I tried writing in a different way recently. Before I used to just write, and come up with the funnies whilst writing. Now I try to write the jokes on a subject first then turn that into a story. So as this is a comedy writing website, I was wondering how others form their stories. Hopefully I may learn something, and please no talks of tags.
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How do you write??
(21 posts) (16 voices)
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waylandsmithy
offlineMemberIt varies! I often mull an idea over for quite some time in my head before writing anything: that's a good way to keep it flexible and think of more jokes. It all suddenly gets inflexible and unbending, when you start writing it down.
But the writing process does seem to throw out quite a few jokes, sometimes. And other times it doesn't, and I just chuck the whole thing away...
Posted 1 year ago # -
kga6
offlineMemberI think you do need a bit of spontaneity, but with no initial jokes or structure planned, one can inevitably end up doing predictable Clegg jokes or similar. I do think, however Perks, that by building up to a punchline obviously set up by the entire sub, it is easy to come across as forced. Some of the best punchlines are unexpected.
Speaking of styles, there is also the split between a deadpan satirical approach and the string of jokes format.
Posted 1 year ago # -
grumblechops
offlineMemberI start with an idea that i think is funny, then think about a few paragraphs' worth of directions to take that. most of the humour comes as i'm writing. or after i've posted - i have to remember that sometimes.
but on the flexibility front wayland, i sometimes try writing half-formed ideas and just follow where the jokes go and that ends up choosing the story. sometimes it works! you might find you need to go back and change the headline with that approach though
Posted 1 year ago # -
I tend to have an idea for a story and mull it over for a bit, decide whether it'll work, what the punchline could be, think of some jokes, and then write it. Sometimes that process happens very slowly and I keep coming back to it and jotting notes down over the course of a few weeks before I get any actual writing done.
Sometimes enough inspiration sparks from the initial idea that I don't need to think about it, and can just start writing. That tends to be my best work I think, and doesn't take very long at all to write either.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Stan Laurel
offlineMemberI usually come up with an idea and then play around with various possibilities until I think I have enough to start writing a sub. Usually it writes itself once I finally get to this stage. The whole process can take anything from an hour to several months.
I also collaborate with others on this site. This is a different process. We currently share ideas and part drafts using Google Docs. Eventually one of us gets off our arse and builds up a sub from the assorted notes. The draft is then put up for the others to review and cram with funnies.
Posted 1 year ago # -
There's also the 'come up with a vague idea, a couple of jokes, and then send it to wayland to write up and make funny' method...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Ironduke
offlineMemberI know you will find this hard to believe, but if I get an idea I just write it straight off. If I don't think it works it peters out and I abandon. Its never a drawn out process- if it doesn't spark straight off, thats it.
Then I put it up to tumbleweed, and four days later someone posts the typographical equivalent of an embarrassed cough!
Posted 1 year ago # -
FlashArry
offlineMemberI tend to get a final hook first, and then work back : but it all has to be done at the moment, in longhand, on paper. It doesn't always spark, so my desk is host to a collection of PostIts covered in garbled half-sentences. One day, they'll coalesce into a killer sub, probably at the same time Wayland & VCG produce their magnum opus - oh well !
Posted 1 year ago # -
Quaz
offlineMemberGet an idea, start with a rough headline, go to the first paragraph. If it looks like it's just going to be a variation on a the one gag from there on then either sub it as a NIB or save it for a rethink. If it's good, it writes itself. Also, start with an idea, bounce it back and forth with someone else for a while, then end up with enough gags to write it up in full. Try to find a good punchline. Go back and modify the headline or opening paragraph if one is a straight copy of the other.
Posted 1 year ago # -
seymour totti
offlineMemberMost of my subs are one-liners for the ticker. They usually come of their own accord as they are not always topical. Even then, I apply some stand up techniques to them (each word has to add something to the joke; can I put the reveal at the end of the line or as close as possible). On the odd occasions that I put a longer story, most of them spend ages being mucked around with. Once in a while they flow naturally, but these are the exception.
I normally find writing late in the evening works for me. By then, I have finished all the tasks of the day and it is now "my time". My brain happily chunters off to bizarre conclusions as it now has the chance to wander. That's when I get most of my stupid horoscope ideas.
Posted 1 year ago # -
beau-jolly
offlineMemberI don't. Well the odd ticker which tends to just write itself. I did try to go as far as a NIB yesterday but it sank faster than Costa Titanica. Only upsetting because it took me bloody hours to spell haemorrhoids correctly.
If/when I do jot down a ticker I try to hack it down to the shortest version possible using the "Fresh fish" techniques:
Fresh fish sold here today.
Fresh(not required - you wont be selling rotton fish) fishsold(obvious - not giving it away)here(where else? -again not required)today(you are open!)Actually "Fish" may be obsolete too as I can smell it half way down the street
Posted 1 year ago # -
Mary Evans
offlineMemberI try to remember that this is (allegedly) a spoof news site so I structure subs like a news story, roughly: 1) news summary 2) someone in favour 3) someone against. Think of a punchline for each bit. Make sure all the lines in between are either a gag or building a gag. Pour yourself a large one*. If it takes longer than 10 minutes to write, bin it.
Here endeth the lesson.
*This should happen several times during the process.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Duff
offlineMemberI tend to come up with stories sparked either from the news media or an odd phrase or memory that's kicking about in my head. I also love non-topical subjects and media and music-related stuff too.
Once I get the main subject in focus I normally start stabbing away at the keys until I get something I'm reasonably happy with. And as others have said this sometimes works and other times leads up a blind alley and the delete button. Then it's minor tweaks (normally having posted by that stage - mostly grammar and punctuation faux pas that slip past me in the heat of the creative process - ooh, get me loves) and then of course at approximately 6 hours and 10 seconds after having posted the killer line that's too late to add pops into my mind.
There's a lot to be said for honing it into a perfect sub and not posting until you're happy with it 100%, but that can squeeze out some of the spontaneity and also runs the risk of another Biscuiteer beating you to the punch (particularly on hot contemporary news items)
Posted 12 months ago #
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