It is not always easy to make readers laugh in humor columns.You can get inspiration by reading other humor writers, keeping a journal of humorous experiences, and looking to your own life.Get feedback from friends and family and make your writing funny by going into detail.If you want to get your humor column published, you need to be an established writer, get a few writing jobs and build your credentials.When you submit writing samples, make sure that your writing is always edited and polished.When you are ready to approach a publication about your idea, make your proposal as funny and interesting as you want it to be.
Step 1: A journal is a must have.
It's not unusual for funny things to happen, but your memory might not keep up with some of the funnier elements.If you keep a journal with you, you can instantly record anything that you think might make good fodder for your humor column down the line, or ideas that might come out of the blue.You will be left with a journal full of ideas that will not make it to print if you re-read it later.
Step 2: autobiographical is what you should be
If you are able to laugh at yourself, your own life can be a great source of inspiration for a humor column.The benefit of writing autobiographically is that you don't have to worry about offending anyone, you are simply telling your story in a funny way, and giving readers permission to laugh at your mistakes.Write first person accounts of funny things that happen to you, then re-read them later.If you put some distance between reading the column and the event, you can see if the story is funny or not.
Step 3: Take a look at other humor writing.
Look to other humor writers for inspiration.Take note of what they write about, how they structure their articles, and what elements make the writing funny.Pick up on tricks the writer might be using to make their readers laugh.
Step 4: Be specific.
Adding detail to anecdotes in your humor column will give the writing more depth and give your readers a vivid picture.Generalizations can be boring, and an engaging humor column should grab and hold a reader's interest and leave a unique impression.There should be details that stand out.Instead of writing "the cat was behaving badly that morning", I wrote "that morning, the cat knocked twelve books out of my bookcase, ran laps around the apartment, and rolled across my brand new winter coat - collar and cuffs included."
Step 5: Use words that express your opinion.
A key to good writing is painting a vivid picture for your readers.Certain points of your story or anecdote can be intensified by using colorful or exaggerated descriptive words.If you want to write something like, "her outfit was disastrously uncoordinated", choose that instead of the other way around.
Step 6: The rule of three should be used.
The rule of three humor writing technique can add rhythm to your column that is both funny and accessible to readers.Write two items that set up a straightforward pattern, then add a third element that derails the initial idea.This setup can be used with many different patterns.She was beautiful and an excellent golfer.Something good or something bad.Looking forward to sun, sand, and hours of punishing exercise.Something ordinary or something ridiculous.I'm going to rob the bank after stopping by the dry cleaners and grocery shopping.
Step 7: Don't be mean.
It is possible to convey the silliness or absurdity of people, organizations, or situations with sarcasm and irony.To reach readers with this style of writing, choose a well-known subject to satirize and exaggerate the details.If you wrote something like, "To really show your commitment, you should call your significant other at least 12 times a day, for no reason in particular," you could satirize relationship advice columns.
Step 8: You should get feedback on your work.
If you write a column, have your friends or family read it.Second opinions are important to understand whether or not the humor in your work is universal or subjective.If too many people fail to laugh at what you have written, take it as a sign that the anecdotes you found funny were an inside joke, and rewrite your piece.
Step 9: You should be a writer.
If you are not an experienced and published writer, it is unlikely that a publication will feature your column.If you don't have these credentials, you can get several pieces of your writing published and pitch a long-term writing project to anyone.The publications that have featured you should be similar to the ones you pitch your column to down the line.
Step 10: It's important to make sure that your writing is strong.
If you want your column to be published, you need to make sure that your writing is polished and accurate.Put a column aside and check it out a day or two later.You should check all sample articles that you submit with your proposal.It's a good idea to have someone close to you look at your work before you submit it.
Step 11: Write a great proposal.
The proposal for your humor column should be as interesting as you intend it to be.Avoid a generic introductory statement like, "I am writing to you to submit my proposal for a humor column in your publication", instead, opt for something more distinctive and memorable.Communication by email is the best option if you don't already know the person.