Book Description
Updated and revised, this new edition of the best-selling favorite enables readers to master the fundamentals of humor writing and better understand the demands of the comedic market. Comedy Writing Secrets now includes:
-Examples from comedy greats as well as cutting-edge contemporary comedians, including Jon Stewart, Chris Rock, and Tina Fey
-A complete spectrum of techniques, from writing one-liners and stand-up routines, to finding a market for one's work
-Step-by-step writing exercises accompanied with sample answers, so readers can practice and hone their skills
With this guide, aspiring comics can learn how to sharpen their comedic talent and turn it into a well-paying pursuit.
Customer Reviews:
You'll love it!... if you're 67.......2007-09-21
The reason there are no good books on comedy is because it is an inherently impossible field to "break down" and "explain." These guys do an okay job of relaying the history of comedy, but they do nothing to actually explain anything.
Besides that fundamental flaw, these guys are simply too old and the book reads like my grandfather's "1001 Polish Jokes." This advice would have been pretty helpful is honing your standup routine for Ed Sullivan but in 2007 it just seems pathetic and lame.
Dated, but useful.......2007-09-13
If you can get this book cheap, then I would recommend it simply for the fundamentals. However, it is a painful book to read; it is very old (1987) and, ahem, in some ways politically incorrect (but then again, everyone is so damn sensitive these days). I first read this book in 1989 - and it was useful. I picked it up again this year (2007) and realized two great lessons: 1) That some forms of comedy are classic and will always work. 2) That times change and humor does as well ... what might have worked for you two years ago may need to be reworked and changed around.
Well done!!!.......2007-07-26
This is a good book for anyone who wants to learn methods and concepts on comedy writing, or even how to construct material/jokes for their own personal life. This book is aimed toward people going into stand-up or comedy writing, but it is also very useful for people who just want to broaden their sense of humor. This book is broken down into different concepts and joke types, and each joke type is explained on how it is constructed. This book also has exercises on how to observe things differently, particularly how to "find the funny" in everyday things, and to take these observations and turn them into tools for laughter. I recommend this book to anyone entering the field of comedy, and also to people who would just like to expand their sense of humor. There are also some very good jokes inside! Very enjoyable read!
What other comedy books don't tell you.......2007-07-13
And it's not because they are withholding the information either!
Breaking down comedy into a scientific method is not an easy process. PLUS, there's a lot more to it than just understanding the core structure of comedy. With that being said, I think you'll find a lot of gems in this book that will make you funnier in your every day life.
Not just for writing comedy, this book will help you be funnier in general in your interactions with your friends and co-workers.
A lot of it deal with content. As this book was written for Comedy WRITING, it was written in mind that you cannot use your personality, way of acting as a shtick. So it relies heavily on the CONTENT... it's very potent, because communication is said to be over 90% body language.
If this is true, and you learn (and you can) to be funny with the remaining 10%, IMAGINE... how funny you could be if you started working on your general ating shticks and personas.
I've used this book to see how I could use it in my every day to be more interesting in general I think it will serve you well if that's what you're looking for.
VERY HELPFUL FOR ACTORS.......2007-03-09
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK OVERALL. AS AN ACTOR I HAVE FOUND THE TECHNIQUES HELPFUL FOR MY ACTING AND SCREENWRITING AS WELL. YOU REALLY NEED TO BE PATIENT WITH THIS BOOK AS IT IS LONG-WINDED AT TIMES. IT'S QUITE THROUGH THOUGH AND DOING THE LITTLE HOMEWORK EXERCISES IS IMPORTANT. THE FUDAMENTAL CONCEPTS ARE HERE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES, IF THERE WILL BE ON.
JAY MADHAV, HOLLYWOOD
Book Description
The creator and executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond dissects the art of comedy and the making of a sitcom classic
In television, where programs can premiere and disappear in the same week, Everybody Loves Raymond reigned as America's best-loved show for nine years with more than seventeen million viewers. As the number-one sitcom, it received more than seventy Emmy nominations, including two wins for best comedy. With You're Lucky You're Funny, Phil Rosenthal takes us onstage and inside the writer's room.
