{"title":"Humor and Comedy Writing Classes at WritingWorkshops.com","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese classes teach the craft of writing funny. You'll find short seminars on satire, comedic memoir, and the humor essay alongside multi-week workshops for writers building a body of funny work. Our humor faculty includes \u003cem\u003eNew Yorker\u003c\/em\u003e contributors and working comedy writers.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"comedy-writing-for-non-comedians-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel, Sunday, November 22nd, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday, November 22nd, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00 PM - 3:00PM ET \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Caitlin Kunkel's writing has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e, and on public radio. She co-founded the comedy site \u003cem\u003eThe Belladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, created the online satire writing program for The Second City, and co-created the Satire and Humor Festival. Her first co-written book, NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS, was published by Penguin Random House and named one of the 10 best comedy books of the year by \u003cem\u003eVulture\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNY Mag\u003c\/em\u003e). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINSIDE JOKES, a humor writing craft book, co-written with Elissa Bassist, is forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing in 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eIn this two-hour interactive seminar, satirist, author, and creator of The Second City’s online satire writing program, Caitlin Kunkel, will break down the basics of comedic writing for those who \u003ci\u003earen’t\u003c\/i\u003e trying to become comedians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eComedy can be another tool in your writing toolbox, allowing you to write with a stronger voice, distinct point of view, and punchiness that can be applied to disciplines such as copywriting and content writing. From the rule of three to learning what the heck a callback is, learn how to be funnier on paper…and maybe even in real life! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for fiction and nonfiction writers, as well as those trying to inject more humor into jobs like content writing, copywriting, and more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTools of comedy that can be used across forms and genres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to find a point of view for yourself or a client\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to use specificity and simple techniques like the rule of three to punch up a piece of writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA comedy rubric to check against your own work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion of publications for comedy writing, as well as how to leverage your comedy chops for paid writing jobs \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA repeatable brainstorming process\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to deepen your ability to write comedy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou're an aspiring comedy writer.     \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to add more humor to your work.     \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to learn the elements and formats of humor writing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to expand the sense of what is possible in your work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE CAITLIN:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Caitlin is an outstanding teacher. The time FLEW by because I was so engaged. So much amazing information and I feel energized to go write.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Caitlin Kunkel will teach you humor beats, how to do a writing sprint, and which kinds of 'babies' to kill in your jokes! All humor aside, I took her Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians workshop last year and left enamored by both the content and her teaching style. I've had bad experiences with online workshops that feel like a live session of what could've been a YouTube video. Caitlin and her workshops are the real deal. As a novelist, I've now taken her Comedy Writing, How to Write Like an Athlete, and How to Write a Short Humor Piece workshops, and they were all brilliant. Highly recommend it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thanks so much for the amazing class, Caitlin! I really learned a lot about humor in general, as well as what interests me specifically. I only recently started writing humor, and your focus on premise and format were insanely helpful. So thank you, seriously, for such an informative and fun class; I'll be taking so much of what you taught us into my future work!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Caitlin’s an excellent teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her experience broad, and her generosity appreciated. I always look forward to a class with her.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thank you so much Caitlin! You packed a huge amount of information into a very compact period. I’m very impressed with your follow-up as well. Way above and beyond.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I thought Caitlin was amazing. She packed a lot of knowledge into the two hours, and I highly recommend it. The discussion of the impact of comedy writing across all types of industries was super interesting, and I loved the reading and website suggestions. I can't say enough great things about Caitlin.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"You are a gifted teacher – a lot of energy, insight and expertise come through. I am the one who teaches Creative Thinking at Harvard (and other places) and I was struck by how aligned your techniques are with the ones we teach in our class. Kinda’ cool. But we don’t follow up with materials half as well as you do.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003e\"Caitlin\u003c\/span\u003e was engaging, entertaining, and provided an excellent intro into comedy writing.