Start writing jokes. Write every single day. Pick an idea that you wrote down in your notepad and approach it like a story—find the narrative arc and flesh out your setup. Who are the characters? Where’s the setting? What’s the situation or conflict? Write a punchline or two. In joke writing, the punchline is always a plot twist that goes against the logical conclusion. In some cases, the punchline might be the first part of the joke you uncover. In that case, work backward to the setup. If it’s a longer bit, include jab lines—funny moments in the body of the joke—so the audience doesn’t wait too long to laugh. Remember that comedy is about pushing limits. If you leave your comfort zone, you’re headed in the right direction.
