I currently write cartoon gags full time at home, but my career was in the newspaper business, selling print advertising for daily and weekly newspapers. I was always interested in working for a newspaper, starting in high school. I loved the fast pace of it, and honestly, sometimes I miss it.
A few years ago I decided to write gags full time, from home, after writing part time for about 20 years. My newspaper background and, specifically, my advertising background, has greatly helped me come up with ideas for gags. First of all, I consider myself a news junkie and read several papers and magazines regularly. I don't find this a burden. I need to know what's going on. Reading news and feature articles has provided me with lots of material that can be used in my gag writing. So has my background in print advertising.
In my career selling advertising space, I had to be very aware of upcoming holidays and special events. For example, I know that advertising peaks during Back-to-School and Graduation season, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, Halloween, Mother's Day, Father's Day, July 4th, the Super Bowl, Labor Day, Memorial Day and this is just a sampling. In addition to writing gags that could be used any time of the year, I try to slant gags for specific holidays and events, and my background in advertising makes this easy. I also know that you have to write these event-specific gags many months ahead, but the extra effort does pay off.
Any questions? Send me an email at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com.