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass is on Sunday, November 22nd, 2026, via Zoom from 1:00PM ET - 3:00PM ET \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44063350423800,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CaitlinKunkelHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622903"},{"product_id":"mine-your-life-for-funny-ideas-generative-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"Mine Your Life for Funny Ideas Generative Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel on Saturday, December 12th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, December 12th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Caitlin Kunkel's writing has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e, and on public radio. She co-founded the comedy site \u003cem\u003eThe Belladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, created the online satire writing program for The Second City, and co-created the Satire and Humor Festival. Her first co-written book, NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS, was published by Penguin Random House and named one of the 10 best comedy books of the year by \u003cem\u003eVulture\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNY Mag\u003c\/em\u003e). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINSIDE JOKES (Grand Central Publishing), a humor writing craft book, was co-written with Elissa Bassist and published in 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eQ: How do you come up with a wealth of ideas for funny parodies, satires, essays, novels, memoirs, or out-of-office replies? \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA: You mine absurdities, specifics, images, and more from your everyday life, then use comedic tools to spin them into premises for pieces.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour interactive and generative workshop, satirist and comedy craft book author Caitlin Kunkel will lead students through a series of lists and brainstorming prompts to gather specifics and interesting ideas hidden in plain sight. Come to class ready to write and get weird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter generating the raw material, students will experiment with comedic foundations and tools like exaggeration, templates, and twists to create premises and titles for future funny writing. Everyone will leave class with a clear, repeatable process on how to mine and refine comedic ideas into publishable writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe end of class will focus on creative work strategies to draft, get feedback on, rewrite, and submit work on a (reasonable) schedule–because we’re funny, yes, but also professional.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical, repeatable method to identify and develop humorous material from your daily life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrategies for pushing everyday observations into surprising, laugh-out-loud premises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechniques for testing and refining comedic angles, from parody and satire to personal essays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTips for balancing bold comedic choices with clarity and structure in your writing process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA roadmap for turning rough comedic ideas into polished drafts ready for submission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re ready to unlock unconventional sources of inspiration to spark comedic ideas.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to move beyond clichéd humor and discover fresh twists on familiar topics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou seek a supportive environment to experiment with comedic voice, style, and format.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’d like to learn how to juggle humor-writing projects alongside other professional commitments.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re excited to workshop your comedic premises and hone them into shareable, publishable pieces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE CAITLIN:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Caitlin is an outstanding teacher. The time FLEW by because I was so engaged. So much amazing information and I feel energized to go write.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Caitlin Kunkel will teach you humor beats, how to do a writing sprint, and which kinds of 'babies' to kill in your jokes! All humor aside, I took her Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians workshop last year and left enamored by both the content and her teaching style. I've had bad experiences with online workshops that feel like a live session of what could've been a YouTube video. Caitlin and her workshops are the real deal. As a novelist, I've now taken her Comedy Writing, How to Write Like an Athlete, and How to Write a Short Humor Piece workshops, and they were all brilliant. Highly recommend it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I took Caitlin Kunkel's Mine Your Life for Funny Ideas seminar hoping to build a more intentional foundation for my comedy writing, and the class far exceeded my expectations! The level of engagement was incredibly helpful. Forming ideas firsthand in the workshop gave me a solid grasp of her tools and processes, and a sense of confidence I previously lacked. I can’t wait to continue future training and workshops with Caitlin!” \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Such a great class! \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was helpful, fun, and pitched at a really accessible level for experienced writers and novice writers.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thanks so much for the amazing class, Caitlin! I really learned a lot about humor in general, as well as what interests me specifically. I only recently started writing humor, and your focus on premise and format were insanely helpful. So thank you, seriously, for such an informative and fun class; I'll be taking so much of what you taught us into my future work!