Rosenthal's meteoric ascent was preceded by odd jobs, including a stint as a museum security guard, running a deli, and writing for a slew of forgettable shows—including one starring Robert Mitchum as a curmudgeonly homeless man taken in by two orphans. But when he met comedian Ray Romano, they discovered a shared lifetime of family dysfunction—and endless material for a sitcom.
Not only a chronicle of one man's rise to the peak of his profession, Rosenthal's book is also an unprecedented look at the making of a hit series: how shows are written and character developed, how comedy is refined, how network executives are outsmarted, and most important, how egos are massaged. You're Lucky You're Funny is an inspiration to anyone involved in the creative process and a must read for the show's millions of devoted fans. BACKCOVER:
Advanced Praise:
“In the Prologue, Mr. Rosenthal says `No one listens to me. Maybe the reader will...' You should! He is the real deal, both as a human being and as an artist of comedy.”
—Henry Winkler
"I read YOU'RE LUCKY YOU'RE FUNNY and loved it! If you had the Everybody Loves Raymond bug during its 9 year run, this is the love letter you've been waiting for. If you've missed the bug, read it at the risk of being bitten and smitten."
—Norman Lear
Customer Reviews:
If you liked Raymond.......2007-08-25
It is a must have book. Even if not, there are a lot of good stories on showbiz, and his life as well. Good read.
An Entertaining Read for ELR Fans.......2007-06-12
I think this book would appeal to fans of "Everybody Loves Raymond". For some parts it talks about the struggles of Phil Rosenthal's early days as an aspiring actor cum writer. His experiences before he found success are recorded with humor and insight. However the most entertaining parts were when he recounted how some of my favorite episodes came about. It is like a keepsake for an ELR fan.
Everyone loves Phil....not!.......2007-05-06
Haven't read a book in years I am ashamed to say. However, a portion of this book was in the Reader's Digest recently and was fascinating, if you are a devotee of "Everyone Loves Raymond," Thought I would get it and it would collect dust, like the other books I purchase. Nope, I read it in 3 nites. Not sure why this book didn't soar, or at least I never heard about it. Phil Rosenthal permeates every episode of the Raymond series....you can see that clearly here.
This book is great.......2007-03-12
......one of the funniest books I have ever read. If you are a fan of
ELR, this is a must-read. Good job, Phil!!!!
good story, annoying voice.......2007-02-19
I thought a humor book would have an edge as a book on CD, but the cadence of the author's voice is off-putting. It's like listening to Jackie Mason Lite. Good stories about the behind-the-scenes life of a comedy writer if you can get past the voice of Phil Rosenthal.
Book Description
Take it from the narrator of this book, an all-knowing big sister: when you're a baby you don't read books. You eat them. You don't know how old you are, or even if you're a boy or a girl. And you have to keep a special plug in your mouth to stop your scream from coming out. But one day, you won't be little anymore, and then you'll be taller and smarter, and actually quite clever. Like the narrator. And you'll be able to share memories of what it was like when you were little with your incredible Big Sister.
Customer Reviews:
Fun Book.......2007-09-17
I bought this book for my 5-year-old granddaughter who has two little brothers and will be big sister to another baby soon. I know she'll be able to identify with the girl in the book. Reading this was fun for me too - some pages made me laugh out loud. It's exactly what a big sister would say and think, even about such things as messy diapers. I think this book will become a favorite for the child who receives it.
My five year old loves this book!.......2007-08-25
I have a 5 year old daughter and a 15 month old boy. He, of course, gets all of the attention.
We checked this book out from the library and after reading it I had to buy it! It is a MUST have for any older sister who has a baby in the house. It is a light-hearted look at what babies can and can't do compared to the much more mature older sister. Not only is it cute, its truth is downright funny and had us all laughing out loud!
Humorous and Fun!.......2007-07-25
This book is delightful! There is much to laugh at, much to love. I've shared it with my 3-year-old granddaughter, who will be a big sister come September. She was much intrigued by the great art work, and I could tell it helped enhance her self esteem, as well.
