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Humor Writing Boot Camp
From headlines to punchlines
Course Details
Ever read a satire on the Times op-ed page and ask yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" (Or, "Why did I think of that, but not write it?") Ever listen to a humorous commentator and think, "Hey, my insights and life experiences are every bit as funny as this!" Do you want to be David Sedaris, Fran Leibowitz, Calvin Trillin, or Cynthia Heimel when you grow up? Have the feeling that your life is funny, and not just to you? Funny we should ask! Being funny, especially published funny, is not all in the delivery. It's mostly in the writing and, when it comes to news and trends, the timing. Part discussion, part workshop, part guest lecture, this course will take you from the philosophical (what is the essence of humor?) to the practical (what are the mechanics of joke structure?) to the procedural (how in the world do I pitch NPR?). You'll see why good humor writing is like other good writing, only funny. You'll learn to turn facts into riffs, the personal into the universal, the tragic --sensitively -- into the comic, the finished into the published. In this class, you can expect to learn: By the end of class, students can expect to have: | ||
Instructor BioBrett Leveridge's Courses Humor Writing – (Class starts February 25)  Testimonials Brett not only knows his stuff, but he also explains why something works and how it could be made better. He puts a great deal of time and thought into critiquing his students' work. This class was worth every penny. -- Jeff Carmack, humor columnist, jeffcarmack.com"Brett's class taught me a new work ethic. I learned that I can write a half-decent first draft in a week -- a feat that I'd generally spend months on in the past. I was able to expand my range and better tailor my pitches for publication. The class made me a better writer, and a more effective pitcher." -- Brian Eden "Brett's class helped me figure out what is funny in this sad, terrible world. It also showed me how to profit from all that is irritable, annoying, stupid, and just plain wrong. Now, whenever I'm miserable, I am happy. Thanks to Brett's class, I will always have the last laugh." -- Karen Dowicz Haas "The class taught me the intricacies of humor writing, including the styles used in every medium, from radio to the Internet. Through this class I was better able to hone my funny and get a grasp on my voice as a writer. I was able to learn from well known humorists and see how they work every day." -- Lane Keough "Brett's course is substantive and delightful. His broad knowledge of the subject, his inclusion of exemplary material and engaging speakers, and his skill in guiding others' work make for an energizing experience. There are no wasted moments." -- Madge McKeithen "Brett opened up new avenues of humor writing that I hadn't previously explored. He helped me develop writing habits to exercise my humor muscles, as well as become comfortable performing my work. A tremendous experience." -- Nicole Christie "I have a new found respect for humorists. I've learned from taking Brett's course just how hard it is to be funny on demand." -- Angela Mangano "This class is great opportunity for beginning humor writers to learn from someone who knows funny and how to help make your stuff funnier." -- Craig Kenworthy "Brett was a very strong teacher because he was able to provide incredibly useful feedback on the assignments that helped me a lot." -- William Mabe |
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