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Caitlin’s an excellent teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her experience broad, and her generosity appreciated. I always look forward to a class with her.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thank you so much Caitlin! You packed a huge amount of information into a very compact period. I’m very impressed with your follow-up as well. Way above and beyond.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I thought Caitlin was amazing. She packed a lot of knowledge into the two hours, and I highly recommend it. The discussion of the impact of comedy writing across all types of industries was super interesting, and I loved the reading and website suggestions. I can't say enough great things about Caitlin.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"You are a gifted teacher – a lot of energy, insight and expertise come through. I am the one who teaches Creative Thinking at Harvard (and other places) and I was struck by how aligned your techniques are with the ones we teach in our class. Kinda’ cool. But we don’t follow up with materials half as well as you do.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003e\"Caitlin\u003c\/span\u003e was engaging, entertaining, and provided an excellent intro into comedy writing.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I loved the parallels between my writing life and my experience as an athlete. I found the \"warmup\" routine idea very useful and I'm eager to implement this. I also thought it was helpful to frame my writing life in terms of seasons or quarters.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"The entire approach of applying sports preparation and performance techniques to developing the skill of writing. Caitlin was generous with her examples without having them take over the entire course. Very well done.It was jam-packed with content, but the fast pace and depth of information was part of what was so good about it.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSaturday, December 12th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46066888212728,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CaitlinKunkelHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622903"},{"product_id":"how-to-write-a-short-humor-piece-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"How to Write a Short Humor Piece Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel on Saturday, January 9th, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, January 9th, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003e10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Caitlin Kunkel's writing has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e, and on public radio. She co-founded the comedy site \u003cem\u003eThe Belladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, created the online satire writing program for The Second City, and co-created the Satire and Humor Festival. Her first co-written book, NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS, was published by Penguin Random House and named one of the 10 best comedy books of the year by \u003cem\u003eVulture\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNY Mag\u003c\/em\u003e). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINSIDE JOKES, a humor writing craft book, co-written with Elissa Bassist, is forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing in 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you want to write funny in 750 words or less? Do you have something to say on a topic you know well? Do you crave fun, need an outlet for your creativity, and hunger for more bylines? Then, short humor is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour class, writer and creator of The Second City’s online satire writing program, Caitlin Kunkel, will teach a repeatable process for writing a short humor piece in the style of \u003cem\u003eMcSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Belladonna, Points in Case\u003c\/em\u003e, and other online sites (note: we will not cover satirical news like \u003cem\u003eThe Onion \u003c\/em\u003eor\u003cem\u003e Reductress\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll learn how to brainstorm, find a structure for your piece, craft a strong comedic premise and title, and use the two-list system of joke writing to fast draft a humor piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome ready to write and leave with a new piece and a set process to write even more in the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE CAITLIN:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e“Caitlin is an outstanding teacher. The time FLEW by because I was so engaged. So much amazing information and I feel energized to go write.”\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"Caitlin -- WOW -- Such a great class power-packed with information. I've taken a few writing classes on comedy and that was definitely the most informative and practical!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"First of all, I can't thank you enough for the amazing class. I'm not kidding when I say it's the best online writing course I've ever taken. You packed so much information into two hours. Just incredible!!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"Caitlin Kunkel will teach you humor beats, how to do a writing sprint, and which kinds of 'babies' to kill in your jokes! All humor aside, I took her Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians workshop last year and left enamored by both the content and her teaching style. I've had bad experiences with online workshops that feel like a live session of what could've been a YouTube video. Caitlin and her workshops are the real deal. As a novelist, I've now taken her Comedy Writing, How to Write Like an Athlete, and How to Write a Short Humor Piece workshops, and they were all brilliant. Highly recommend it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"I took Caitlin Kunkel's Mine Your Life for Funny Ideas seminar hoping to build a more intentional foundation for my comedy writing, and the class far exceeded my expectations! The level of engagement was incredibly helpful. Forming ideas firsthand in the workshop gave me a solid grasp of her tools and processes, and a sense of confidence I previously lacked. I can’t wait to continue future training and workshops with Caitlin!” