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Summary: Calling Dr. Comedy, Dr. Larry, Dr. Moe...
Review: Brad Schreiber, one of the wittiest writers in Hollywood, finally comes clean on how to tickle a funny bone until it's blue and rarin' to burst. Oh, if I'd only had this book sooner, it would have saved vital time in my own comedy writing and allowed me the leisure to pursue my badmitton training in earnest. Makes the perfect gift for the wannabe Woody Allen in your life.
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Summary: A must-have primer for comedy writers and performers
Review: For anyone who has ever dreamed of being funnier, especially in the writing field, WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT? by Brad Schreiber is a wonderful resource and the definitive how-to book on learning to write with humor. Whether fiction or non-fiction, for stage, TV or film, there is a lot of material in this book for the aspiring writer to sink their teeth into, including enlightening excerpts in prose and screenwriting from the top authors and scribes, writing exercises to bring out the funny person hiding deep within, and plenty of advise on what to do, and more importantly, what NOT to do to make the reader laugh...preferably out loud. By the time you finish this book, you will no longer believe that being funny is a matter of nature vs. nurture. Not a born comedian? Sit back, relax, and learn from the masters.The author is himself a journalist, screenwriter and consultant, and with that kind of background, he really knows his stuff. Schreiber teaches humor writing for major Los Angeles writer's programs, and much of what he has developed in those classes is offered here in this book. From the first chapter, where he introduces comedic structure and the nature of humor, to differing forms of humor such as jokes and insults and short stories and aphorisms, to finding ways to inject humor into non-fiction formats, this book covers every aspect of comedic writing for those who are serious enough to want to be funny and improve their craft. Other chapters cover humor in dialogue, writing quirky and memorable characters, grasping the importance of the rhythm and sound of good humor writing, using other forms of writing such as poetry, songs, letters and more to convey humor, and making the best of themes and settings to bring out humor in certain situations. We learn the power of juxtaposition, embarrassment, shock and surprise and other elements that bring out humor in characters. We get a first-hand glimpse at some of the ways the great humor writers play upon themes of commonality, and individuality, to turn simple dialog between two people into hilarious insight into the human condition. This is really not just a screenwriting book, although the emphasis does seem to be on visual forms of writing such as scripts and stage plays. There is so much wisdom, and wit, and good common sense advise that this book finally convinced me that having a great sense of what is funny is not something you must be born with. It is something you can learn.
MARIE JONES, BOOK REVIEWER, ABSOLUTEWRITE.COM
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Summary: Best thing since sliced wry bread!
Review: From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I knew it would be a truly funny read about how to write funny material! Schreiber covers his subject matter very seriously -- he's got great information for every genre imaginable -- and he presents it in an easy manner with clear examples and exercises. I've written for tv, film, books, and magazines, as have many of the people who laud this new book on the front, back and inside. For me, it'll be my favorite writing reference tool after "Strunk and White."
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Summary: Excellent Writing Tool
Review: If you want to write comedy, this is a must read. Brad Schreiber's book not only tells you how, it shows you how.
Robert C. DeLay, screenwriter, Cedar Grove Agency Entertainment
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Summary: A rare read indeed.
Review: In an area that seems to be covered by every type of "expert" Brad Schreiber's "What Are You Laughing At" is a rare find indeed. The book offers numerous insights into writing for any genere from stage to screen to personal letters. The book is an invaluable tool for the comedian in all of us whether you want to be a professional comedian, comedy writer or just want to add some solid humor to your next business meeting this book is a must.
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Summary: Learning Can Be A Laughing Matter
Review: Informative and humorous. Let me add to the 5 star rating of this book. A must have for anyone entering the world of writing humorŠor writing period. It's one of those books a writer reads then keeps close at hand for reference, as I have done. Loved it!
Rating:
Summary: Learning Can Be A Laughing Matter
Review: Informative and humorous. Let me add to the 5 star rating of this book. A must have for anyone entering the world of writing humorŠor writing period. It's one of those books a writer reads then keeps close at hand for reference, as I have done. Loved it!
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Summary: Over 70 excerpts from top screenwriters
Review: Produce winning comedic screenplays using fiction and nonfiction alike with Brad Schreiber's What Are You Laughing At?: How To Write Funny Screenplays, Stories, & More. Included are over 70 excerpts from top screenwriters and pairing them with writing exercises and details on the differences between writing comedy for TV versus stage. There are eleven modes of comedic dialogue, 13 common problems screenwriters encounter and valuable insights into the rhythm and sound of words in What Are You Laughing At? Brad is himself a L.A. screenwriter, so his tips come from an insider's hand.
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Summary: A Funny Thing Happened While Reading This Book
Review: The art of being amusing/funny as a writer is not an easy task for most scribes--whether new or experienced at the craft.
WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT parses through the steps needed to think and write funny.
The author does not rely on just his own experience at writing comically, but includes examples in a wide range of literary genres--from very well-known authors--to illustrate his points.
Getting down to brass tacks, Brad Schreiber includes useful exercises to break old writing habits, all geared to get the writer to see the big picture of how to go about being funny in his/her writing.
Bravo!!
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Summary: an example of what it teaches
Review: This book is funny -- even if you don't feel like learning anything from it, you'll laugh. Writers will recognize themselves in the examples for sure. I like that the book is about *writing funny* as opposed to writing screenplays or columns or novels or [insert genre here]. Schreiber breaks down the principles of humor writing and gives you guidance on applying them to any type of project.
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