Tips for A New Transplant

Our new stand up teacher, Nicole Yates, has years of stand up and teaching experience in Philadelphia, but finally decided to make the leap to LA. Now she’s an LA Transplant! Today we talk to her about being new in town. So if you see her around, let her know the best taco truck (Taco Zone duh), and welcome her to the amazing Ruby LA community!

Have you found a good place in the city to go when you need to focus and write?

I tend to write in my bedroom but when I need to get out, I actually like going to the library. It’s quiet, I don’t have to buy anything and usually the parking isn’t terrible. Plus the people watching at times can be pretty fantastic. And finally, who doesn’t love a newspaper on a stick? Can’t get that at a Starbucks!

What is something that has been a completely unexpected discovery about L.A.?

I wasn’t expecting so many amazing little burger places all over town! I knew the Mexican food was on point but I love a good burger and this place doesn’t disappoint. There is a place called Beeps by my house that is fantastic!

Breakfast options. L.A. or Philly?

In Philly we have diners everywhere, pork roll rains upon the world like love, and Wawa has fantastic breakfast sandwiches. In LA, you have got some good eggs, I found an amazing waffle place and hot sauce is everywhere.

Philly wins the breakfast battle by a bit, but luckily I am very lazy and rarely ever venture out before noon on the weekends and during the week I like to keep it simple with yogurt or something. I am also one of those weirdos who does not drink coffee, so that’s no issue. I guess what I am saying is that you guys keep it kinda healthy and I come from a place where diabetes is a challenge, so I am getting used to not covering everything with cheese (aka love)…..slowly.

I’m a new transplant and I want to get involved in the standup scene. What’s your advice?

Get to the Comedy Bureau website and check out their open mic list. Comics in LA are super friendly and if you can’t find a mic that can fit into your schedule, you aren’t trying. Prepare to sit for awhile because aloooot of mics are lottery, but it gives you time to meet people. If you find a fun room that might support a mic or a show, go for it! You know that old adage “if you find a room and set up a mic/show, promote the hell out of it, have fun comics and decent beer specials, they might come”? It true! Just be yourself, get out there and have fun!

Talking Books with Beowulf

books When it’s gray outside, you might want to curl up with a good book, drink some tea, and just hibernate. That’s why we talked to our resident story expert, Beowulf, about some of his favorite books. Here are his recommendations!

Who is your favorite author?

Jay McInerney’s the first author who taught me one can find salvation in craft. Proud to say I’m the one JMcI superfan who was never inspired to write something in the second person. Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway left an enormous impression on me, and to this day affects the way I teach storytelling (take my class to find out how!). Shoutout to Salinger’s “A Perfect Day For Bananafish” for being both a perfect short story AND the template for every great Belle & Sebastian song.

What’s the best book-to-film adaptation?

Trainspotting was deemed unadaptable, so I admire how Boyle made something special from just focusing on a small portion of the universe.

I don’t know it’s the best book-to-film adaption, but it’s the only one where I love and admire both works on their own merit. (Fun Tip: if you need to learn a Scottish accent, buy a copy of Trainspotting; it’s written phonetically) Skylight or The Last Bookstore?

I will counter your question with a question: can anyone please buy this Chapman Stick for me off eBay? With shipping, it’s $1700, but there’s an option to pay $77/month for 24 months if that works out easier for you.

Hmmm…. interesting proposition, Beowulf. We’ll have to think on it.

Well audience, any summertime books you’re excited to read? I’m looking forward to finally getting Nell Scovell’s new book. Have you read it yet? Hit us up on Twitter and let us know your thoughts and recommendations! #RubyBookClub

Desk Piece with Jen Curran

In Desk Piece, we’ll talk to folks in the Ruby LA community about where they do their creative work and show a little glimpse of what their desks look like. First up is Ruby co-founder, and sketch teacher Jen Curran.

What thing do you have to have to start writing / working?
A fresh, full glass of water.

What’s your favorite thing on your desk area and why?
Right now it’s an old fashioned metal french fry cutter that my mom sent me. It’s got a handle all the way around it and a grid of slicers in the center. My grandma runs a thrift store and they found it for me there. I don’t know why they thought I would like it but I do. I love it. Whatever they thought, they were right.

Do you listen to music when you work? If so what’s your favorite thing to listen to?
I don’t listen to music, I get too distracted and can’t focus if music is on. But I will sometimes light a candle and if it’s cold out I use my heated blanket. That room can get chilly.

What writing program do you use?
I honestly do most of my writing in google docs and if it’s a script I use writers duet.

Thanks Jen! If you’d like to submit your desk for a desk piece, email lindsey@therubyla.com