"I sit in places like Costa Coffee in Banstead and write rubbish. I need a deadline. I think about the 44 tour dates and keep imagining standing in front of all these people. Then every day I write 15 jokes minimum"

Tim Vine depicts the everyday discipline and underlying anxiety that fuels the creative process for a stand-up comedian. He admits to working in common public spaces like Costa Coffee, choosing a setting that is both ordinary and slightly distractible. The reference to "writing rubbish" is a humble acknowledgment of the imperfect, trial-and-error nature of writing comedy, much of what a comedian writes may never make it to the stage, but the process of generating ideas is crucial.

A key point in Vine’s process is the necessity of a deadline. Without one, motivation can lag and productivity can dwindle. The looming presence of scheduled tour dates, 44 performances, acts as a powerful motivator. The visualization of standing in front of audiences for each show provides both accountability and pressure, but also inspiration. There is an implicit anxiety about failure or underperforming, yet that pressure is integral to his work ethic. The prospect of facing a crowd compels him to refine his material, to maintain a sense of urgency that propels his creativity.

Vine has high standards for productivity, holding himself to a minimum goal: writing at least 15 jokes every day. This self-imposed quota speaks to both a rigorous discipline and a recognition of the statistical reality of comedy writing. Not every joke will work, so volume is essential. The more ideas are generated, the greater the odds that a few will resonate with audiences. It also underscores his commitment to growth; daily practice sharpens his wit and ensures a constant supply of new material.

The quote as a whole provides insight into the industrious, iterative, and sometimes unglamorous side of comedic artistry, emphasizing persistence, routine, and the ever-present mix of self-doubt and ambition that characterizes the creative process.