Welcome to Humor Science!
I took a little break from this newsletter because I needed to prioritize paying work and longer projects, but I’m back.
Given that it’s the time for New Years resolutions (and I’m assuming that “write more humor” is on your list), I thought I’d highlight some of my favorite pieces of advice from the Humor Science archive, so we can all end the week with a little encouragement. I know I need it.
Happy writing, everyone!
“Do your best to make stuff that’s really you. Don’t worry if anyone else will like it: there’s ALWAYS an appreciative niche audience you can find. The best thing you can do is get personal and specific.”
— Clare Blackwood (read the whole Humor Science interview here)
“If I’m sitting down and brainstorming, a good place for me to start is asking myself the question, “What’s annoyed me recently?” or “What had me interrupting—my incredibly generous with his time—partner’s day with an impromptu rant?” Because if I feel passionate about a subject that’s usually a good sign that there’s something there.”
— Briana Haynie (read the whole Humor Science interview here)
“Find some smart and funny people you can learn from and collaborate with. Don’t be afraid to be weird in your writing. If you suck a little at first, it doesn’t mean you are bad at this. Not everything you write will be something you want to publish, but it will all make you a better writer.”
— Hallie Cantor (read the whole Humor Science interview here)
“I want to emphasize that rejections are a big part of writing and I have received many. For me, it’s been helpful to have a few pieces going at a time so that I don’t get too invested in one particular piece and feel let down if it’s not published anywhere. I definitely am excited when a piece is accepted and I can share it with family and friends, but I also try to enjoy the process of writing. I try to keep at it consistently not only because that helps me get better, but also because the act of doing it at all brings me a lot of joy.”
— Kerry Elson (read the whole Humor Science interview here)
“Do your reps. Write a lot of humor, and get into a good writing group so you can improve faster.”
— Alex Baia (read the whole Humor Science interview here)
What’s new:
I’m available for new projects! If you hear of anyone looking for a freelance copywriter, please send them my way.
Last year I had so much fun working with writers one-on-one on their creative projects, including humor pieces, personal essays, humor gift book proposals, and comedy pilots. I’m available for one-off projects but also ongoing engagements, if you're looking for a mix of feedback and accountability support. I have rates and more information on my website.
Huge congrats to humor writer extraordinaire and Jokes to Offend Men co-writer Danielle Kraese on the publication of Deep-Sea Creeps! Pick up a copy.
In more book news, Eli Burnstein’s book, Dictionary of Fine Distinctions, is now available for pre-order (with illustrations by the legendary Liana Finck!). Also, Eli has some great tips for writing brfly that rly took my writing to the nxt lvl.
And while I’m plugging books, just a reminder that Jokes to Offend Men makes a great Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day gift.