The Complete Idiot's Guide to Comedy Writing (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

Average customer rating:

I MAKE FUNNY JOKES YES? U LAUGH HARD FOR ME NOW

not funny, educational

Perfect tool for new writers

Don't waste your time

Step by step advice on being funny

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Comedy Writing (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
James Mendrinos
Manufacturer: Alpha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Comedy | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1592572316
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Book Description

Comedy is serious business-and serious money. In this guide, comedian, writer, and teacher Jim Mendrinos explains the principles of comedy and how to apply them to forms from stand-up to sitcoms-including fiction, film, speeches, articles, essays, and more. He also includes exercises designed to hone the craft, break through writer's block, and tailor a piece to its intended audience.

Customer Reviews:

I MAKE FUNNY JOKES YES? U LAUGH HARD FOR ME NOW.......2007-03-10

LARGE CAPS ARE SOO LIBERATING. THIS BOOK HAS HELPED MY SEX LIFE. VERY USEFUL. I HOPE TO STAY OUT OF JAIL NOW.....THANKS AMAZON...I HAVE TOSSED MY ROPE IN THE TRASHCAN. SEE YOU WHEN I AM FAMOUS!

not funny, educational.......2005-06-08

I like that the writer (Jim M.) takes the writing of comedy seriously, it doesn't mock those who want to learn but encourages in all the right ways. The book itself is witty and gives you top-notch instructions on how to create funny. although a lot of the references are a little outdated for me, it's still good stuff.

...and this is the line where normally you'd read something amusing and think "yea, that seems like a good book" but i'm an expert procrastinator and haven't gotten around to writing anything funny just yet.

Perfect tool for new writers.......2005-05-19

There is a school of thought that you shouldn't write about comedy because disecting a joke makes it horribly unfunny. This book does something amazing, it details all the basics, quotes some funny stuff, and lets the reader find his own comedy style as a writer.

It covers everything from getting the idea, to editing the piece, and it does it as a broad look at comedy instead of a narrow look at screenplay comedy or comedy for books. This allows you to get the basic knowledge to try out these different styles, and then research further once you know what genre you want to write in.

I got a ton out of it.

Don't waste your time.......2005-03-20

I've never been compelled to write a review on amazon, but I feel I must warn others from purchasing this book. It is a complete waste of time. It is an exercise on the part of the author to say absolutely nothing in so many words. There is nothing funny in the book. The examples of his writing and of others' writing are horribly not funny. Throughout the book are lame cartoons that are not funny. Save your time and money; there's nothing practical in this book.

Step by step advice on being funny.......2004-08-17

Wow, it's amazing how different people can read the same thing and get different results. I'm a NYC writer (Theatre) and I picked up this book because I wanted to put more comedy into my writing.

I learned and then some!!!

The book layers information in the first part. Basically it is a deconstruction of humor -- what's funny and finding your own individual sense of humor. It's the roll up your sleeves part of comedy writing -- getting useable ideas, and seperating the rich concepts from the common ideas.

Part 2 is an overview on comedy construction -- not genre specific, but the universal components that every writer who uses humor must master in order to write something that's funny.

The "UJF" -- Universal Joke Formula is simple and easy to follow, and amazingly complete. As for the assertion from an earlier reviewer that the writer didn't cover "Twists," there's an entire chapter dedicated to twists. Anybody can understand the concepts and examples the writer used in the twist chapter,and it is simplified as much as possible -- after all, this is an idiot's guide!

Part 3 focuses on the artistic elements of comedy, from basic language to emotional exploration of a joke. This is the one section I wish was longer. I understand that an idiot's guide has to be basic knowledge in an easy reference form, but I do believe that the writer's opinions on art were wonderful and direct. I would have liked to have gone deeper in the artform with him.

