Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7862 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-30
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Synopsis
Updated and revised, this new edition of the bestselling favourite enables readers to master the fundamentals of humour writing and better understand the demands of the market for comedy. Comedy Writing Secrets now includes: Examples from venerable comedy greats as well as cutting-edge contemporary comedians A complete spectrum of techniques, from writing one-liners and stand-up routines, to finding a market for one's work Step-by-step writing exercises accompanied with sample answers, so readers can practise and hone their skills With this guide, aspiring comics can learn how to sharpen their comedic talent and turn it into a well-paying pursuit.

Customer Reviews

does what it says on the tin
I found this book both informative and easy to read. The ideas were well presented and give you the meat and two veg of comedy. The more critical reviewers are looking for something else possibly a personal comedy writer this book will not deliver that; you still need to do the ground work your self. The one criticism I would have with this book would be the over use of play on words which never make great humour. But for the basics of humour writing it hits the spot.

Lessons in VERY Old School Comedy
Very disappointing. Despite quoting from a few modern American comedians in the book,the comedy being taught here is SO dated. The actual humour techniques described inside might've been useful if you were writing a routine for Bob Hope in the 1950's, but bear little relation to today's comedy. Try using and performing old techniques from this book in a stand-up act like puns,wordplay, malapropisms etc , and you won't get very far in today's market, or get many laughs in the process. Do any of today's most successful comedians like Eddie Izzard, Ricky Gervais,Chris Rock,Dane Cook etc use these ancient comedy methods? Of course not. I give the book 2 stars for one interesting chapter on writer's block and brainstorming ideas, but the rest is a let-down.

Wow!
I've just read the other reviews on here and I'm shocked.

This is an EXCELLENT book, a detailed read on why we laugh, what is funny and what is not - and why!

If your an aspiring comedian, or just want to develop your "sense of humour" this book is for you.

Five Stars. No Question.