Tim Wilson has an unconventional way of coming up with his best comedy material: he yells at his television while watching the news.

"I'm kind of opinionated, so basically I watch TV and talk back to the TV. Then, if I say something that makes me laugh, then I go, ‘Welp, that's goin' in the act,'" said the 30-year comedy veteran.

Like many in the comedy world, Wilson keeps up with current events in order to keep his material fresh.

"As a comedian, you really have to stay up on current events, because you're job is being a social commentator. I used to listen to a lot of talk shows, but after a while, that makes your brain hurt."

Television isn't Wilson's only inspiration for his songs. A lot of his writing comes from spending time on the road touring or visiting his 12-year-old son in Georgia, which is where he was headed when REVUE caught up with him.

"I'm hoping some songs will come out of the clouds on this drive, because I write a lot of my songs while driving," he said.

Tim Wilson Connxtions Comedy Club, Lansing May 13-14, show times at 8 and 10:30 p.m. $15 connxtionscomedyclub.com (517) 374-HAHA

Currently, Wilson is on tour to promote not only his 17-some comedy albums, but his book, Happy New Year — ted, which is about Ted Bundy, the infamous serial killer from the ‘70s.

"I always try to explain to people that just because you're a comedian doesn't mean you sit around being funny all the time," Wilson said. "Most comedians I know are very serious people ... I kind of like the fact that I'm the only comedian in the world that sells serial killer books after a comedy show."

The book was released in 2009, but currently, Wilson is researching more, adding an additional chapter and working on a documentary about Bundy. The project is almost done, and Wilson admits his wife is getting tired of the book. His audiences, however, are always surprised to see the book out on the merchandise table after his comedy shows.

"They just heard you for an hour and a half, and they're tired of listening to you, so this is sort of a different gear. It's like, OK, I've made you laugh for an hour and a half, now let me scare you for an hour and a half."