Fabulous!.......2007-07-20
My new favorite children's book! Such a fun, light-hearted look at being a big sister. My five year old daughter and I giggled out loud when we read this the first time from the library. The writing is right on level with a child's sense of humor, but fun for adults to read as well. This one I have to have for our permanent collection.
right on target.......2007-06-14
This book is wonderful for children who are expecting a little brother or sister. My grandaughter wanted to read it over and over again and it displaced some of her fears. The book was Right On.
Book Description
At last. A how-to book by someone who actually knows how to. -- Larry Gelbart
Customer Reviews:
An Excellent Learning Tool.......2007-06-02
This book is a bit of a contradiction, insofar as it is very entertaining reading, yet you learn a great deal almost by accident. I also intuitively feel I'd like the author; whether as an instructor or just a nice guy to share a cold beer with. If you are interested in how to make humor "click," this is the place to look. Highly recommended.
Who, me?!.......2005-08-23
So someone once asked me, "Pamela, do you write comedy?". "Not on purpose", I replied.
But now, with the help of a really funny guy who wrote a really helpful book, I can make a good go at it.
Like Brad Schreiber himself, this book is intelligent, witty, accessible, inspiring, and fun.
It offers overviews of various forms of humor, theories of humor, examples of humor, excerpts from humorists, practical advice on writing funny, and even provocative exercises that guarantee at least a giggle, most often a guffaw.
As a story consultant myself, I recommend Brad's book to my writing clients.
As a reader, I recommend Brad's book to anyone -- writer, speaker, performer -- who wants to lighten their life and the presentation of their message with humor.
Over 70 excerpts from top screenwriters .......2005-02-10
Produce winning comedic screenplays using fiction and nonfiction alike with Brad Schreiber's What Are You Laughing At?: How To Write Funny Screenplays, Stories, & More. Included are over 70 excerpts from top screenwriters and pairing them with writing exercises and details on the differences between writing comedy for TV versus stage. There are eleven modes of comedic dialogue, 13 common problems screenwriters encounter and valuable insights into the rhythm and sound of words in What Are You Laughing At? Brad is himself a L.A. screenwriter, so his tips come from an insider's hand.
an example of what it teaches.......2004-06-11
This book is funny -- even if you don't feel like learning anything from it, you'll laugh. Writers will recognize themselves in the examples for sure. I like that the book is about *writing funny* as opposed to writing screenplays or columns or novels or [insert genre here]. Schreiber breaks down the principles of humor writing and gives you guidance on applying them to any type of project.
Brad Schreiber: WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT?.......2004-04-09
This is a wry, dry, witty and comprehensive piece of work which is excellent reading in itself as well as being essential for the aspiring writer. Schreiber draws on his experience as TV development executive, teacher, script consultant and actor to hand on a wealth of useful information on everything from Aphorisms to Yiddish Sound Theory and from the Author's Voice to Vulgarity - and for the really keen student there are 'Do This Now' exercises at the end of every section. This is a high quality publication by Michael Wise Productions. It has a useful index and an excellent introduction by Christopher Vogler. I enoyed it hugely.
Book Description
Laughter Therapy is a two-part book. Part one is a theoretical framework for understanding laughter and other forms of catharsis. Included are case studies and examples of laughter. Part one and two are liberally sprinkled with appropriate quotes. Part two contains 25 ways to help yourself laugh and how to relearn to laugh without ridicule in order to maximize healing and connection with ourselves, each other and the universe.
Customer Reviews:
Groucho was right!.......2005-03-02
Save your money and for sure don't buy this book! The only funny thing stated in this book was from Groucho Marx. He said, "From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend reading it." In respect for Groucho, I would have this to say to him, I read the book and there was nothing funny or laughable except for your quote.
