JK, JK, OR NOT
10 Comedy Writing Tips
A Doctor Funny “must read”
1️⃣ Size matters
Yes, it does. And in comedy writing, shorter beats longer. True for sentences. True for headers. True for stories.
Hit our “sweet spot” with your 3-to-5 minute comedy gem (600–1,000 words).
2️⃣ If you’re not laughing, we’re not laughing
While writing, have you, LOL, LMAO, LMFAO, ROTFL, spit coffee into the keyboard?
No?
Then neither have we. Rewrite, recheck, regroup … please!
3️⃣ Too close to home
Make sure your stuff is worthy of:
“laugh and the world laughs with you.”
If only you and your homies think it’s funny, we won’t, cuz we won’t get it.
Make your writing a work of worldwide wit.
4️⃣ Cute and cuddly may make us chuckle …
… but zany RULES!
After your first, and second, and third draft, let it sit a bit. Overnight is good.
Then go back and punch it up.
New words. Better descriptions. Make it leap off the page. Whatever. Let your inner child run with scissors.
As Doctor Funny says — “Be bold. There’s two of almost every important body part. Who cares if one of a pair goes missing?”
Bust a move, so we bust a gut.
5️⃣ Achtung! Hate Speech is Verboten!
No hate speech.
Misogyny, racism, prejudice, etc. — yeah, you get it, we know you do, or you wouldn’t be here — will get your story, and possibly you, shit-canned.
Questions? Check Medium guidelines.
6️⃣ Different is good
Play, experiment, think outside your box, goof off.
Don’t write limericks? Why not? Try one. Haven’t told anyone about that crazy time at Band Camp? Tell it! Afraid of clowns? Yeah well, grow up. Clowns are fake. (Oh wait, did I say that out loud?)
Anywaaaaaaay, you’re among friends, so act, and write, accordingly.
7️⃣ Stay on point
Fits with the “size matters” theme.
Consider each line and word.
Key question: Does your story deliver on your headline’s premise?
If the material drives your CENTRAL message home, keep after it and keep it. If not, strongly consider “killing your darlings” and omit the dross. If you are unfamiliar with the writing concept of “killing your darlings” Google it. Sigh of relief … it has nothing to do with killing your darlings.
8️⃣ Read the work of the greats
There’s tons of talent on Medium.
Find it, read it voraciously, internalize its principles and make it yours — all without copying, or plagiarizing, or being a suck up.
Need a list of the “greats”? Start with a tag you like. Click on it. Find the Top Writers in that tag. Read their stuff.
Need further help? Buy low, sell high. Wear a hat. Take your vitamins. Brush and floss. Change your underwear regularly.
9️⃣ Still need help? … Ask the (other) editor
All seriousness aside, we’re here to help.
Remember, we volunteer our time, so inane questions will be ridiculed before being answered. This is especially true for simple shit you can look up on your own. Yes, there are dumb questions!
We can be reached at: [email protected] * Michael Burg Michael Burg, MD (AKA Medium Michael Burg) * Kristine Laco Kristine Laco * Jennifer McDougall Jennifer McDougall * Philip Ogley Philip Ogley
We’re no experts. You’ve read our stuff, you know.
But we do want to create a funny space where everyone can laugh AND improve as writers.
We know that some reading this are readers only. We’ll be by later with lavish gifts and foot massages for those unicorns of the writing/reading world.
For the writers — we’re all in this together. None of us has all the answers. Let’s create a community where we all rise, like that morning wood you may have enjoyed in some form or another as a youth. Or maybe still do. If so, mazel tov. Feel free to jump on board.
🔟 That’s only 9. You promised 10, you un-funny Faqir!
(oops, maybe “Faqir” is the wrong word, but … moving on)
Comments, questions, suggestions, bribes, baklava, drive-by house cleanings, all welcome. So, this is #10. You’re in it and we’re delighted you are.
We’re looking forward to lifting your exam gown and enjoying your next draft with you.
Please make Doctor Funny funnier, and funner, with your involvement — writing, reading, suggesting, commenting, commenting suggestively, suggestively commenting. In short, by getting involved.
Please pay the receptionist on the way out.
And speaking of “must reads” for writers. See this gem from Kristine Laco
😃 😃 😃
A HUGE thank you to all youse guys. We’re looking forward to more of your funny stuff.
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