Gregory Virgin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gregory, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
I have a 30-minute theory. When something feels daunting, which is very often the case with writing, I give myself permission to stop after 30 minutes. Sometimes it takes me about 15 minutes to get into that creative zone, but that second 15 minutes can become quite productive. And I often write for longer than that, but I never would’ve started if I had tried to force myself to write for an hour. I have to coddle the lazy side of my brain.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a writer and a comedian. I publish a lot of humor essays online, and I also do stand-up. I don’t know how to classify my comedy other than to say that I try to keep it light-hearted and silly. Lately, I’ve been doing a fair bit of material on rats and mice, for instance. I’m very into the craftsman style of stand-up, where the rhythm and language of each joke are carefully honed. Great improvisers impress me, but writing is my passion, and I think of stand-up as an extension of that.
In terms of new projects, I recently started a Substack newsletter where I write short essays about topics that have been on my mind. I’ve written satirical articles for humor publications in the past, and I intend to do more of those, but I wanted a totally restriction-free creative outlet where I can write exactly what I want. Let me clarify though, I’m not just churning out unedited garbage. I work hard on each essay and even though I can’t hear the laughs from readers, people seem to be enjoying them. The newsletter is free, so please subscribe if you like it. Or if you don’t want me to sell your email address on the dark web, you can just follow me on Instagram for my stand-up.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Advice is a tricky thing. At times, I’ve nearly driven myself to madness trying to follow everyone’s advice. So my advice about advice would be to tread cautiously (and that includes this very piece of advice I’m giving right now). Having said that, here are a few ideas that help me to keep moving forward even when I don’t want to, which is often.
Just do the next thing. I have this book of Carl Jung’s letters, and whenever someone wrote to him asking advice on how to live, Jung always told people to just keep doing the next thing. It’s an idea so basic and cliched, that it’s tempting to reject, but I find comfort in its simplicity. Especially with our productivity-obsessed culture, it’s a good way to shut out the noise and anchor yourself in the present moment.
Stay true to yourself. Another cliché, I know, but it’s important, especially in creative work. I once heard Lucille Ball say that she based all her decisions on the question, “Is this right for Lucy?” I’m an overthinker, so I love any tool to simplify decision-making. Plus, there is a sense of purpose in honoring your intuition, and you’re more likely to create good work.
Embrace pain over fear. When it comes to staying true to yourself, fear is one of the biggest obstacles. It’s always tempting to avoid scary things, so you have to decide if the pain of trying is worth it. This is especially relevant for stand-up, where you’re constantly facing possible rejection, literally every 15 seconds or so. The only way that can be tolerable is if you are willing to accept that pain, which paradoxically reduces it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for ways to expand my creative network. I have a long-gestating idea for a podcast, but it hasn’t come to fruition yet. So if anyone has experience in podcasting and/or comedy and/or desserts (I’ll elaborate on that one when the time comes), feel free to reach out!
Also, I have some ideas for children’s books, but I would definitely need an illustrator to make it happen.
If you want to connect, send me a message through Instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: gregoryvirgin.substack.com
- Instagram: @gregoryvirgin
- Youtube: youtube.com/@gregoryvirgin
- Other: Satire Archive: pointsincase.com/author/gregory-virgin
Image Credits
CTB Entertainment, Robot Butt
