How Learning to Write Funny Improved My Writing
When I began to study humor writing (which, full disclosure, happened after I began writing humorous essays for my Diary of a Lesbian Housewyfe newsletter and book), I discovered that incorporating those techniques into my craft improved it beyond helping me write funny lines.
It’s a Cliché but…Get Rid of the Clichés
Uncovering clichés in writing and getting rid of them means discovering new ways to say old things and questioning typical word choices. Just doing this moved my writing up a level.
Cut the Extra Words
To write funny, streamline the work. Funny is fast. All of the words must serve a purpose and if they don’t, cut-cut-CUT! Taking a chainsaw to a paragraph creates sharp prose that hits with immediacy.
Thinking Differently
In my first exposure to Scott Dikkers’ work, his “Funny Filters” gave me a tool to look at stories from a variety of perspectives. Thinking differently about any subject cracks your mind and allows new inspiration to seep inside. Using these filters consistently helps me write delightful pieces with unusual points of view—and gets people subscribe (and pay!) for my Diary of a Lesbian Housewyfe newsletter and respond to freelance writing pitches.
Whether or not you plan on writing humor, learning this writing technique improves writing overall. Plus, the tools of comedy make it easier to write pithy social media posts, engage folx over email, and create sparkling art that enchants.
If you haven’t joined us to read The Elements of Humor as yet, visit your local library or bookstore (or order online) and pick up a copy.
Interested in becoming a freelance writer for fun or as a career? My next live chat covers all of my Tips for Freelance Writing! I’m starting to call these chats “tea parties” in my head, and so I’m renaming them here. So grab a cuppa and join me on March 14th at 4pm for a chit-chat with all of my tips on how to do this freelance writing thing!
Cost is $30 or you can become a paid subscriber and get the class and two sessions of email creativity coaching for only $25/month.
If you are in, drop me an email and I’ll add you to the list!
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.
Glad I could help. LA!
Good insight, thank you