Writing Teqniques

Steven Snow

I've Got It
So most of my time making YouTube videos is spent either doing artwork or writing material. And while I'm pretty comfortable with doing artwork, I'm a total newbie when it comes to writing.

I was hoping anyone who has been writing for awhile would share their approach to writing. Especially comedic writing. Any advice would be appreciated, how do you prepare, what kind of environment helps you, does it help to do some reading before sitting down to write, do you plan / brainstorm first, do you jot down notes on ideas that come to you throughout the day, are there some daily practices that you feel strengthen your writing as a whole?

I had mentioned in a earlier topic that I'm sitting on a pile of scripts that need to be made and a lot of what's holding me back is several of them I just don't feel are strong enough yet. Would love any input.
 
I have this problem too, while i feel the thoughts in my head would make for good videos i have trouble getting them down in writing or actually saying what i mean
 
When writing comedy it's best to write down what YOU think is funny first, instead of trying to copy someone else's style. If you think it's funny chances are someone else will too! Keep your writing fast and quick witted. That shows a lot in the final video, trust me. :)

If you have any other questions feel free to ask!
 
When writing comedy it's best to write down what YOU think is funny first, instead of trying to copy someone else's style. If you think it's funny chances are someone else will too! Keep your writing fast and quick witted. That shows a lot in the final video, trust me. :)

If you have any other questions feel free to ask!
The only thing i've learnt to do when i'm writing is to speak it first, write down what i said, and then alter it
 
When writing comedy it's best to write down what YOU think is funny first, instead of trying to copy someone else's style. If you think it's funny chances are someone else will too! Keep your writing fast and quick witted. That shows a lot in the final video, trust me. :)

If you have any other questions feel free to ask!

This is very true, I have had some jokes I went back and forth with for awhile but eventually left them in because I thought they were funny. And I really need to be careful with my material because I already often get compared to Zero Punctuation, which I knew I would due to the format of my show but I always have to make sure that what I write isn't just echoing his opinions. Since I'm the new kid on the block I'll be the one getting accused of ripping off material I think. It's a real concern of mine but I don't know how valid of a concern it is.[DOUBLEPOST=1371491994,1371491772][/DOUBLEPOST]
The only thing i've learnt to do when i'm writing is to speak it first, write down what i said, and then alter it

This might help, I tend to write first then act it out and then alter it. I'll have to give this order a try as well.
 
This is very true, I have had some jokes I went back and forth with for awhile but eventually left them in because I thought they were funny. And I really need to be careful with my material because I already often get compared to Zero Punctuation, which I knew I would due to the format of my show but I always have to make sure that what I write isn't just echoing his opinions. Since I'm the new kid on the block I'll be the one getting accused of ripping off material I think. It's a real concern of mine but I don't know how valid of a concern it is.

That is a huge concern with most anyone on YouTube. No one wants to be the copycat! Just try to stick to your own original stuff, and you should be in the clear. :)
 
nothing i do is scripted, so....i how have to say be spontaneous and crazy, its my only honest opinion brosif.
 
One thing I'll categorically say is don't watch/read comedy before you write... You start writing in there style, and sometimes end up performing it with there accent!!!!

When I write my Stand up I write it on the spot when the idea comes into my head onto my phone, and just expand it when I'm in the mood. You really shouldn't try force it, or it isn't as good as it could be! (Quality over quantity and all that)
 
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