There isn't ANYONE who won't benefit from this book!.......1999-11-09
Every single line in this marvelous book contains wisdom, good sense, and simple yet profoundly logical advice that we should apply to every day of our lives. You'll find yourself reading lines over several times to better remember what they say about the importance of laughter, how it can be misused, and how it can add immeasurably to our quality of life. Written with intelligence and humor in easy-to-read, conversational style, the author shows us that laughter should not be "laughed off" as unnecessary, unproductive or frivolous. I found myself repeatedly saying "what a great thought" or "what a fabulous idea." For those with problems, illnesses or aspects of their lives that are not really funny, this book offers rock-solid solutions for using laughter therapy to help you deal and cope in dramatically better ways. Few, if any, of us don't have stress or problems that drain our physical and emotional reservoirs -- and so, this book has inspiring, universal appeal. Light bulbs will go on for you when you read this unique book that will help you communicate more deeply, directly and enjoyably with others -- and with yourself. Life is often tragic and very real, and this book proves that it is also enormously funny. I would buy this book as a gift for everyone you know! There won't be anyone who won't thank you a thousand times over for it!
Book Description
An invaluable guide on how to "lighten up" from a distinguished pro who has provided laughs for JAY LENO, BILLY CRYSTAL, STEVE MARTIN, ROBIN WILLIAMS, BRAD GARRETT, WHOOPI GOLDBERG, AND MANY MORE.
Who hasn't wished for the perfect withering comeback line, a clever tension-breaking quip, or a winning flirtatious remark? Being funny is hard work and not everyone is a natural. How to Be Funny is a witty guide that teaches readers precisely how to be funnier in everyday life. It's a must-read for anyone who has to speak in public, be engaging and funny at work or at play, or who hopes to one day go out on a date.
Jon Macks, a comedy writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, Hollywood Squares, and the nation's top comedians, politicians, and corporate leaders, knows his funny business. Here he demystifies the process of making people laugh, breaks down the basic building blocks and types of humor -- which include self-deprecation, misdirection, deadpan delivery, sarcasm, and "the reverse" -- and reveals the best approaches to use in common situations.
How to Be Funny features helpful (and hilarious) tips and anecdotes from the comic legends Mack's worked with -- including Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, Gilbert Gottfried, Billy Crystal, Rita Rudner, Dave Barry, and Carrie Fisher -- in his eleven years as one of the nation's top television writers.
Whether the goal is to give a memorable public address or deliver a killer line with friends, How to Be Funny is a charming, instructive, and practical read.
Customer Reviews:
will donate this book to my local library book sale.......2007-08-02
Can't say I'm getting much out of this book. It's like reading someone's notes to a lecture on "how to be funny," or someone's rambling random thoughts on "how to be funny." Also, it's hard to use as a reference book -- contains no index, and I don't see a table of contents anywhere. Sure, it contains amusing bits, and probably has some value. But, I will see if my local library wants it -- or can at least make 50 cents selling it in a book sale.
A PRO WEIGHS IN.......2007-07-04
I'm a professional stand up comedian and writer who has earned a living at my craft for over 20 years. A rather good living, thanks. And i'm appalled at some of the advice presented here. Please, if you hold any ambitions to go pro, or even just amuse your friends or impress women with humor, avoid this book like the plague.
Finally - proof that my husband is NOT funny.......2007-06-07
My husband is exceedingly charming, but not always funny. He can stretch a joke further than I can stretch my spandex pants. This book proves that he should not be doing that. Now when my husband starts to tell a joke I just roll the book up and hit him on the nose with it. I like the book.
Very funny book, very funny author, very funny sound when you whack someone with it.
Hillarious.......2007-02-12
This book is great! It's small and portable, there are pages in there, and there's even text added to almost every single page, yeah, readable text!
If you thought the above paragraph was funny, then read no further and just order this book, if you didn't think it was funny, get the book and then teach me how to be funny. Not only does the book gives you great tips on how to improve your comedy skills for your everyday life, but the book itself is impossible to put down, every single page is full of hilarious text that will make you want to read the book over and over again.
Many comics get their early inspirations from people close to them; a parent, sibling, friend or even the guy/gal next to you in the bathroom stall. This book is just as inspirational, without the BO. The topicality of the book is outdated, but the points that it makes will last through any generation.
Life is too short.......2006-11-06
I mourn for the trees felled to make the paper for this drivel.
