 Comedy: July 22, 2009 Issue [#3169] |
  Comedy
This week: Edited by: Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥ  
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Hello, folks! Do you know that some television shows like Lost, have “clip shows?” It’s when they use many outtakes from previous shows, then cut and paste them to a “new” show. I usually call it the cheap filler episode. The DVR records the program because it says “new.” It’s not new, it’s just a new way of putting together “old stuff.”
Today’s Newsletter is almost a clip show, but not quite.  There will be some new scenes woven into it, as well as some handy information for writing comedy.  Let’s take a look ... |
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Over the months of editing the Comedy Newsletter, I have talked about different situations that ended in laughter, after-the-fact. At the time it happened, it was less than funny. However, in retrospect, the humor rises to the top.
You have options; you can cry about being a victim of an embarrassing circumstance, or brush it off and move on. If you choose the latter, you can look back upon that moment, relive it in your mind and then find the humor.
WW has taken spills that could have resulted in more harm to her. Thankfully, a few bruises were all she endured. Okay, so maybe that’s not necessarily true. There was a time that I fell off of a loading dock of storage units. I managed to break my ankle, knee, and dislocate my shoulder in that one fall. I had to spend many weeks in a wheelchair, because, with a separated shoulder trying to heal, there was no way I could use crutches.
The right side of my body, from sling to vibrant red, thigh-high cast, looked pitiful! Well, until I painted a brilliant dragon from ankle on up. Then it looked interesting. That was with my left hand, too!
I discovered something quite profound at that time. Have you ever attempted to go to the bathroom when one side of the body is tied up so-to-speak? It’s a challenge getting from wheelchair to a different seat. However, I found I could manage to swing myself up on one leg and hop to the comfort chamber from the doorway, where I parked my “vehicle.”
The part that stumped me was, how do I lower my garments, while balancing on one foot and having only one arm, thus one hand, at my disposal? Folks, do not attempt to try this at home. They say that most accidents happen at home; specifically the bathroom. I understand what they mean. (Oh, by the way, don’t dump bathroom humor! Sometimes the little room is the best place to conjure up funny themes.)
I’ve also been a ditz at times, such as forgetting the birthday cake for my mother’s party and having to return home to find it. Although, an hour late for a birthday party is chic, don‘t you think? Really, I don’t plan these things; it’s just life happening.
Also, childhood memories are golden. We’ve all forged our mother’s name on report cards and teacher’s notes, right? When it was discovered, what happened? I know I nearly received six months in the electric chair for that infraction. 
Is WW the only one who thought adding bubble bath to a hotel whirlpool tub, was a good idea? That scenario is froth with possibilities!
Let’s never forget Jimmy sprinkles, the ice cream mobster. This character would never have been born without a couple words from my grandson at an ice cream stand. So, comedy can be fictional or even a mix of fiction and non-fiction.
Family situations can be fertile ground for humor. I have introduced those of you who read my first Newsletter, to my family; WW being the only daughter between bookend brothers. Sibling rivalry makes for slap-stick, routine, comedy reminiscent of the Three Stooges. In fact, I believe they still play the Three Stooges on some cable channel. Nyuck-nyuck, nyuck!
I mention these little scenarios, because I have received many questions in the reader feedback section asking about comedy writing and what makes something humorous. I have sensed a bit of timidity about even attempting to write comedy.
Comedy is really a personal thing. You must find your own comfort zone. The only way that will happen is if you try to write something that made you laugh. You will be in familiar territory. Familiarity equals comfort. Comfort equals confidence. Confidence equals the courage to try your hand at comedy. 
Readers have stated that they thought something was
funny but others did not. Here is where the telling of the story comes in to play.
If you say, “The other day I fell off the porch. Oh, my, I’m so happy I survived, however, I died laughing two hours after it happened because I looked so silly splattered out on the ground,” you are experiencing a personal piece of humor, which could be very funny if the presentation is just right.
Try: The other day, I was admiring the cardinal in the tree next to the porch. I ran for my cell phone to snap a picture. As I leaned forward, the banister gave way, leaving me doing the back-stroke in mid-air, all the while scaring the bejeebers out of that stupid bird.
He attacked in stealth mode, dropping a psychedelically colored bomb on my head. When I landed on the ground, I was thrilled to find none of my bones broke! That day could only get better, right? Well, I’d have agreed if I knew the bird left its mark in my hair, however, in all the fray, I just worried about the landing and paid no attention to the spooked bird.
It wasn’t until I received the oddest looks by strangers at the local grocery store that I realized something was wrong. Finally, a third stranger, an eighty-year old grandma, looked me in the eyes, lifted her hand to her own head and proceeded to make a rubbing motion. She then pointed to my head, winked, nodded and walked on by.
