Comedy writing is an acquired skill. No one is born a comedy writer. The
desire may be there from an early age, but the techniques must be
learned, developed, and honed. Fortunately, the best teachers are
readily available. They are the comics of the past and present, the
television shows you see daily, both current versions and reruns. They
provide your Ph.D. course in humor writing. In "Comedy Writing
Self-Taught," Gene Perret, a three-time Emmy Award-winner and former
head writer for Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller, teaches you how to teach
yourself comedy writing techniques by observing, analyzing, and
replicating those who have already mastered the skills. This book not
only guides you in selecting the appropriate mentors for your writing
and helps you decide what to look for in your studies, it also offers
drills and exercises that will develop your creativity. A companion
volume, "Comedy Writing Self-Taught Workbook," provides even more
exercises and writing workouts. Whether you're writing stand-up
routines, TV sketches, or sitcoms, this book clues you in to the
fastest, most convenient way to teach yourself the skills you'll need.
You'll do the watching, studying, and learning. You'll do the work --
and it will require work -- but you'll also reap the generous rewards,
and have fun while teaching yourself to write comedy.