Online Class: Humor Writing 101

The Art and Craft of Comedy Writing: Your Journey from Novice to Pro

Laughter: It's the universal medicine, the magic elixir that has the capability to heal wounds of the soul and uplift the human spirit. Throughout history, societies have lauded those gifted few who possess the prowess to ignite laughter, the jesters, the comedians, and the writers. It is no wonder that many of us admire, and even sometimes, envy those who can spark joy and especially those who have the talent to pen down humor.

Introducing a comprehensive course tailored to provide you with a holistic understanding and appreciation of comedy writing. This program will not only induct you into the world of those adept humorists but will equip you with the tools and skills to master the art yourself.

At the core of every memorable anecdote, captivating sitcom, or side-splitting stand-up routine lies the foundation of well-crafted writing. The pen, in the hands of a skilled writer, becomes a powerful instrument, drawing forth emotions, evoking laughter, and leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Writing that touches the heart requires a keen understanding of rhythm, timing, and human psychology.

Over the course of this meticulously designed program, we will delve deep into various facets of comedic writing:

• The dynamics of humor: Discover the underpinnings of what makes us laugh and understand the subtle differences between various comedic genres.

• Essential tools and techniques: From the intricacies of punchlines to the nuances of comedic timing, grasp the essential components that make a piece humorous.

• Market dynamics: In the age of digital virality, understand how to position your comedic pieces, and identify your niche in the vast realm of humor.

• The journey of writing: Recognize the importance of preparation, consistent practice, and persistence in molding your unique voice in comedic writing.

Furthermore, this isn't just another course that offers you repetitive exercises or makes tall claims of instant success. Real growth and mastery come from understanding, practice, and consistent feedback. Our commitment is to provide you with a genuine foundation in comedy writing, guiding you step by step as you hone your craft.

Course Breakdown:

1. Let It Flow!: Dive deep into the rhythm of comedic writing and understand the importance of authenticity.
2. Yes - You Can Learn to Write Humor: Debunk myths around inherent comedic talent and uncover the trainable aspects of humor writing.
3. Exactly What is Humor?: From slapstick to satire, explore the vast spectrum of comedic forms.
4. The Skills You'll Need: Equip yourself with essential tools, from crafting punchlines to understanding comedic timing.
5. Getting Ready to Write: Understand the preparatory phase of comedy writing, from ideation to drafting.
6. A 'Hobby' or a 'Career'?: Reflect on your aspirations and align your writing practice accordingly.
7. Getting in the Flow: Foster a consistent writing regimen, fueling creativity and refining your voice.
8. Discovering and Establishing Your Particular Market Niche: Navigate the comedy ecosystem and carve a space for your unique voice.
9. The "Go's" and "Whoa's" of Shortcuts to Humor: Learn the merits and pitfalls of various comedic shortcuts.
10. The Importance of Starting and Maintaining Your Comedy Journal: Chronicle your growth, inspirations, and comedic ideas.
11. Marketing You and Your Material: Dive into the world of comedic content marketing, leveraging platforms and building an audience.
12. Your Exercise Revisited and Renewed: Reflect, analyze, and set forth on continued growth and learning.

In conclusion, if you harbor the passion for comedy and are driven by the desire to master the art of comedic writing, this course is your gateway. Come, journey with us through the captivating world of humor, understanding its intricacies, mastering its techniques, and most importantly, spreading joy and laughter. Your comedic journey begins here.

We are all familiar with the notion of 'Before' and 'After' shots and the big changes that can take place between one and the other! You are now going to apply the theory behind this concept to your writing. If you plant the 'seed' and water and feed it with your creativity, passion and determination, you can be guaranteed a great crop of writing.

 

 

You may already have written a funny skit or story. Or you may now have to turn your mind to creating one, well whatever it is -- just start writing! Let's limit it to no more than 2 or 3 pages.

And again

And Rewrite again!

Just one last time, after having a break of a day or two – rewrite the story again. There is a point to this which we shall go into later. Please, just rewrite (it's for the second last time!)

Basic Humor Exercises

Now I know you may be feeling a bit sick of writing by this stage, but sometimes, as a writer that's exactly how you might feel, and you have to write anyway.

Let me tell you that there are very few writers in the world who enjoy every single minute of their craft, there are even fewer who only sit down to write when they feel that wonderful instinctive urge and feeling of enlightenment. It's not like that.

Most of the time writing is just hard work!

Laugh at yourself first -- whether we feel embarrassed or not about the situations that have happened to us, we should make ourselves the first target of our humor. Not only is it safer that way but people really warm to those that they see can have a laugh at themselves. When people warm to you, the battle is half won! 

Think, what's funny about you or something you do or have done in the past? Do you do impressions for example? Can you do funny drawings or possibly even do something as simple as lifting your eyebrow or wiggling your ears. If you can't think of something, ask your friends and family – that's if you can take it!

All jokes aside, its amazing what gets a laugh and you only need something small to start with, not an epic masterpiece. 

So the exercise now is to write a short story about this funny side of yourself. If it helps, write the story as if it is actually happening to someone else. Possibly read it out loud to a friend or partner and ask their opinion (but only if you feel they will be constructive and not overly picky and/or critical).

Laugh at someone or something else (possibly a pet) -- Funny pets or friends are real assets to a comedy writer. Friends of mine have always been fortunate in this regard, as every single pet (usually dogs) has a hilarious, human-like personality. One dog when put to bed in their garage could actually open the tilt-a-door from the inside, trot to the front door and, giving a low warning sound, would alert the kids to let him in so he could then sleep on one of their beds for the night. Another friend had a budgie that became overly fond of beer and mixed his words up hysterically when intoxicated.

The trick if you have a funny friend is not to appear as if you are putting them down or making fun of them but rather to actually be having fun with them. Show appreciation for their funny side and praise them by saying that you going to use their story in one of your skits.

Now the exercise is to put together a very short humorous talk about one of your pets or friends (no more than one or two paragraphs).
 

Concentrate for a week on only watching comedy programs on TV, YouTube, Amazon or on DVD -- possibly invest money in boosting your comedy library and don't limit yourself to comedy from your own background or country. Try old Abbott & Costello films, the Fawlty Towers series, The Castle (great Australian film), Patch Adams, a Fish called Wanda and so on.

The exercise here is for you to really carefully consider what has actually amused you and pick from each film or series episode, one topic that you could use in your own writings (not exactly, of course, but to model your joke after).