What is *How to Write Funny* by Scott Dikkers about?

*How to Write Funny* is a step-by-step guide to crafting humor, written by *The Onion* co-founder Scott Dikkers. It provides actionable techniques like the "11 Funny Filters" (irony, hyperbole, wordplay) to generate jokes, overcome writer’s block, and structure comedic writing. The book blends theory with practical exercises, offering a systematic approach to creating reliably funny content for stand-up, articles, or speeches.

Who should read *How to Write Funny*?

Aspiring comedians, writers, and public speakers seeking to add humor to their work will benefit most. It’s also ideal for marketers, podcasters, or anyone interested in understanding joke mechanics. Dikkers tailors the content for both beginners and professionals, emphasizing repeatable strategies over innate talent.

Is *How to Write Funny* worth reading?

Yes—readers praise its clear, actionable advice and Dikkers’ credibility as a comedy pioneer. Amazon reviewers call it “one of the best books on comedy writing,” highlighting its structured system for joke creation and real-world examples from *The Onion*. Critics note its formulaic approach may not suit those seeking abstract comedy theory.

What are the “11 Funny Filters” in *How to Write Funny*?

The “11 Funny Filters” are core joke-building tools: irony, character, shock, hyperbole, wordplay, reference, madcap, parody, analogy, misplaced focus, and metahumor. Dikkers explains how to layer these elements (e.g., combining hyperbole with irony) to amplify laughs. Examples from *The Onion* demonstrate each filter’s application.

How does *How to Write Funny* help overcome writer’s block?

Dikkers advocates accessing both brain hemispheres through exercises like “idea vomits” (rapid, unfiltered brainstorming) and using the “Comedy Engine” framework to reframe mundane scenarios into humorous ones. The book emphasizes iterative editing over waiting for inspiration, providing checklists to refine raw ideas.

What real-world applications does *How to Write Funny* offer?

The book includes templates for speeches, satire articles, and stand-up routines. Dikkers breaks down joke structures used in *The Onion*’s headlines and offers strategies for tailoring humor to audiences (e.g., avoiding niche references). Case studies show how to adapt jokes across mediums like podcasts or marketing copy.

How does *How to Write Funny* compare to other comedy writing guides?

Unlike anecdotal guides, Dikkers focuses on a replicable system akin to a “humor algorithm.” It’s more technical than Stephen King’s *On Writing* but less academic than *The Comic Toolbox*. Readers highlight its emphasis on subtext and audience psychology as unique strengths.

What criticisms exist about *How to Write Funny*?

Some argue the formulaic approach could stifle originality, and the focus on short-form humor (e.g., headlines) may not aid novelists. However, most critics concede the techniques work reliably, especially for digital/social media content where pacing and clarity are crucial.

How to Write Funny Characters Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

How to Write Funny Characters

Scott Dikkers

4.13 (907 Reviews)

Communication Skill Creativity Self-growth

Panoramica

Punti Chiave

Autore

Domande Frequenti

Discover the blueprint for comedy from The Onion's founder Scott Dikkers - a step-by-step guide that transformed aspiring writers into professionals through his legendary "funny filters." The secret weapon behind countless viral jokes that even seasoned comedians swear by.

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Humor transforms ordinary life into something extraordinary-making dull moments fascinating, sad moments bearable, and empty moments fulfilling.

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

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483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

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How to Write Funny Characters

Scott Dikkers

4.13 (907 Reviews)

Communication Skill Creativity Self-growth

Panoramica

Punti Chiave

Autore

Domande Frequenti

Esplora il Tuo Modo di Imparare

Riassunto Rapido9min

Senti il libro attraverso la voce dell'autore

Approfondimento42min

Trasforma la conoscenza in spunti coinvolgenti e ricchi di esempi

Flashcard6 spunti

Cattura le idee chiave in un lampo per un apprendimento veloce

Divertente20min

Goditi il libro in modo divertente e coinvolgente

Migliore citazione da How to Write Funny Characters

Humor transforms ordinary life into something extraordinary-making dull moments fascinating, sad moments bearable, and empty moments fulfilling.

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Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

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Comedy Creation: Masters Reveal Their Secrets

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Unlocking the Humor Code: Where Creativity Meets Science

00:00

Have you ever wondered why certain words on a page make you laugh out loud while others fall flat? Scott Dikkers, founding editor of The Onion, has cracked the code. His systematic approach to humor writing - previously guarded like magicians' secrets - has influenced generations of comedians, including Seth Meyers who called Dikkers' methods "the foundation of modern comedy." What makes this particularly fascinating is how it demystifies the seemingly magical process of creating written humor. Unlike stand-up or sketch comedy, which benefit from performance elements, written humor relies solely on lifeless symbols arranged on a page. Yet when done right, these symbols ignite a spark in your brain that culminates in genuine laughter. This revolutionary deconstruction of humor's mechanics offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of one of writing's most challenging crafts.

The Creative Battlefield: Balancing Clown and Editor

The Comedy Spectrum: From Simple Jokes to Sophisticated Satire

Subtext: The Hidden Engine of Powerful Humor

The Eleven Funny Filters: Transforming Observations into Humor

From Raw Ideas to Polished Comedy: Three Methods

The Humor Writer's Path: Developing Your Voice Through Practice

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Creato da alumni della Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed Riunisce Una Community Globale Di 1,000,000+ Menti Curiose

Scopri di piu su come si parla di BeFreed nel web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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How to Write Funny Characters by Scott Dikkers Summary

Overview of How to Write Funny Characters

Similar books to How to Write Funny Characters

Migliore citazione da How to Write Funny Characters

Altri come questo

Punti chiave

Unlocking the Humor Code: Where Creativity Meets Science

The Creative Battlefield: Balancing Clown and Editor

The Comedy Spectrum: From Simple Jokes to Sophisticated Satire

Subtext: The Hidden Engine of Powerful Humor

The Eleven Funny Filters: Transforming Observations into Humor

From Raw Ideas to Polished Comedy: Three Methods

The Humor Writer's Path: Developing Your Voice Through Practice

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Altri come questo

Punti chiave

Unlocking the Humor Code: Where Creativity Meets Science

The Creative Battlefield: Balancing Clown and Editor

The Comedy Spectrum: From Simple Jokes to Sophisticated Satire

Subtext: The Hidden Engine of Powerful Humor

The Eleven Funny Filters: Transforming Observations into Humor

From Raw Ideas to Polished Comedy: Three Methods

The Humor Writer's Path: Developing Your Voice Through Practice