"Where I Get My Ideas"

I know I've covered this subject in previous posts, but people still ask me where I get my ideas.

First of all, I read a lot. I read newspapers, magazines, online news sources, marketing materials that come in the mail and books on various subjects. I'm always looking for words and phrases that I can use in my writing. 

A few examples: I write a lot of business gags and seem to focus on job interviews. I read online job boards and find words and phrases having to do with background, experience, perks and benefits. I then use these phrases to create cartoon captions.

If I were writing about cooking skills, or lack thereof, I read cookbooks, especially where the author gives a lot of background information about themselves. I also read the "Food" section of The New York Times (among other sections) to find the latest cooking trends. I use these words and phrases to create gags.

Similarly, if I'm writing a series of husband and wife gags, I pick out the traits I want to emphasize, like being a constant talker and interrupter, laziness and cheapness. In my reading I try to find words and phrases I can use to illustrate these traits.

Sometimes I just let my mind wander and write from personal experience. In humor, nothing is funnier than the truth. I write a lot about myself, my husband and my kids.

I am also an observer. I look around and see what's going on around me. I see the humor in things...and especially, people.

This is just a very short answer to a complicated question. 

Be well and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Any comments? Write to me at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com