Customer Reviews:
A great help but use it wisely.......2007-08-01
Doreen has never been a confident public speaker but last summer she was faced with the daunting challenge of delivering a speech in a local debate. 'This house believes that prostitution should be legalised' was never going to be an easy motion to put to a Christian faith-group. Apparently she surmised that the only chance to get the audience on her side would be through the use of humour. Not a bad idea, I'll warrant, but Doreen (physical characteristics aside) has never been a particularly funny woman. I bought this excellent guidebook to help out but sadly I think she failed to exploit its full potential. If she had even glanced over the explanations of word-play, misdirection and irony then it certainly didn't come across. Rather, I believe that she followed in the footsteps of Roy 'Chubby' Brown and confined her research to one particular facet of comedy.
Well, I don't think even Doreen had intended on turning the air quite so blue, but the warm-up gin and tonics went far beyond being a 'calming influence'. I fear that she was egged-on even further by vocal support from the elderly Mrs. Dewhurst. These isolated plaudits were probably not the best way to gauge the sentiment of the room, if one considers that Mrs Dewhurst tends to punctuate even the most leisurely of Sunday sermons with equally raucous cheers. Needless to say, the speech was not met with universal acclaim. Still, technically the debate can't be chalked up as a loss. The melee that broke out (after a gag that would have made Ron Jeremy blush) ended any chances of a civil vote being held.
Do you Speak? Do you Write?.......2007-05-08
...then you should own this book.
The Comic Toolbox reveals the method to the madness of humor. And you'll find immediate applications to anything you create; verbally, visually or in print.
Excellent book for story tellers.......2007-04-26
Breaks down all the elements of not just a comedy story, but for any story. Makes it easy to come up with an interesting dynamic between characters and the plot.
If you are looking for something to help you be funny with friends, or to tell jokes, the concepts can still be applied, but you'd have to keep your friends there long enough for you to build up a funny story.
Worth the money
Highly Recommended.......2006-08-09
As a professional screenwriter and teacher of screenwriting, I can testify that this book offers loads of invaluable advice and wisdom about writing comedy. But as an added bonus, it will help you write almost any kind of screenplay. A treasured addition to my shelf of how-to books.
Real tools to build funny.......2006-05-31
Finally, a book that offers real tools and exercises to help you write humor. After you get the basics, John Vorhaus helps you understand what makes it funny and what slows it down and shows you how to get the laugh instead of just head nods because they reaize you are ironic. I highly reccomend this book for anyone looking to write humor on demand. I would love to see John write a book focused on the Comic Strip and similar short form humor.
Customer Reviews:
Great for Art Class.......2007-09-18
I use this whole series in my Art Class to Elementary children. They love this extra activity. It builds their confidence that they can draw identifible things. They even take multiple instructions and create a whole picture. I ripped the book apart and laminated the pages into easy to use cards. Works great!
Perfect for Children.......2006-07-27
Very pleased with this How to Draw Book. Our Grandchildren--ages 5 and 7--- sat down and immediately started drawing people from the book. I was amazed! Easy directions for them to understand.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book!.......2004-04-21
Very helpful book on the basics of creating comics. I needed a book that would take me from square one and show me the ropes. This did all that and more. I would definitely recommend this book!
Bleh.......2003-01-05
I wanted this book to be good. I really did. It had what I was looking for, info on the most important aspect of cartooning: the writing.But, unless you intend to create cliche, unoriginal cartoons, this book is not for you. Because that's all it does. It explains in detail the most common cartoon character stereotypes and how you should use them. it tells you what is normally done and tells you to do the same. cartooning is not about following paths that have already been followed. i enjoyed The Naked Cartoonist by Robert Mankoff, cartoon editor for the New Yorker. It explains the creative process in general.
Here's my advice: don't listen to advice from cartoonists who aren't even successful themselves. they clearly don't know what they're talking about.
