\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1589-.html
Comedy: March 07, 2007 Issue [#1589]

Newsletter Header
Comedy


 This week:
  Edited by: SophyBells Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that
life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful
your situation might be, you can survive it. Bill Cosby


Hi, I'm SophyBells Author Icon, and I am your Guest Editor for the Comedy Newsletter this week, where we'll take a look at the art of being able to laugh at ourselves through our comedic writing.


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Being able to laugh at oneself requires a solid level of self esteem
and a strong self concept. Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D.


Some of my favorite pieces of comedic writing are ones where the writer is able to poke fun at him or herself in a harmless yet humorous way. It's pretty easy (and can end up being cruel) to point a finger at someone else and make fun of them. But when we are able to turn that same finger back on ourselves, we end up with an endless supply of comic material from which to choose, not to mention some pretty good writing results.

Writers like Erma Bombeck, Dave Barry, and Bill Bryson are just a few examples of writers who have made a great living poking fun at themselves in their writing. Yes, they make fun of other people and situations as well, but some of their best stuff is about themselves. I think that's because we know ourselves better than we know anyone else -- our foibles and faults, as well as all of those embarrassing secrets from our past. And learning to laugh at those things, in a way that is not demeaning or demoralizing, helps us put them in perspective, move on and heal, while at the same time providing fodder for some pretty terrific writing.

It's easy to get started, and since you know the subject matter pretty well, you are not likely to get writer's block. *Wink* Think back to one of those embarrassing moments from your distant or recent past. Ever trip when walking down the aisle at a formal wedding, or fall out of your chair during a board meeting? Maybe you got the hiccups in church, or snorted when laughing at a fancy dinner party. Or maybe you have a quirky bedtime habit or silly way of tying your shoes you could write about. There you go, you have your starting point!

Another great thing about tapping into your own well of comedy experience is that you have a few choices of what to do once the idea strikes you. You can either turn it in to a comedic essay, a true account of a humorous event. Or you can use your experience as a foundation, embellish it, and turn it into a funny fictional story. Or maybe something in between the two.

So what are you waiting for? Give it a try. Look back and recall one of the funniest things that ever happened to you, and make that the foundation for your next piece of comedy writing. Good luck, and have fun! *Bigsmile*

SophyBells Author Icon


Editor's Picks

Here are a few items where the author pokes fun at him/herself:
 I Am Not Cool! Open in new Window. (13+)
I have come to the realization that I am no longer "COOL"!
#1211937 by Victoria Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1122962 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1208576 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1194916 by Not Available.


A laugh from childhood ...
 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1226313 by Not Available.


Making fun of spouses can be fun too!
 Living With Apnea Open in new Window. (ASR)
Humorous essay about living with someone who has a sleeping disorder.
#1124070 by svrsek Author IconMail Icon

 Time for a New Coat Open in new Window. (E)
humorous but not-so-quaint story of my husband
#817720 by Lobelia is truly blessed Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1212818 by Not Available.


Here are a couple from a fun contest: "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.
 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1156361 by Not Available.

 It's Water Under the Bridge Open in new Window. (E)
My most embarrassing moment ever
#1148073 by Wren Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B000FC0SIM
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Ask & Answer

There are no comments or questions for me to respond to
since I am a Guest Editor this week.
*Bigsmile*
But please make sure to leave comments for your regular editors:
Waltz Invictus Author Icon * elizm446 * Holly Jahangiri Author Icon * Melissa is fashionably late! Author Icon.

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B004PICKDS
Amazon's Price: Price N/A

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1589-.html