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I think for me the mantra "You can write!" comes across as "You can, right?"

Meaning that I always wondered whether I could make people laugh on the page and the stage outside of the classroom. Perhaps a challenge. I don't know exactly, still mulling that over.

The main thing, though, is that after three EBWWs, I've done the following: Performed standup comedy with Wendy Liebman (who I remember seeing on the "Tonight Show" years ago and who is now a friend), made "Best of the Fest" at the Burbank Comedy Festival, and ... told Wendy Liebman to "break a leg." Who knew becoming "Erma King" my word would become law?" Get well soon, Wendy!

There's more of course...

At my first EBWW all I wanted to do was learn about humor, standup and how to improve my own. I wasn't sure I belonged, though. I felt a little like I was crashing a sorority party; I felt like I was Jane Goodall, (The Ermas have accepted me, they appear sincere in their encouragement, pass the pie)…

I almost didn't go in 2016. Performing with Wendy changed my life again. (More pie?)

And when 2018 rolled around, I still hadn't done enough, in my mind. I hadn't written the best seller, or a column, or a blog, or anything like I wanted to do. This time, I thought, I'm just going to sit back, be anonymous and fly below the radar.

And you made me KING!

Thanks for the pie. (At least it wasn't in my face!)

Stay tuned...

In 2019, I'm putting plans in place to go on a driveway tour, doing standup in driveways where I'm allowed to park my camper van. I can, right?

Remembering all the wonderful support I got from my many pals at EBWW, I confidently recite my new mantra: "You can write!" and "You can, right?"

- Jim Hands

Jim Hands is a writer/comedian from Los Angeles who, after 25 years of teaching, realized he only taught 18, but is okay with that, as are the majority of his students.