The craft of comedy is the next section. The author does a wonderful job pushing the basics of comedy construction. This is basically polishing, editing, and revision before presentation to the buyer. It contains one of the best chapters on comedy editing I've ever read. As for the A to Z list being too simple -- again, it's an idiot's guide. The writer has to pack it with the simple rules. What the reviewer fails to point out is that the author also has complex information in the book as well. (Like the reason why most double entendres fail is that both possible meanings have to end in a punch line. If the "naughty" ending is funny, and the other ending isn't, the joke fails because the naughty joke becomes too direct.)

Part 5 goes for application. Here's how to do it for theatre, here's how to do it for stand-up, etc. Again, I wish it was longer, but as an overview it was perfect. Just to be clear - the pages on playwriting are very good. I can't judge the others because I don't work the mediums, but playwriting is on point.

Finally, don't overlook Appendix B -- "Something to do Every Day." Quite possibly the best tool I'ver ever seen to jump start the writing process.

Overall I loved the book. The subject matter was interesting, and the writer's style was effortless. I'd read more of his writing, and I believe I will be a better writer when I follow his advice.

And that's the reason why I purchased the book.

Customer Reviews:

Not all "Northwest Coast".......2006-12-27

Great, yet another book about "Northwest Coast" and "Coast Salish" art that ignores the art of the Salish Indians of Western Washington. Ever since J. E. Standley flooded the Seattle tourist market with the fake Kwakiutle artwork, fake totem poles, and other hybrids of art forms from the northern coast Salish tribes, the art forms that are indigenous to our tribes here in western Washington have been all but forgotten, brushed aside by authors who chase the market with books that pretend to deal with all "of the Northwest Coast" but in reality ignore anything south of the 49th Parallel.

Beautiful and Informational.......2006-10-10

Interesting and well written, this book has been not only a wonderful source of entertainment but a good reference for this native art style. Every image is a beautiful example of the style, and covers several medias (print, paint, clothing and carving). Stewart spends time covering all the basics, from the rudimentary design principles, to the myths and symbolism of the many animals and figures represented by the examples. Differences between tribal styles are also covered, each group accompanied by several wonderful examples of the art. This book is a great starting place for anyone wanting to study this art form, whether it be primarily cultural or artistic.

Encyclopedia of Haida.......2006-03-16

This is a great book if you are looking for explanations of the history of the Haida artwork and drawings. It also includes many examples of the artwork and is easy to read and understand for all ages.

What I needed.......2004-12-25

Great pictures, explainations, and examples, Put in wonderful catagories and easy to understand!! Fully recommend!! I wish there was more of it as it is so well thought out!!

Great details and good reading..........2001-08-02

Through well-detailed photographs and drawings, this book provides a nice introduction to Northwest tribal art. It uses examples of two- and three-dimensional works of art to explain the meanings and symbolism behind the animal motifs. You will quickly learn to recognize the ovoid, and S and U shapes that are characteristic to the art form. It also explains stylistic differences between the different cultural groups. I used this book on a trip through the Northwest and it really enriched my experience.

Northwest Coast Indian Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive)

Average customer rating:

Simplistic, Misleading, Not Useful
Okay?
Designs are authenic and easy to follow patterns forprojects

Northwest Coast Indian Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive)
Madeleine Orban-Szontagh
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Folk Art | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0486281795

Book Description

Over 270 designs from art of Nootka, Kwakiutl, Tlingit, other groups. Stylized plants, abstracts, repeating patterns, totemic images, more.

Customer Reviews:

Simplistic, Misleading, Not Useful.......2003-03-13

When this book came out, there were surprisingly few books about Pacific Northwest Coast artwork, and many of the books that had been written were out of print.

I suppose it's possible that the author or publisher honestly felt they saw a niche that needed to be filled, and intended to produce a simple, helpful book. But regardless of their intent, the impression I came away with was that this book was thrown together in order to cash in on the rising interest and, at that time, paucity of reference material related to this artform.

The book is remarkably short, there is a lack of useful information about the artform or its elements, and many of the designs that are included in the book do not even appear to be native to this style of art.

I hate to pan a book, because I'm a part-time writer myself, but facts are facts. Regardless of what you are looking for when it comes to Northwest Coast Art - how to understand it, style variations amongst different northwest tribes, how to draw this type of art, etc. -- this book will not provide it for you. The only reason I can think of for buying this book is because you want a copy of every book ever written on the topic. Otherwise, don't waste your money on this one.