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\"Thanks so much for the amazing class, Caitlin! I really learned a lot about humor in general, as well as what interests me specifically. I only recently started writing humor, and your focus on premise and format were insanely helpful. So thank you, seriously, for such an informative and fun class; I'll be taking so much of what you taught us into my future work!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Caitlin’s an excellent teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her experience broad, and her generosity appreciated. I always look forward to a class with her.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thank you so much Caitlin! You packed a huge amount of information into a very compact period. I’m very impressed with your follow-up as well. Way above and beyond.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I thought Caitlin was amazing. She packed a lot of knowledge into the two hours, and I highly recommend it. The discussion of the impact of comedy writing across all types of industries was super interesting, and I loved the reading and website suggestions. I can't say enough great things about Caitlin.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"You are a gifted teacher – a lot of energy, insight and expertise come through. I am the one who teaches Creative Thinking at Harvard (and other places) and I was struck by how aligned your techniques are with the ones we teach in our class. Kinda’ cool. But we don’t follow up with materials half as well as you do.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003e\"Caitlin\u003c\/span\u003e was engaging, entertaining, and provided an excellent intro into comedy writing.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass is on Saturday, January 9th, 2027, via Zoom from 1:00PM ET - 3:00PM ET \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46180804428024,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CaitlinKunkelHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622903"},{"product_id":"seriously-funny-humor-writing-workshop-online","title":"Seriously Funny: Translating from Unfunny Writing to Humor Zoom Seminar with Tom Ellison on Saturday, October 24th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, October 24th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Saturday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ London (BST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Tom Ellison's humor and satire appear in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e (where he authored two of the most-read pieces of 2025). He is the author of the masculinity satire MANTHOLOGY by Chud Buffly (as told to Tom Ellison), forthcoming from Quirk Books in 2026. He is also a climate policy wonk who writes regularly in foreign policy publications and is a recovering intelligence analyst.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-tom-ellison-humor-writing-serious-writers\" title=\"Tom Ellison on Bridging Serious Writing and Humor\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTom Ellison on Bridging Serious Writing and Humor\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online humor writing workshop is for writers whose backgrounds are firmly planted in the serious and non-creative world—news reporting, policy analysis, law, academia, and similar fields. If you write humor or satire (or want to!) and are familiar with short humor like McSweeney's, The New Yorker's Daily Shouts, or Points in Case, this class is for you. No publication record or \"level\" is required, but students should be familiar with this type of writing and basic concepts like \"heightening,\" \"premise,\" etc. Open to all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAre you interested in humor writing, but come from a background in the world of \"serious\" and non-creative writing (law, news, analysis, etc.)? Well, so is popular humorist Tom Ellison, who is a DC climate policy wonk by day and a former CIA analyst. And writing for \u003cem\u003eMcSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e and the President's Daily Brief have more in common than you might think. Though there are some differences (the latter is less likely to contain the phrase \"peer review deez nuts\").\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAlthough many humor writers come from backgrounds in creative writing and performance, people with serious jobs are funny too! As a journalist, lawyer, or analyst, your writing background is more relevant than you might think. In this online humor writing class, you will explore the writing skills and principles you know how to use for insight, clarity, and persuasiveness, and learn how to harness them for comedy. Just as important, you will learn the places where your rigorous writing style may get in the way, and how to get more comfortable breaking those rules. A combination of lecture, student discussion, and hands-on exercises, the seminar will leave students better equipped to navigate between serious and comedic writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTake this course if you like nerding out about the principles, \"rules,\" and formulas in writing, and you want to make your humor writing funnier and more publishable, and\/or want to get better at switching between comedic writing and other professional writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this two-hour workshop, students will participate in interactive exercises and receive verbal feedback on their ideas and responses to instructor prompts. Students will examine short humor pieces from \u003cem\u003eMcSweeney's \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e The New Yorker\u003c\/em\u003e as examples during exercises. While students will not generate a formal written piece for feedback, they will leave with key takeaways, best practices, and resources to apply these lessons to their own humor writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eStudents will use a few short\u003cem\u003e McSweeney's \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e