What do your parents/children (delete as applicable) think of your job? 

My parents are just happy that I'm happy. After losing a kid, all of their tiger-parenting went out the window. They didn't care anymore about success or achievement (though they're pretty happy I'm successful!) and were humbled by the idea that my brother or I could meet the same fate as our sister. They were incredibly encouraging when I made the decision to become a stand up comedian. My dad even camped out with me to audition for Last Comic Standing, and he bought us a pink princess tent to hang out in. We cooked beans over a portable grill. It was a fun time. They're always doing background work when I star in a show, or just hanging out at the crafty table. 

What’s the worst thing about being a comedian? 

The late nights are definitely the worst. I'm an early riser. I like to be in bed by 10pm and read for an hour to wind down. I used to suffer from horrific insomnia as a kid, and shows are pure adrenaline. I needed to be on sleeping pills for awhile otherwise my sleep schedule would be so messed up I was a walking zombie. Now I'm more strict about taking any shows that have later start times, and have a sleep routine in place to support me on tour. But man, it took awhile to cobble together what worked. 

I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you? 

I oscillate between thinking I'm the greatest and the worst. One day I'm confident that I'm a talented writer and performer who is going places. The next day I feel like a hack. I'd love to find a middle ground where I just believe in my material and my story and am able to walk on stage feeling confident and excited to have fun. But I think the crippling desire for external validation and a destiny of 'greatness' continues to plague me. 

How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn? 

I earn six figures. I'm very comfortable. I have what I call "fuck you" money. But what I'd really like to earn is "fuck me" money. "Fuck you" money lets you be choosy about which jobs you accept. "Fuck me" money lets you create jobs. "Fuck you" money means I can fund a modest tour and fly coach everywhere. "Fuck me" money means I can contribute to the deterioration of the climate in my private jet. "Fuck you" money means I can ride out strikes when the studios are playing hard ball. But "Fuck me" money lets you be the studio. 

How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks? 

I think luck is such an important part of a career's equation, and I'm so grateful that I've had many lucky breaks over the years. I met my manager Tom when I was 21, and he's been a godsend. I've heard nightmare stories from friends about their reps and how difficult breaking into the business is when you have a team full of people who don't care. But Tom has believed in me from Day One, and I trust him to not only look at my longevity, but also prioritize my mental health over everything. He knows I have a tendency to burn out and work myself to the point of exhaustion, so he's always quick to prioritize what's going to get us to the longer term vision. He's the person who moved me over to CAA when my previous agents couldn't get me in rooms to pitch TV shows. He's also single handedly gotten me into casting rooms where I was rejected due to being a "Youtube Star". 

I've tried to work every aspect of my career within my control so that when luck - in whatever form - comes around, I'm ready. 

Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category? 

I used to be a self-harmer, but now I'm a golfer. Like a ton of comedians, I was worried that becoming happy would somehow make me less funny. I laugh so hard thinking about that now. This idea that the more tortured you are, the better art you create, is just an asshole's excuse to stay addicted to misery. To not grow. To stay complacent. I'm at a point in my life now where I trust that no matter what happens, I can learn from that experience and move on wiser. Even when something terrible happens - especially when something terrible happens, there's a blessing in it. Usually that blessing is just "okay this will be a bit someday." 

Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians? 

Ted Chiang, the writer. He created the short story that was later adapted into Arrival. His book Exhalation blew me away. I'm a huge fan of scifi, and Ted is one of the best writers of the genre. The man is downright brilliant. Every short story he's written is so unique that it irks me. I burn with envy when I read a Chiang story because they're all just so downright creative. Whenever I need creative inspiration, I'll re-read one of his works. 

Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response). 

I keep my drawers tidy until they slowly dissolve into a mess, at which point I guilt myself into needing to tidy them up again, and the cycle continues. I think organization is like laundry - you do your best until it's clearly an issue and needs to be dealt with. I hope you and your girlfriend are okay. 

Anna Akana’s ‘It Gets Darker’ is at the Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs @ 5.30pm from August 1 - 24, for tickets go to www.edfringe.com

PHOTO CREDIT: ELIZABETH ELDER

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