Ah, I see the light, now! There must be something wrong with my hair. Perhaps I have a few stray ends sticking up in the air. Reaching for the top of my head, my hand landed squarely on the slimy substance left by the bird, that will no longer be enjoying sunflower seeds from my feeder.
With no tissue in my purse or pocket and no scrap paper in sight, I needed to find someplace to rid myself of the sticky gift. Wait a minute! Did I just see a free sample of blue cheese and crackers at the deli counter? Hmm, hide in plain sight comes to mind.
 I know, I know, sick humor, but humor nevertheless!
Additionally, a comedy writer cannot be too sensitive. It is definitely a thick skinned area. You will not amuse all of your readers, all of the time. Hey, you may never reach some readers. Comedy is such a subjective thing that your best hope is to spread a smile or two if possible as much of the time as possible.
So, this week, I am asking those of you who have been intimidated by writing comedy, to send me your personal story or a hearsay story that you found amusing. Be as inventive as you wish with it. (Link your story in Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight, area of this Newsletter.) How would you have found it funnier? Could there be an alternative ending? You be the judge, then I will be the judge. You could win a Merit Badge for your troubles! Oops, did I mention troubles in a Comedy Newsletter? .
As a mother of a blond daughter, I think I can share this blond joke with you.
Why did the blond stare at the carton of orange juice?
Because it said concentrate!”
Until next time, laugh hard--laugh often!
Ta,
Web~Witch
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Saving the Day--Not!
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The Bard-er They Play, The Bard-er They Fall...
The AXE-treme Lone Ranger v. Tonto!
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The Bare Essentials ...
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More bare Essentials!
And then there's More, MORE, M-O-R-E ...
Sometimes it's just fun to have fun--join in!
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Reader Feedback from my Last Newsletter:
KimChi 
Just want to say your newsletters rock, WebWitch!  They say laughter heals, and I'm positive that's true. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thanks, Kimchi!
Laughter keeps me on a positive path in life. You're right, it does have healing power.
andromeda
Okay, what about those of us so humorless that writing it seems hopeless? i write what makes me laugh but no one else does.
This Newsletter is dedicated to your question. It may be that the delivery of the story is a little bit off time. That could be why the humor is missed by other people. I would love to read an item of yours that made you laugh. I will see if I can pin-point the area that needs a little tweaking. Try your hand at a short-short, first. This way you can get to the punchline quickly and not have to use many "filler" words. Keep trying!
drjim
WebWitch - a superb rendition of humor par excellence! Always a pleasure to read the latest in the series of humorous ' home invasions '!! And WW, a wonderful happy WDC birthday to you from all of us!!
God bless,
Dr J
Thank you for all of your kind and supporting words. Thanks for the WDC birthday wishes, too! 
Acme
LOL! I sure hope Darkin doesn't think this it the Horror/Scary newsletter 
 That could be a scary thought, Acme!  I've had my fill of angry squirrels, thank you very much. (Disclaimer:The unfortunate squirrel of my last Newsletter, in no way is, or in any way resembles the greatest WDC squirrel, Darkin, Squirrel of Doom!)
Rob G. ~Led by the Master~
WW,
Just wanted to stop in and say fantastic job on the newsletter. The story was well written, and a hoot to boot. That must have been one hilarious time you had with stump and the hubby.
Rob
Thank you, Rob! I'm so happy you enjoyed the Newsletter. OBTW, I have never had another squirrel break into my home. I think, "Stump" passed the word around to his friends, that mi casa is not su casa for the squirrel kingdom! Thanks for your feedback!
Thomas
That's hilarious.
You go out and buy traps but the squirrel thinks he's smarter than that. He was probably watching your husband as he set each trap around the perimeter of the room. Then, probably while cleaning and pruning his beloved tail, he came up with his own plan.
"If I can't go along the outside of the wall, I'll come down the middle of the ceiling," he thought, caressing his well-kempt appendage.
But just like all self-aggrandizing criminals, your furry nightime visitor prized a life of ease over a life of honest employment. His short-sightedness manifested itself in actuality and he overlooked the one obstacle to an otherwise brilliant plan. Yes, this swindling squirrel proved itself to be more stupid than clever.
I only wonder if the animal kingdom has its own stupidest criminals show.
This squirrel has learned his lesson. I can imagine him telling his grand-squirrels about the Tale of the Tail, when they ask him why he has only a stump. Thanks for the feedback!
Feedback is great! We editors appreciate receiving it!
Thanks to all who left a comment!
See you next time, folks.
WW
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