Humor in Nonfiction

Former WD staffer Jess Zafarris crossed paths with Jerry Seinfeld, who shared his comedy writing process. His tips are not only useful for aspiring standup comedians, but also have broader applications for writers looking to add comedic elements to their own work.

In this second in a series about the impact of the #MeToo movement on how and what women write, Leigh Anne Jasheway focuses on women who write and publish comedy and satire.

Stephen Rosenfield shares three tips on taking a funny, real-life story and using it as the inspiration to write comedy for your audience, including examples of how others do it.

These are some strategies I’ve come up with after more than 25 years as a TV writer to break into the television industry.

As part of my 10 Questions Series, humorist Dan Zevin took a minute to talk with me and answer 10 fascinating questions about humor writing—covering the writing process, finding an agent, important advice for aspiring humor writers and more—that anyone who has ever considered writing humor should check out.

Writing "funny" isn't easy. It's a skilled labor that can drive even the calmest of writers crazy. I've been writing my parenting humor blog, The Life of Dad (you should totally check it out!), for more than five years and I can tell you that I've lost quite a bit of sleep over things as simple as word choice (Should I use the word "rope," or is "duct tape" funnier?). I have permanent lumps on my head from banging it against the wall in frustration. And I'm convinced it's the number one reason I'm going bald. Read on for some excellent resources on humor writing.

Some words just make us laugh, even though we might not consciously know why. Try using one of these time-tested terms when it fits.