Funny Is the New Deep: How to Harness Your Comic Impulse

Contrary to popular belief, writing funny doesn’t mean sacrificing depth. In fact, for most literary writers, the comic impulse is inextricably linked to tragedy. It’s not a conscious effort to entertain the reader so much as an unconscious effort to face some tragic moment or realization. In this informal class, suitable for all genres, we’ll look at the work of Samantha Irby, Cathy Park Hong, Lorrie Moore, and others in an effort to learn how your sense of humor can become an instrument of truth and empower work. Yes, you are allowed to make people laugh—and break their hearts at the same time.