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What Writing Comedy Has Taught Me About Website Copywriting
A few years ago, I found myself taking a class in sketch comedy writing. I’d achieved some success with improv and standup comedy. I loved performing and could (usually) make people laugh from the stage. So I figured the class would be a breeze. After all, I’m a professional writer.
Alas, my first attempts at writing comedy sketches were more likely to provoke a puzzled frown than a hearty laugh.
When it came time to turn in our first assignment, I knew I wasn’t being funny … but I had no idea how to make my sketch funnier.
What I did bring to the table (literally) was a lifetime of writing. I know that first drafts can be horrific … but if you don’t write that awful first draft, you won’t have a final gem.
I also know that when you’re stuck, the best thing to do is share, talk, and get reactions from other people.
Sure enough, my classmates were polite enough to keep a straight face (not always a good thing in a comedy class) when my turn came to present. And they did give me some great ideas for…