Joke Writing

There are no immediate plans to run another joke writing course, instead Sally will be bringing out her bookThe Serious Guide to Joke Writing this summer. To promote it she will be running some free mini-workshops including at the Edinburgh Free Fringe and the British Association of Comedy Writers winter conference. There will also be a couple of launch parties in Hastings and London. Further details will be posted here soon. The book is based on the very popular course, the description is below.

Are you interested in writing jokes for…..

  • stand-up comedy
  • radio
  • TV
  • for the challenge

    • On this course Sally will teach you

  • to see the logic behind jokes and how to apply it
  • how to find jokes within a difficult subject
  • show you how to write topical jokes directly from newspapers
  • how to write under pressure
  • how to overcome joke writers block

    • Every part of this course is taught step by step, so you will experience writing within a supportive small group before you do it alone. Methods covered are Double and Single Joke Webs, Writing Topical Jokes like on ‘Have I got news for you’, Every Angle Joke Writing Chart, Perret’s sheets, Stream Of Consciousness, Clever Puns and Honing. Homework is set every week to help you build up a portfolio of work Sally will provide ongoing e-mail support between sessions so we work on jokes together. Also includes ‘Weak Joke Hospital’ for ailing material!

    ‘I’ve done a few courses over the years and Sally was definitely the best Tutor. She tailored her delivery to both group and individual needs. Her enthusiasm was infectious and her knowledge and experience provided additional support.’‘This course has been very helpful in tooling me up for when I get stuck writing jokes.’

    ‘I have really loved doing something different and I have learned a huge amount.

    Quotes and picture from  January 2008 Joke Writing Course teajokewriting2008.jpg Above the Jan 2008 course, drinking tea and writing jokes…

    ‘I wasn’t sure that humour could be ‘taught’ but I was wrong, this course went way beyond my expectations.’

    ‘Sally enables you to find out what is funny about a subject and extract it to paper in your own unique way.’

    ‘I like the way she keeps positive with all ideas. Helps with confidence and creative flow.’

    ‘Joke webbing is the best  – I found it the easiest way to see random connections.’

    ‘I really enjoyed the Every Angle Joke Writing Chart. It helps generate ideas away from the obvious.’

    ‘Excellent course and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in writing comedy in what-ever format.’

    Quotes from 2007 course

    ‘I enjoyed all the different ways of trying to be funny.’

    ‘They say a good teacher has a passion for their subject which, Sally obviously does.’

    ‘The best comedy related course I have ever been on.’

    ‘I enjoyed writing from newspapers because I found it easy to come up with stuff.’ For even more feedback please see blog….

    Digg!