A Chat with Funny Master, Scott Dikkers
The thing I love about
’ books is that they are filled with actionable advice to get you writing and tools that improve that writing once you actually sit down at the keyboard or notebook. His latest book, The Elements of Humor: The Tools of Comedy that Make You Funnier, Happier, and Better Looking, delivers this useful information to the layperson who would like to incorporate humor into their work.It’s the best $24 I spent in December. I mean, except for Christmas gifts and dinners and all of the holiday hoopla.
It’s the best $24 I spent on December 5, 2024.
One way or the other, this book will continue to sit on my desk through the years. I’ll recommend it to folx who want to incorporate humor into their writing. I’ll leaf through it when I’m stuck for a new way to describe someone stealing my banana. I’ll spill my morning tea on it and be too cheap to buy a new copy.
Yep. It’s my new best friend.
And isn’t that what you want from a book about writing?
While the Funny Filters continue to be the best set of tools for injecting humor into any type of writing, the parts of the book I found the most transformational were his encouraging words on how to allow your inner humorist to run free.
So, I was crazy excited when Scott Dikkers generously agreed to share his thoughts on publishing, comedy writing, and his favorite Funny Filter!
What do you prefer, traditional, hybrid or self-publishing?
I actually have only done hybrid publishing for one book, back in 2015. My latest books have been traditional, but now I think I'll be doing some self-published ones for a while. The lay of the land changes so much, and the pros and cons of each keep evolving—it's not easy to stay on top of it.
What called you to reframe your comedy lessons for the layperson?
I've spent a lot of time training or coaching people on the art and craft of comedy, and I thought I could help a lot of people get funnier quickly if I just imparted a few of the things I'd discovered.
What do you love about what you are doing now? What's your least favorite part?
I love coaching people who want to write humor. And I love writing. Those are my two favorite things, if I can pick two. Least favorite is the organizing and scheduling involved in running a business. I'm a disorganized creative person with his head in the clouds most of the time. I have a little team that helps me, thank goodness, but it's still my least favorite part.
How would you define being a "thriving creative”?
I describe a thriving creative as someone who writes and publishes regularly (articles, books, scripts, whathaveyou), or produces videos and movies, and they make money at it.
How did you come up with the Funny Filters?
I came up with those to articulate a process for writing humor that grew organically out of running The Onion for so many years. I knew these categories in my brain, and no one had ever written them down, or anything like them.
What is your favorite funny filter?
Madcap.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Scott!!!
What did you find useful from the book? Do you have a favorite Funny Filter? How are you letting your inner humorist run free?
If you haven’t read it yet, pick up a copy of The Elements of Humor: The Tools of Comedy that Make You Funnier, Happier, and Better Looking by visiting your local library or bookstore (or order online).
The next book in our Books for Thriving Creatives series is Choose Your Life Purposes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Awareness, Empowerment and Success by Eric Maisel, PhD. Practically speaking, this book can be read over a series of visits to the bathroom since its chapters are only 2-3 pages long. What the what?! Talk about an easy read! This series of short essays rebukes the notion that we only have one life purpose, and leads you through a process to identify core values and foster personal growth. Pick up a copy at your local independent bookshop, online bookstore, or library and begin reading today!
I’m LA (as in tra-la-la) Bourgeois, a writer and KMCC-certified creativity coach dedicated to walking with you through any transition! Whether you’re looking to deepen your relationship with your art or patrons, explore a new possibility, or ignite the passion for creativity again, I’ve got your back. Click here to explore becoming a member of the Coaching Cohort or contact me at la@labourgeois.biz to ask questions and schedule an exploratory call.
I loved this short interview and we have the book. So look forward to getting to know all the Funny Filters!
Pleasure to talk to you, LA! Thank you so much for the kind words.