We're right in the middle of a Presidential election and I'm keeping busy writing lots of political gags. Of course I read newspapers, magazines, watch TV news and listen to news radio, trying to take advantage of the great material out there and turn it into something that's funny.
At the same time, I realize that the best humor is based on truth. If you can write gags based on the experiences that we all share, if your humor is based on the crazy things that go on in your life (your family, your friends, your enemies, the things and people that drive you nuts) people will be able to relate to it and will find it funny as well. I can easily write about people who are technologically behind the times because I am. I can write about middle-aged couples who sit around the house and watch TV every night because my husband and I are one of them. I can write about people who live for "buy-one-get-one-free specials because...well, you get the picture.
As I get older and have more experiences, and maybe a little more ability to see things as they actually are, I'm able to write about the things that actually have happened to me or are about me. I constantly draw on my own experiences when I write. I'm writing about and making fun of myself, but nobody really knows that, except maybe those closest to me. There's a ton of funny material based on my life! When I make the comment, 'I could write a book!' I really mean it. I haven't written a book. It's all in my captions.
Anybody agree with any of this? Send me your comments at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com.
