If you're going to be a successful gag writer, you have to be flexible. You may be asked to write gags about husband/wife relationships, doctor's visits, the Grim Reaper, heaven and hell, job interviews, science fiction, monsters, corporate earnings, trips to the pumpkin patch, animals, holidays, gardening, golf...the topics are endless. Some topics will be easy for you to write about; others you may have no interest in or knowledge of. It's not so easy. I know for myself, when given the freedom, I tend to write about topics I'm familiar with, have an interest in, or feel strongly about. This makes life a lot easier. It's when I'm asked to write about a topic I have no knowledge of or interest in that things may get a bit difficult. And, you have to get the approval of the cartoonist first. I try to write for syndicated cartoons that I have an interest in. That I can relate to. As far as slanting my gags for specific publications, I try to write for magazines that run cartoons I enjoy.
After writing gags for cartoons and, to a smaller extent, comedians, for over 20 years, I know there are topics I have no interest in and there are topics I can write about very easily. I guess that's because there has to be a connection between the writer/cartoonist and the subject matter. You have to feel strongly one way or another about the subject. Usually the humor comes out more easily when something drives you crazy...when you have very strong feelings about something. And, of course, the greatest humor is based on truth.
Some cartoonists give the writer feedback. Helpful hints. These are greatly appreciated and I try very hard to follow the cartoonist's suggestions. But, at the end of the day, you have to submit what you think is funny.
Any questions or comments? Write to me at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com.
