Books
Reads for comics
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Become a memberWhen a comedy book gives you an exercise, do you actually stop and do it?
I’m terrible for reading a useful exercise, thinking “that’s good”, then carrying on to the next chapter like I’ve somehow completed it by appreciating the concept. Has anyone had more luck treating craft books like workbooks — stop reading, use the exercise on one actual bit, then come back? Or does that kill the momentum and mean the book sits face-down for three weeks?
Do you mark up comedy books, or keep the notes in your own material?
I’ve started underlining craft books and realised I’m building a beautiful archive of things I agree with but may never actually use. Has anyone found a better way of turning reading into writing? I’m thinking one note per chapter that has to become an exercise on one of my own bits, rather than collecting fifty clever sentences. Or is even that too much admin and you’re better off just reading, closing the book and writing?
Do you read comedy books while you're writing new material, or between drafts?
I like craft books, but if I read one while I’m halfway through a new bit I start seeing rules everywhere and the writing gets stiff. I’m wondering if they’re more useful between writing spells — read, nick one useful principle, then shut the book and go back to your own stuff. Do you use comedy books alongside material you’re actively writing, or keep the two separate?
Which comedy book actually changed how you write?
I’ve got enough general books about being funny. I’m more interested in the ones that made you change something practical — how you structure a premise, cut wording, find an angle, build a longer bit, whatever. If you could keep one comedy-writing book because it genuinely affected what you do at the desk, which one would it be and what did you take from it?