New Yorker\u003c\/em\u003e pieces (under 800 words each) as examples and parts of exercises during the webinar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Introduction and Course Overview (10 min)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSerious People Can Be Funny Too (10 min)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eStudent Introductions\/Background Exercise (15 min, including exercise)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Serious Writing\" and Humor: What Translates? (25 min, including exercise)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBreak (10 min)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Serious Writing\" and Humor: What Gets in the Way? (25 min, including exercise)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eKey Takeaways, Best Practices, and Resources (20 min)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eQ\u0026amp;A (balance of time)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIt can feel challenging or uncomfortable to do humor writing coming from a writing background that is \"boring\" or \"serious\" for a lot of internal\/external reasons, but you'll learn not to let that stop you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eYou can apply key concepts and skills from your law\/analysis\/journalism\/science writing to humor writing (e.g., structure, speed, co-writing, precision of language, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eYou'll learn which \"serious writing\" instincts to push back against or approach with caution (such as \"Bottom Line Up Front,\" neutrality, and \"Editor Brain\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eYou'll leave with resources and best practices for navigating the shift between serious and comedic writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eYou'll gain confidence in translating your professional skills into publishable humor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tom Ellison is a great instructor, and his class on writing humor expertly demonstrates how to start from unfunny writing to get to humor. I have some tools to begin and lots of resources to explore. Thank you!\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Tom Ellison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Saturday, October 24th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Saturday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will be recorded if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47917373161720,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/TomEllisonHeadshot2026_7a7c422a-205a-4774-8826-00954731be2f.png?v=1769198620"},{"product_id":"how-to-write-funny-fiction-comedy-writing-workshop-online","title":"How to Write Funny Fiction: A Generative Comedy Craft Seminar (Zoom) with Caitlin Kunkel on Sunday, February 7th, 2027","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Sunday, February 7th, 2027\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Sunday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e: Los Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNow Enrolling! Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Caitlin Kunkel's writing has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e, and on public radio. She co-founded the comedy site \u003cem\u003eThe Belladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, created the online satire writing program for The Second City, and co-created the Satire and Humor Festival. Her first co-written book, NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS, was published by Penguin Random House and named one of the 10 best comedy books of the year by \u003cem\u003eVulture\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNY Mag\u003c\/em\u003e). INSIDE JOKES, a humor writing craft book, was co-written with Elissa Bassist and published by Grand Central Publishing in 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online writing workshop is for fiction writers at all levels who want to make their novels and short stories funnier — from premise to protagonist to the sentence on the page. Whether you're drafting a comedic novel, trying to bring more humor into your literary fiction, or looking for tools to sharpen a short story you already have in motion, this generative seminar will give you a working comedy toolkit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this two-hour generative Zoom seminar, Caitlin Kunkel — co-author of the comedy craft book \u003cem\u003eInside Jokes: A Comedy and Creativity Guide for All Writers\u003c\/em\u003e — will break down how to make your fiction laugh-out-loud funny, from your premise to your protagonist to your line-level writing. The class opens with an overview of comedic novel subgenres: speculative, hyperreal, satirical, dark, and absurd. From there, you'll move into the elements of a high-concept comedic premise and learn the questions and techniques that help bake comedy into a novel or short story idea from the start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe seminar then turns to comedic protagonists in fiction, with a focus on how contradiction and irony can wring comedy out of your characters' thoughts and actions. The final segment zooms in on the levers you can pull to write funny at the scene and line level: setpieces, character interiority, description, and dialogue. Throughout, Caitlin draws on advice from the interviews she conducted with comedic novelists for \u003cem\u003eInside Jokes\u003c\/em\u003e, along with examples from contemporary comedic novels and short fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis creative writing workshop runs live via Zoom, with a recording provided for anyone who can't attend in real time. Expect concrete craft takeaways, generative exercises, and a practical framework you can apply to work you're already developing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will leave with a working comedy toolkit for fiction: a sharper premise for a comedic novel or short story, a clearer sense of how to build a comedic protagonist, and a set of line-level techniques for punching up scenes, description, and dialogue. Students will participate in generative discussion and craft prompts throughout