Writing Comedy
I've noticed that writing comedy that is new and uniquely funny is no easy task, especially over the past 4 or 5 years with the growing trend of success on certain video websites.
When I sit down after being inspired or sparked by something I see on TV, in the news or on a drama etc.
etc, I often only write down a line (usually the punchline) and a little blurb off what sparked that idea (for reference).
I then put my notebook away and let the idea play on my mind over the next few hours.
Note: don't over dwell on an idea, just let it ponder on your mind.
and leave it open for more possibilities.
Now I know what your all thinking, 'Yeah, so?' Well, the answer too that my friend is simple.
Have you ever sat down with an amazing idea, started writing, got about a paragraph off your idea down on paper, thinking your on fire with it, and all of a sudden you brain goes into melt down.
You have hit the proverbial wall.
What im getting at is, When your writing something that is in your own opinion hilarious, there is no rush on getting it onto paper.
Why? Because your idea, is YOUR idea, and how you represent it is going to be your choice.
When we rush things we tend get caught up in the heat of the moment and write anything we THINK will make people laugh.
And we do not, under any circumstances, want to fall into the "think" category.
It is very important that we never THINK that something is funny.
A good rule of thumb is, if it made you laugh then it will most likely make others laugh too.
Say this next line too yourself 5 or more times out loud.
If it makes me laugh, it will make others laugh.
Infact Write that on the front cover of your notebook.
note to self: Get a notebook and carry it everywhere with you, so you can write down all your ideas wherever you are.
Believe me when I say that there is nothing more annoying than having an idea, not being able to write it down and forgetting it by the time you get home.
Why a notebook and not a Netbook or an Android phone or an Ipod Touch.
Personally I think writing something down with a pen on paper surprisingly changes the look and feel of the line.
When i type my jokes or little punchlines down on my computer it just doesn't seem to feel the same or even have as much character to it.
Writing it down seems much more effective.
So what about when ive finish writing my sketch? Huh? you've already finished? No your not.
You've only finished writing your first draft.
Its time to edit, re-edit and edit again.
Believe it or not even the top comedians of today are doing this, some of the best comedians in the world take their time and write every single little thing that pops into their mind down, and cut a majority out (I deliberately didn't give a figure because that part im afraid to say is down to trial and error).
Note too beginners, Only start of writing little 2 minute sketches( about a page and a half), and work you way up toward writing One Act plays( about 30-40 pages) or 15-20 minute sketches( 20-25 pages).
When I sit down after being inspired or sparked by something I see on TV, in the news or on a drama etc.
etc, I often only write down a line (usually the punchline) and a little blurb off what sparked that idea (for reference).
I then put my notebook away and let the idea play on my mind over the next few hours.
Note: don't over dwell on an idea, just let it ponder on your mind.
and leave it open for more possibilities.
Now I know what your all thinking, 'Yeah, so?' Well, the answer too that my friend is simple.
Have you ever sat down with an amazing idea, started writing, got about a paragraph off your idea down on paper, thinking your on fire with it, and all of a sudden you brain goes into melt down.
You have hit the proverbial wall.
What im getting at is, When your writing something that is in your own opinion hilarious, there is no rush on getting it onto paper.
Why? Because your idea, is YOUR idea, and how you represent it is going to be your choice.
When we rush things we tend get caught up in the heat of the moment and write anything we THINK will make people laugh.
And we do not, under any circumstances, want to fall into the "think" category.
It is very important that we never THINK that something is funny.
A good rule of thumb is, if it made you laugh then it will most likely make others laugh too.
Say this next line too yourself 5 or more times out loud.
If it makes me laugh, it will make others laugh.
Infact Write that on the front cover of your notebook.
note to self: Get a notebook and carry it everywhere with you, so you can write down all your ideas wherever you are.
Believe me when I say that there is nothing more annoying than having an idea, not being able to write it down and forgetting it by the time you get home.
Why a notebook and not a Netbook or an Android phone or an Ipod Touch.
Personally I think writing something down with a pen on paper surprisingly changes the look and feel of the line.
When i type my jokes or little punchlines down on my computer it just doesn't seem to feel the same or even have as much character to it.
Writing it down seems much more effective.
So what about when ive finish writing my sketch? Huh? you've already finished? No your not.
You've only finished writing your first draft.
Its time to edit, re-edit and edit again.
Believe it or not even the top comedians of today are doing this, some of the best comedians in the world take their time and write every single little thing that pops into their mind down, and cut a majority out (I deliberately didn't give a figure because that part im afraid to say is down to trial and error).
Note too beginners, Only start of writing little 2 minute sketches( about a page and a half), and work you way up toward writing One Act plays( about 30-40 pages) or 15-20 minute sketches( 20-25 pages).
