A straightforward, often humorous workbook approach to comedy writing as creative problem-solving. In it, veteran Hollywood comedy writer John Vorhaus offers his tools of the trade to writers, comics, and anyone else who wants to be funny. Among these indispensable tools are Clash of Context, Tension and Release, The Law of Comic Opposites, The Wildly Inappropriate Response, and The Myth of the Last Great Idea. Readers will learn that comedy = truth and pain (the essence of the comic situation), that fear is the biggest roadblock to comedy (kill the ferocious editor within and rich, useful comic ideas will flow), and much more.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The fundamental rule of humor is that it’s not about you. When people make fun of you, they’re not laughing at you. They’re laughing with you. That’s right. When someone makes a joke at your expense, it’s always someone else who’s getting the last laugh. It’s never you. It was a moment that taught me a lot about life and about comedy. And, just possibly, about love. -> The fundamental rule of humor is that it’s not about you. When people make fun of you, they’re not laughing at you; they’re laughing with you. It’s always someone else who’s getting the last laugh. #2 The fundamental rule of humor is that it’s not about you. When people make fun of you, it’s not about hurting you, it’s about laughing with you. #3 The fundamental rule of humor is that it’s not about you. When people make fun of you, they’re not laughing at you; they’re laughing with you. It’s always someone else who’s getting the last laugh. #4 The fundamental rule of humor is that it’s not about you. When people make fun of you, they’re not laughing at you; they’re laughing with you. It’s always someone else who’s getting the last laugh.

Like all of John Vorhaus's books on writing (The Comic Toolbox, Creativity Rules; that list goes on), Comedy Writing 4 Life makes the creative process easy, fun and accessible to absolutely everyone. Whether you're into stand-up, sketch or improv, situation comedies or comic screenplays, cartoons, video, blogging, whatever, you're going to find so much value in this slim volume that your head will literally explode. Literally. Pieces of it will be found for miles around. You'll learn the fundamental secret of comedy (no secret; comedy is cruelty), how to use filters to create comic characters, simple storytelling shortcuts, and just tons more. With pithy advice like, "Fail big!" and plenty of entertaining exercises that you can do as you go, CW4L presents a simple, effective guide to success in comedy writing and beyond. If you're serious about being frivolous, this little book will change your comedy writing for life.

A comprehensive guide to writing, selling and performing all types of comedy. Includes comments, advice, gags and routines from top comics.

The last school bell has rung and it’s finally HOME TIME! Even though they’re twins, Lilly and David don’t agree on much… except that the last summer before high school is the perfect time for relaxing with friends. But their plans for sleepovers, fantasy games, and romance are thrown out the window when the whole gang falls into a river and wakes up in a village of fantastic creatures.

This acclaimed graphic memoir that Kirkus calls “cathartic and uplifting” is the tale of losing a parent and what it feels like to grieve and to move forward. “I can’t recommend this kind, funny, and poignant memoir enough. It’s an intimate, life-affirming story of resilience that feels like a good friend.” —Mari Andrew, author of Am I There Yet? Tyler Feder had just white-knuckled her way through her first year of college when her super cool mom was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Now, with a decade of grief and nervous laughter under her belt, Tyler shares the story of that gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, extremely awkward time in her life—from her mom’s first oncology appointment to her funeral through the beginning of facing reality as a motherless daughter. She shares the sting of loss that never goes away, the uncomfortable post-death firsts, and the deep-down, hard-to-talk-about feelings of the grieving process. Dancing at the Pity Party is a frank and refreshingly funny look at what it’s like to grieve—for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.

Suit up for this high-octane graphic novel debut by the Caldecott Medalist and #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Adventures of Beekle. Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets—he hasn’t even noticed they’ve been developing superpowers of their own! So when Captain Amazing announces he needs a sidekick, his eager pets—a dog, a hamster, and a chameleon—all decide to audition for the part and a chance for one-on-one time with the Captain. But while each pet is focused on winning the coveted sidekick spot, an even bigger battle in Metro City is about to unleash . . . Dr. Havoc, Captain Amazing’s long-time nemesis, is hatching up a new scheme, and the Captain’s found himself in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save the day? Will the return of a forgotten friend help them in their time of need? Or will this be the end for Captain Amazing? Get ready for sibling rivalry royale as pets with superpowers duke it out for the one thing they all want most: a super family. “The lovable menagerie of crime-fighting pets offers lots of laughs and a boisterous and exuberant storyline.” —Kirkus Reviews “Lively, insightful, and just plain fun, this convergence of capes and creatures will find a wide audience in animal lovers and superhero fans alike.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From favorites like "Puss in Boots" and "Goldilocks" to obscure gems like "The Boy Who Drew Cats," Fairy Tale Comics has something to offer every reader. Seventeen fairy tales are wonderfully adapted and illustrated in comics format by seventeen different cartoonists, including Raina Telgemeier, Brett Helquist, Cherise Harper, and more. Edited by Nursery Rhyme Comics' Chris Duffy, this jacketed hardcover is a beautiful gift and an instant classic.

Rescuing a squirrel after an accident involving a vacuum cleaner, comic-reading cynic Flora Belle Buckman is astonished when the squirrel, Ulysses, demonstrates astonishing powers of strength and flight after being revived. By the Newbery Medal-winning author of The Tale of Despereaux.