the seminar and take home reference material they can apply to drafts in progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include excerpts from \u003cem\u003eThe Husbands\u003c\/em\u003e by Holly Gramazio, \u003cem\u003eLess\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Sean Greer, \u003cem\u003eTemporary\u003c\/em\u003e by Hilary Leichter, \u003cem\u003eMy Sister, the Serial Killer\u003c\/em\u003e by Oyinkan Braithwaite, \u003cem\u003eYellowface\u003c\/em\u003e by R.F. Kuang, \u003cem\u003eLike This, But Funnier\u003c\/em\u003e by Hallie Cantor, and short stories by Simon Rich and Jen Spyra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass is recorded if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 1: Comedic Novel Subgenres and High-Concept Premise — \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eAn overview of speculative, hyperreal, satirical, dark, and absurd comedy in contemporary fiction, followed by the elements of a high-concept comedic premise and the questions and techniques that help you bake comedy into a novel or short story idea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 2: Comedic Protagonists — \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eHow to build characters who are funny from the inside out, using contradiction and irony to generate comedy from their thoughts, decisions, and actions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 3: Writing Funny at the Scene and Line Level — \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThe specific levers that make individual scenes and sentences land: setpieces, character interiority, description, and dialogue. Includes advice from Caitlin's interviews with comedic novelists for \u003cem\u003eInside Jokes\u003c\/em\u003e and examples from modern comedic novels and short stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA framework for identifying and sharpening a high-concept comedic premise for a novel or short story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTechniques for generating comedy from a protagonist's contradictions, irony, and interior life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eScene- and line-level craft tools for writing funnier setpieces, description, and dialogue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA working map of contemporary comedic novel subgenres and where your project fits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eReference examples and takeaways from Caitlin's interviews with working comedic novelists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Caitlin Kunkel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Sunday, February 7th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Saturday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass is recorded if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48280125604088,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CaitlinKunkelHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622903"},{"product_id":"funny-on-a-sentence-level-comedy-writing-seminar-online","title":"Funny on a Sentence Level, a Zoom Seminar with Elissa Bassist on Sunday, October 11th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday, October 11th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 2:00PM - 5:00PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ London (BST): 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElissa Bassist is the editor of the “Funny Women” column on \u003cem\u003eThe Rumpus\u003c\/em\u003e and the author of \u003ca title=\"Hysterical by Elissa Bassist\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/hysterical-a-memoir-elissa-bassist\/18687565?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh3KOJnQB25_SDN0m2OftIJJSRbgZz2_nxE22qNpD8Vk1EbOCdskaG4aAiQDEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHysterical\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, a semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor. As a founding contributor to \u003cem\u003eThe Rumpus\u003c\/em\u003e, Elissa has written cultural and personal criticism since the website launched in 2009. INSIDE JOKES, a humor writing craft book, co-written with Caitlin Kunkel, is forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing in 2026. Elissa teaches humor writing at The New School and elsewhere, and she is probably her therapist’s favorite. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis online writing class is for anyone who wants to write funnier, whether you're already funny or aren't funny yet. It's open to writers of every level and every form: nonfiction and fiction, long-form and short, tragedy and comedy. All levels are welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this three-hour seminar, we'll turn regular sentences into jokes using comedic and stylistic tools. To write funny, you don't need to write about something that's funny or someone who is funny — because you can write jokes if you can use a dictionary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComedy writing isn't writing joke after joke. It's a series of syntactical decisions and rearranging sentences until they end on a punch line. It's also learning and practicing comedic tools like wordplay, profanity, absurdity, contrast, contradiction, and neologism, alongside style tools like diction and syntax, imagery and figurative language, rhythm and punctuation, voice and tone. Humor writing — and its tools and hacks — is a skill, not an innate talent, so we'll practice to perfect it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect an informative and entertaining lecture style (think TED Talk but make it stand-up), no-fail brainstorming exercises, and the longest handouts in the game. We'll write from scratch and \"punch up\" a work in progress by pushing sentences to their full potential. The endgame is to write more specifically, and to write more specifically like you. Our goal is to say goodbye to clichés, generalities, and purple prose, and to rewrite every boring line so readers get one surprise or treat per sentence. This creative writing workshop delivers one semester of an MFA in three hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this course, students will generate new material through