The answer is: from many places. First of all, I read at least two newspapers every day plus follow the news on TV, radio and online. Of course I also have a subscription to The New Yorker. I think it's really important to know what's going on in the world. When I read I jot down words and phrases that can be used in my gags. Let's just say I have a lot of filled notebooks in my office, from writing gags for over 30 years.
I pay attention to what people say. What I say. When I hear a conversation that interests me, many times I can use part of it for a future gag. Since I have a skewed way of looking at things, I try to remember and write down my reactions to what people say or do. Many times I've written gags this way. The best humor is based on the truth. It's also really important that people can relate to the situation.
I'd also like to say that it's important to get out into the world. Be exposed to people, places and things. I get a lot of ideas from eating out in restaurants (something I love to do) which I believe is ripe for humor. It's important to see the humor in situations and then write it down. For example, in restaurants: high prices, snooty waiters, demanding customers and bad service. I've written tons of gags about dining out.
Finally, I write about myself: my insecurities, my fears, my quirks. There's lots of material there.
Any comments? Contact me at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com. Have a great week!
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