Great book but not what I was looking for........2001-12-06
Well this book has it all. How to draw and come up with characters, how to layout out for comic panals. What and What not to do writing strips and doing the comic layout, etc. I'de say you have it all here. I was just hoping it would give more on writing scripts, but I guess there realy is no help guid it's just skill.
one of Hart's more in-depth books.......2001-07-06
Christopher Hart's name appears on a number of beginner's how-to books, but he's not just a beginner's author, as this book demonstrates. This is one of the better, and more advanced, cartooning books out there. While it does go over yer usual "stick-man" first steps briefly, most of it is devoted to addressing stuff like panel layout, strip breakdowns, consistency of character design, timing in humor writing, marketing your work, etc. In every case, Hart speaks from experience: apparently he has written stand-up and TV comedy professionally, as well as doing animation, comic books, strips, and piloting the space shuttle. [I'm just guessing at that last one, but don't be surprised... ]
Anyhoo, if you've advanced in your cartoons to the point where you're considering getting into the pool of publication, this book is a good resource for polishing and fine-tuning what you can do.
Much better than most catrooning books.......2001-04-13
Drawing on the Funny Side of the Brain is a great resource for aspiring cartoonists, one, because as one reviewer said, it doesn't insult you about your ability. The book helps you learn about creating your own characters, laying out panel strips, making single-panel strips, tricks of the trade, what poses and looks are funnier for characters, help with joke writing, learning more about dialouge, text balloons, shading, techniques, how to get your work noticed and sold, how to protect your ideas, and a ton bit more. He even discusses hard and soft punch lines, good and bad setups, dimensions to draw the copy, what tools to use, different kinds of panels, drama vs. comedy, wide and close views, shadows, connected and double balloons, tips on submitting to publishers and syndicators, rating your own gags, meeting deadlines, handling writer's block, building character name recognition, and cartooning resources to both submit to and get more information on. An all-around great book for the beginner cartoonist and the serious cartoonist with a career in mind.
Average customer rating:
- How to Write Funny ... it's good, and funny
- Dave Barry, P.J. O'Rourke, Tom Bodett, & Roy Blunt, Jr? Could it NOT be funny?
- Offers A Variety Of Viewpoints From Successful Writers
- Many Peoples' Takes On Humor Writing
- repetitive
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How to Write Funny: Add Humor to Every Kind of Writing
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ASIN: 1582970548 |
Amazon.com
"Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog," says E. B. White. "Few people are interested and the frog dies of it." White might have reconsidered, had he had access to How to Write Funny. In the book, 28 humorists discuss the business of writing funny. David Bouchier likens humor to sex; James Finn Garner says it's "mainly channeled aggression"; and Sherman Alexie claims that "jokes are poetry." The authors here--they include Melissa Banks, Dave Barry, Roy Blount Jr., and Bill Bryson--are less likely to teach humor than to help you find your inner humorist. A very satisfying book, touching on writers that take chances, poke fun at themselves, and draw our attention to the absurdities that we all take for granted. By the way, editor John B. Kachuba wants you to read his book whether you need it or not. As he says, "I could use the money." --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
Combining classic and original articles with ten full-length interviews from famous (and very funny!) authors, including Dave Barry, P.J. O'Rourke, Jennifer Crusie, Tom Bodett, Bill Bryson, Joe R. Landsdale, Roy Blount and others, How to Write Funny teaches writers how to sharpen their sense of humor in their writing. Readers will discover how to add humor to any kind of writing from short stories and novels to columns and memoirs and create humorous characters, and dialogue.
* A humor writing workshop that teaches writers how to add humor to their work without turning it into a comedy
* The light, humorous tone makes the book both an effective teaching tool and great read
* Includes insider viewpoints from famous writers
Customer Reviews:
How to Write Funny ... it's good, and funny.......2007-09-05
The book is a collection of opinions about humorous writing by several well published humor authors. It's good reading, and darned interesting (my favorite was a transcript of a discussion of comedic writing, by 5 authors).
The funniest part of the book is the contrast. One writer will give advice saying, "I don't read other humor authors works," while another will say to read everything you can get your hands on. There's a LOT of contradicting ideas in each chapter, which actually tells you a lot.
Dave Barry, P.J. O'Rourke, Tom Bodett, & Roy Blunt, Jr? Could it NOT be funny? .......2007-03-19
Well, sadly the answer is "yes."
