Writing Excuses Season 2 Episode 30: The Most Important Thing Howard Learned In The Last Year
May 3, 2009
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Exploring satire in writing, the hosts discuss the importance of satire as a humorous sub-genre. They delve into the differences between satire and other genres, emphasizing the value of knowing these distinctions in writing. The episode touches on improving writing forms, unlocking creativity, and the journey of refining comedic structures.
Understanding writing as satire helps fulfill its promises by distinguishing targets for humor.
Analyzing script structures and humor nuances leads to more effective storytelling and refining comic elements.
Deep dives
Realization of Writing Style and Form
In this podcast episode, Howard discusses his important realization about working within the form of satire in his writing. He explains that understanding his writing style as satire helped him fulfill the promises of that form, distinguishing between what he needed to make fun of and what he didn't. By recognizing the difference between satire and pop culture references, such as science fiction tropes, Howard refined his writing to focus on social satire and avoid mere lampooning.
Analytical Reflection and Improvement in Writing
Howard credits the process of podcasting and analytical thinking for improving his writing. By breaking down his scripts and story structures, looking at different angles, and exploring various themes, he was able to enhance the satirical elements in his work. This analytical approach allowed him to understand the nuances of his humor and storytelling, helping him to develop more effective and focused narratives.
Understanding Humor and Craft Improvement
The podcast delves into the importance of understanding one's writing goals and humor style. Howard emphasizes the value of analyzing humor in writing, even though it may initially seem intimidating or detract from the comedic effect. Through collaboration and feedback from colleagues, such as Dan and Bob, Howard learned to refine his craft, leading to stronger and more efficient storytelling. The episode concludes with advice for both new and experienced writers to keep writing, but also recognize the need for deeper analysis and improvement over time.
This is the first of a three-part series in which Brandon, Dan, and Howard tell each other (and you, of course) about the most important thing each of them has learned in the past year. We start with Howard, who seems to believe that of all the many things he's learned about writing in the previous twelve months, the list-topper should be the fact that he is a satirist. So really the episode is about satire, and how that form differs from other humorous sub-genres. And then we talk about why knowing this is important, and how others can go about learning these sorts of things about their own work. This week Writing Excuses is brought to you by "Bringing Writing Excuses To You By!" Writing Prompt: An artist finds a way to improve or perfect the form he or she is working within, and by so doing unlocks magic.