“Comedy writing is hard…”
Comedy Writing – the 8 Types of Humor – Writing Jokes
“I learned from one of the best, George Carlin. Carlin said, ‘I know with 98 percent accuracy that a joke is going to be funny before I step on stage.’ I said, ‘How do you know that?’ George said, ‘Because it contains all the elements a joke needs to be funny.'” – Jerry Corley, Hollywood comedy screenwriter & Comedy Clinic teacher
“I believe there are two ways of writing novels. One is mine, making a sort of musical comedy without music and ignoring real life altogether. The other is going right deep down into life and not caring a damn.” – P G Wodehouse
“Surprise is the most important element of comedy. Basically, if there is no surprise, there is no humor.” – Gene Perret, Comedy Writer
“The best way to get good comic ideas is to work with somebody who has them.” – Jonathan Lynn
Are You Writing Comedy?
We all have our favourite comedy writing how-to books, eh?
Three of mine are WODEHOUSE ON WODEHOUSE by P G Wodehouse, COMEDY RULES: From The Cambridge Footlights To YES PRIME MINISTER by Jonathan Lynn, and WHAT’S ON TAPP? by Gordie Tapp of Hee Haw fame.
All three are blendings of memoirs and personal peeks into their creative processes of how they did it: how they wrote the comedy that gave them such success.
Comedy Writing
Whether crafting jokes or writing full-fledged fiction or screenplays, they all had to master the Basics of Comedy.
So what are those Basics? Have you mastered them yet? As you are about to read: “Writing comedy is not easy — few people are natural comedians.”
Here, from UK author Laura Dowers, is a Guest Blog Post:
“Comedy Writing – the 8 Types of Humour”
Creative writing can be a tricky thing, but even more so when a writer wants it to contain elements of humour. Humour is one of those abstracts that does not translate well. Different nationalities find different things funny, and what may seem like wit to people from one country sounds like sarcasm to another. Moreover, humour does not only differ from country to country, but person to person too.
The written word is not a natural vehicle for humour, but there are some writers who manage to introduce laugh-out-loud moments into their work. Ironic and satirical are perhaps the easiest types of humour to weave into a book — note Jane Austen — but there are others, such as farcical, which often only work well in a visual medium.
So, just what are the eight different types of humour, of comedy?
- Observational. Humour that is based on personal happenings. People find this funny because they have found themselves in similar situations and therefore “relate’ to the story being told. [2]
- Blue. Rude and risqué, usually involving sexual situations and words.
- Gallows. Bleak, dark humour that often surfaces in dire situations.
- Dry. Also known as deadpan, this is humour delivered in a flat, impassive manner without theatrics or embellishments. The British are especially famous for this type of humour.
- Ironic. Humour where the opposite of what is said is true.
- Satirical. Humour where people or a society is mocked or their weaknesses and shortcomings are exposed.
- Farcical. Humour arising from unlikely coincidences and where the action is often hectic. Similar to screwball comedy.
- Situation. Humour that arises from a particular and static situation, hence the word “Sitcom.” [3]
Writing humour is not about telling a joke, but it does follow a similar pattern in that there should be a set up followed by a punchline. There are some elements that every writer can use to inject a bit of comedy into their work.
Comedy Writing is not easy — few people are natural comedians.
It takes a lot of hard work and a great deal of redrafting. Once you have written and edited what you think is funny, give it to someone to read. Watch them closely – see if they smile, note how far up their face the smile goes, be pleased if they give out a good guffaw. Only then will you know if you have been successful in writing comedy…
– Laura Dowers
Laura’s 8 Types of Humour are especially important if you’re writing Stand-Up comedy. If you’re seeking comedy writing jobs, they’re essential!
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
Love Comedy? See my most controversial Post: RURAL PURGE: The Day Hollywood Killed the Great Comedies & Westerns – Liberal VS Conservative Comedy.
“IF WE EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?” George Carlin
[1] Author Laura Dowers holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Laura’s interests are in Literature, Theatre, Art, Writing and Music. She has published a number of historical novels, starting with THE QUEEN’S FAVOURITE. Visit: lauradowers.com.
[2] A Fave Observational Joke: “YOU KNOW YOU’RE A REDNECK WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FINEST POSSESSIONS ON THE FRONT LAWN SO YOUR NEIGHBORS CAN SEE ‘EM!” Jeff Foxworthy
[3] …hence the word “Sitcom.” Or, as those of us who love the eccentric, exceptional, extraordinary British Comedies like to call ’em: “Britcoms!”
Title: Comedy Writing Jobs: Write Stand-Up Comedy – 8 Types of Humor Funny
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