For a "how to" guide, there was very little "how to." For a humor book, there was very little "funny." Still, it was interesting to get a glimpse into the minds of some of my favorite humorists (especially those mentioned above in the subject).
The book is a collection of essays by various writers and humorists discussing techniques for writing humorous fiction. There are some basic principles of good writing (story & character development) and the individual essays and interviews are interesting. The only disappointment is that because they are general essays developed by various authors, there's a good deal of repetition, as well as contradiction.
I think this book would have tremendous as a "panel discussion." The humorists I named are quick on their feet, and would have played off each others' ideas to build a much more cohesive (and entertaining) book... of course, most of us would have wanted the DVD or at least the CD.
Some of the comic principles or techniques discussed in the book are: surprise, incongruity, exaggeration & understatement, word play, parody, and visuals.
Offers A Variety Of Viewpoints From Successful Writers.......2007-01-01
Am really enjoying this book. Every chapter is written by or about a different author and their individual perspectives really come through. The writing and editing are top-notch, whether reading straight from the beginning or jumping around to different chapters. One of my favorites is an interview with Sherman Alexie, a Native American humorist. It's wonderful to discover that someone so uniquely funny can influence my own aspirations. Of course with all the writers come different opinions as to what's important in humor writing. (If they didn't, now that'd be funny.) For me, that means I'm getting the big picture, insightful tips, and a great read rather than the usual "There's Only One Correct Way" stuff. I have dog-eared about 1/3 of the pages and yellow highlighted (if that's a word) much of the rest. It is not a Step 1-2-3 sort of book, so if you're looking for that, save this book for later. But if you want a broad perspective from successful writers, consider this book.
Many Peoples' Takes On Humor Writing.......2006-11-20
The negative review earlier about how many of the authors sound like one another is correct but misleading.
To me, though most of the commentary is similar, that's because they are shared impressions of comic writers, rather than an indication that this is a poor selection.
As proof of the variety, just think: in addition to Barry and Bryson, you also get writers of comedic fantasy, children's books, romance, a Hawaiian-Asian ethnic humorist, newspaper writers and so on. You even have the guy who wrote a "comedic" story about a man who chopped up his mother and put her in the fridge (not ever going to be on my reading list).
The biggest reason to read the book is that variety of voices, which contrasts strongly with the usual book on comic writing: I'm a comedian, here's my take. If eighteen different writers say "comic fiction writers get no respect", "teaching humor is impossible", and "family history is important to my work", I'm inclined to think they're probably truisms of the field.
repetitive.......2005-10-04
Instead of "every kind of writing," the subtitle should say "fiction and personal narrative." Some of the big names have interesting things to say, but this book is mostly little-known short story writers telling you that Mark Twain is great, people in their families were great story tellers, well-developed characters in stories are important, read a lot, humor writing doesn't get the respect it deserves, and then again, Mark Twain is great. And, that you can't have great humor writing without great writing, but there's plenty of mediocre writing in this book, like too many cutesy parenthetical asides.
There are some interesting points here and there, but the price of a used copy will be more in line with the book's value.
Books:
- Complete Mage: A Player's Guide to All Things Arcane (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)
- Conversations with God : An Uncommon Dialogue (Book 1)
- Crazy Salad: Some Things About Women (Modern Library Humor and Wit)
- Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future
- Delmar's Standard Textbook of Electricity, 3E
- Different Like Coco
- Dreams
- Eat the Rich: A Treatise on Economics (O'Rourke, P. J.)
- Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2)
- Fortune is a River: Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli's Magnificent Dream to Change the Course of Florentine History
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- History: Fiction or Science
- A Moveable Feast
- The Never Ending Pigeon Saga
- The World's History, The, Combined Volume
- The Return of the Native
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers,The
- Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century
- Federal Income Taxation of Trusts & Estates: Cases, Problems, and Materials
- The Impact Of The Internal Market On Pay And Collective Bargaining
- Export Sales & Marketing Manual 2007: 2007
Palm Reading: A Little Guide to Life's Secrets (Miniature Edition)
Body Language
Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway (r)
Handwriting Analysis
The Sound of Your Voice