[...]

Okay?.......2001-02-28

Does not explain what the designs are, if you don't have another book to explain them you will be lost. Drawings do not reflect true designs.

Designs are authenic and easy to follow patterns forprojects.......1998-08-30

We liked the book as a number of the designs are ones remembered from childhood. They are easy for us to follow when making are native crafts. As we try to be as authenic as possible. It is one of the best books we have found for Northwest Coast Indians Designs. Madeleine Orban-Szontagh's Books are all good books.

Northwest Coast Indian Designs CD-ROM and Book (Electronic Clip Art)

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Northwest Coast Indian Designs CD-ROM and Book (Electronic Clip Art)
Madeleine Orban-Szontagh
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0486997480

Book Description

Scores of striking designs from Native Americans of the Northwest include images by the Nootka, Kwakiutl, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and other groups. Attractive, sometimes startling motifs depict stylized plants, birds and animals, abstract borders and repeating patterns, dramatic totemic images, and other decorative emblems. 283 black-and-white illustrations.

Visions of the North: Native Arts of the Northwest Coast

Average customer rating:

The Photographs are the book

Visions of the North: Native Arts of the Northwest Coast
Don and Debra McQuiston
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Folk Art | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0811808599

Book Description

Compelling photographs of Northwest Indian art -- and images of the stunning landscape vistas that have shaped it -- fill this gorgeous new volume for fans of these increasingly popular, collectable artifacts, as well as for the many travelers to the Pacific Northwest. Throughout Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, and as far north as Glacier Bay, Alaska, the totem poles, ceremonial masks, decorative blankets, canoes, and other elaborate items crafted by Native Americans reflect the resources and geological diversity of their abundant environment. Over 130 full-color photographs and a fascinating text reveal the details of this strikingly beautiful region and the rich artistic heritage of its inhabitants. An exciting companion to Spirit Faces: Contemporary Native American Masks from the Northwest (Chronicle Books, Spring 1995), this evocative book will be both?an essential acquisition and a memorable souvenir.

Customer Reviews:

The Photographs are the book.......2000-09-03

When the front cover flap says "text offers a basic introduction to the Northweest Coast culture" put the emphasis on basic, very basic. The value of the book is in the photographs. This book includes not only old work and recent work but even work in progress. It includes petroglyphs, masks, dugouts, baskets, jewlery, totel poles, rattles, spoons i.e. a full introduction to the material culture. It also includes photographs of the region allowing one to envision the physical space in which the Native Americans lived.

Book Description

Sixteen authentic images of ceremonial masks, stylized animals, and other striking motifs capture the rich and mysterious symbolism of Native American cultures, among them the Tlingit, Kwakiutl, Haida, Tsimshian, Chilkat, and other Northwest Coast tribal groups. To create dramatic glowing effects, simple color illustrations and place near a light source.

Native Visions: Evolution in Northwest Coast Art from the Eighteenth Through the Twentieth Century

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Native Visions: Evolution in Northwest Coast Art from the Eighteenth Through the Twentieth Century
Steven C. Brown
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0295976586

Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast

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Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast
Peter Macnair , Robert Joseph , and Bruce Grenville
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Customs & Traditions | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Spirit Faces: Contemporary Masks of the Northwest Coast

ASIN: 0295977094

Privileging the Past: Reconstructing History in Northwest Coast Art

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Privileging the Past: Reconstructing History in Northwest Coast Art
Judith Ostrowitz
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Northwest Coast Indian Stickers: 24 Full-Color Pressure-Sensitive Designs (Pocket-Size Sticker Collections)

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Northwest Coast Indian Stickers: 24 Full-Color Pressure-Sensitive Designs (Pocket-Size Sticker Collections)
Madeleine Orban-Szontagh
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Striking designs on ceremonial masks, totem poles, jewelry, clothing and pottery inspired these exciting stickers.

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