Rating: 
Summary: Good
Review: I'll give this one five stars. I started to give it four because half of it is about writting sitcom comedy, which doesn't interest me, but judging by what it does have that interests me, I'd say those parts would be helpful for anyone interested in that. This book explains simply what makes something funny, without complicating things.
Good book!!!
Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: I'll give this one five stars. I started to give it four because half of it is about writting sitcom comedy, which doesn't interest me, but judging by what it does have that interests me, I'd say those parts would be helpful for anyone interested in that. This book explains simply what makes something funny, without complicating things.
Good book!!!
Rating:
Summary: Get This Book!
Review: I'm a professional comedy writer working on my first TV show, and I owe much of my success to this book. Like all crafts, comedy can be learned, and "The Comic Toolbox" is the best book for it. In "The Matrix", Neo learned Kung Fu by having the skills zapped into his brain. Well, this book is the equivalent. Vorhaus will zap funny into you.
Rating:
Summary: Best Comedy Writing book out there
Review: I've bought & read a lot of the comedy writing books out there. And I'm always wondering...If they really understand how to write comedy, then why aren't their books funny? I only trust people who are capable of practicing what they preach. VORHAUS PRACTICES WHAT HE PREACHES!!! ... This book IS funny, and he can articulate why. Not just for stand-up, but for any type of comic writing. If you only buy one comedy writing book, this is the one I'd recommend....especially at this price!
Rating: 
Summary: Not a comic toolbox!
Review: If you can get past the first 191 pages then the last page is great....its the page when you can close the book and thank god its over.
John Vorhaus gets confused with what a premise is and what most comics call a mix or a twist. If he is unsure of the basics maybe a book is beyond him.
In saying this its worth reading as it is a great tool for learning to push on no matter how bad things are.
Rating:
Summary: Get This Book!
Review: If you ever thought being funny couldn't be learned then you would have to swallow your pride and change your mind after reading this book. Its full of hands on exercises to get your creativity juices going.I have recommended this book and so have the WGA mentors so what other approval do you need! Some people's books are sermonize without being convincing. Vorhaus does not take this path but his words are thought provoking and informative, as well as some of his natural wit chucked in as well for good measure (his chapter on practical jokes is evidence of that). It's a journey through comedy starting from its essential nature to comic characters (writers ignore this chapter at their peril!!!!) to film scripts and more little words of advice to make you the next James L. Brooks. And its not just about being funny but structure (yes that dreaded word again) his feature film paradigm is helpful and is just as good as buying books by Syd Field. Also a section on Sitcoms which just as good. It even has profound thoughts on creativity, which he has added to and exported in another of his books. This book is so good it's worth 3 times its asking price. John Vorhaus is funny and full of warmth. You can do much worse but I doubt you can do much better (if you can get in contact with me immediately!!!)
Rating:
Summary: Helpful and humourous in equal proportions
Review: If you ever thought being funny couldn't be learned then you would have to swallow your pride and change your mind after reading this book. Its full of hands on exercises to get your creativity juices going. I have recommended this book and so have the WGA mentors so what other approval do you need! Some people's books are sermonize without being convincing. Vorhaus does not take this path but his words are thought provoking and informative, as well as some of his natural wit chucked in as well for good measure (his chapter on practical jokes is evidence of that). It's a journey through comedy starting from its essential nature to comic characters (writers ignore this chapter at their peril!!!!) to film scripts and more little words of advice to make you the next James L. Brooks. And its not just about being funny but structure (yes that dreaded word again) his feature film paradigm is helpful and is just as good as buying books by Syd Field. Also a section on Sitcoms which just as good. It even has profound thoughts on creativity, which he has added to and exported in another of his books. This book is so good it's worth 3 times its asking price. John Vorhaus is funny and full of warmth. You can do much worse but I doubt you can do much better (if you can get in contact with me immediately!!!)
Rating:
Summary: Terrific starter and a fun read!
Review: If you have years of study and experience on writing humor, this is STILL a fun read. John Vorhaus boils his ideas and techniques down to a short and easy to understand book on the basics of comedy writing. You'll never look at Sitcoms or Comedy movies the same again.
Rating:
Summary: It was a very interesting, well writen story.
Review: In the story you get to see life through many different points of view. Looking through these eyes is interesting and helpful to some people. Its already hard enough to live your life so your wonderous what someone elses life is like. So this story covers all emotions that you want to cover throughout life.
Rating:
Summary: A helpful - and ENJOYABLE - book of fiction writing advice
Review: No other book on writing I've read - and I've read a lot! - kept me chuckling throughout. I'd recommend this book for the laughs alone, but I can also recommend it as the fount of writing wisdom it entails. Vorhaus not only explains the basic types of humor and the elements of a comic plot, but also lays out an excellent plotting structure useful for any type of fiction writing. Whether you merely want to add a few touches of humor to an angsty story, or you want to write the next comic blockbuster, this book will help you on your way. P.S. Chapter 9 alone is worth the price of the book!
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