The Catch-22 of Writing Funny
Note: This is a revision of a piece I allegedly wrote in 2007, but have no recollection of. It felt like it needed a facelift. So here goes:
In my opinion, I am not an attractive person. Yet, for some reason, I seem to attract people. To panhandlers I look generous. The lost assume I have directions. My neighbor thinks I’ll smile and wave in return. Each of them soon experience the full emotion that comes from a scowl.
While I wouldn’t lay claim to much expertise outside of a few areas of work, I have piecemealed together a modest level of experience as a writer, both for work and play. Occasionally, I’ll attract those with similar interest seeking advice or inspiration.
I’m no Hemmingway, mind you. But when you are ballsy (or stupid) enough to write stories about aliens extracting your sperm for cloning purposes or grabbing evangelical Christians by the nipples, a couple folks might ask how you pulled that off.
(For those wondering, it was a silly humor column and a lifetime ago.)
Being sought after for pointers is awkward for me. A writery type friend of mine named Bill could dance around stories like Baryshnikov, all while cultivating excellence in others willing to ask or listen. I’ve not been that qualified or effective.