a series of in-session comedy writing exercises and leave with many new jokes to fold into works in progress. Each writer will also bring one work in progress to \"punch up\" live in class, leaving with a funnier, more specific draft. Students are invited to share what they write during the session; this is a generative seminar, so there is no formal written critique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReadings may include excerpts from INSIDE JOKES: A Comedy and Creativity Guide for All Writers by Elissa Bassist and Caitlin Kunkel (Grand Central Publishing). The book publishes October 20th, 2026 — just after our seminar — so this class is your first look at the material. Excerpts and handouts will be provided by the instructor; no purchase is required to participate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis three-hour seminar is built in four parts:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart One: Lecture \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e— the comedic and stylistic toolkit, including wordplay, profanity, absurdity, contrast, contradiction, neologism, diction and syntax, imagery and figurative language, rhythm and punctuation, and voice and tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart Two: In-session writing exercises\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — no-fail brainstorming and generative prompts designed to produce new jokes on the page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart Three: In-session revising\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — bring a work in progress and \"punch up\" it live, pushing sentences to their full potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart Four: AMA \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e— an open conversation about comedy, craft, and the writing life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn concrete comedic tools — wordplay, absurdity, contrast, contradiction, neologism, and more — and how to deploy them at the sentence level\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice style tools including diction, syntax, imagery, figurative language, rhythm, punctuation, voice, and tone\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerate a batch of new jokes you can drop directly into works in progress\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave with one funnier, punched-up work in progress, revised live in class\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplace clichés, generalities, and purple prose with specificity — one surprise or treat per sentence\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake away the longest handouts in the game for reference long after the seminar ends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I loved this class. Elissa was an extremely generous teacher\/storyteller. I think listening to her talk about her experience\/struggles to get words on the page was the most valuable part. I was amazed with Elissa’s ability to focus and maintain passion and energy for 3 straight hours. I was completely engaged in her personal writing journey and was satisfied with spending 3 hours listening to her speak.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was a fun class! I found Elissa's personal takes and experiences in both the process and in finding a home for her writing most valuable. The process seems much more manageable to me now, and I would take another class with Elissa.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I heard about WritingWorkshop.com via \u003cem\u003eHippocampus Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e. I'm so happy I found Elissa's class, which was filled with many small insights that added up to a lot. I left the class feeling inspired. Thank you.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Elissa's seminar exceeded my expectations! She provided real-world solutions for rejection and included so many thought-provoking prompts. This class was so rich with information it could have easily been a 6-week course.\"-former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This class was SO, SO GOOD!!!! By far, my favorite ever of the many many I have taken with Catapult, Grubstreet, Porch, CFF, and WritingWorkshops.com. Big compliments! Thank you!!! Learned a lot and was furiously taking down notes; what marvelous advice and stories you have. Can't wait to read HYSTERICAL and the books that will come after that.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Funniest writing class ever, 11\/10 would definitely recommend.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I've taken a lot of writing courses, and Elissa's was one of the most informative and entertaining.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I've taken a variety of online writing classes and the amount of content Elissa was able to organize and provide was truly so impressive and genuinely helpful. Also she is a real-life comedy show.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I love Elissa's teaching style, and I love that I walked away with clear tools to immediately start incorporating into personal essays.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"It is so refreshing to take a course and think, 'This is exactly what I was looking for.' Learned a lot, laughed a lot, and felt inspired to keep going in my pursuit of writing funny things. I hope to take more of Elissa's classes, and her spirit is now part of the writing shrine in my head where I burn David Sedaris prayer candles, recite lines from Patricia Lockwood, and cry.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"That was the greatest 3 hours I've spent in a long time!\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSunday, October 11th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 2:00PM - 5:00PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50093807796472,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/ElissaBassistHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622875"}],"url":"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/en-au\/collections\/humor-and-comedy-writing-classes.oembed","provider":"Writing Workshops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}