1. Do I care about this story? Just because something seems like it "should" be a good story doesn't mean it is a good story. And just because something is a good story doesn't mean it's a story that you want to tell. And just because you want to tell that story in general, doesn't mean you want to tell that story on any given night. So ask yourself, is this story in my heart right now?

What happens when a piece of material gets stale? How do you keep the audience - and yourself - interested?

Beth offers some great advice about how to keep your material fresh, find material that will stay fresh the longest, and tips on integrating this freshening practice into your creative process and your life.

Let Beth help you take the 'ow' out of Now at The Comedian's Way workshop for Writers, Performers & Other Humans this Sunday, Nov.1. Also meets Sundays, Nov. 8, 15, 22, Dec. 6 & 13 from 1-4pm at M-Bar, 1253 N. Vine St. LA 90038.

Register for single classes. Discounts on multiple classes. Audit any class for just $10. For more info, call 323-993-3305 or e-mail us.

People always talk about being happy or unhappy. As if it's an either or thing. But most of us are happy AND unhappy. The trick to being more happy is being willing to be unhappy!

I've noticed in my own life that when I am willing to be 100% unhappy 12% of the time I can be 100% happy 88% of the time.