Classes & Workshops
More coming. Watch this space.
Sunday, May 17th
2-4pm EST
Online & Recorded
Not to be Magellan, but mapping is one of the most reliable engines of contemporary short humor: pair a real-world subject with a recognizable, contrasting frame, and you immediately create comedic contrast and potential. In this class, we’ll dissect how mapping works in successful pieces—how writers use tone, genre expectations, and cultural references to generate jokes, create tension, and surprise their reader by starting with the familiar.
We’ll explore the many types of mapping and deconstruct how writers in the New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and more make it work. Students will also participate in some low-stakes guided brainstorming exercises and generative prompts to help spark ideas for their own writing. By the end, you'll have a better, wider sense of how to use these techniques to generate more comedic premises, sharpen your comedic voice, and strengthen your humor writing.
Student Testimonials
"Riane's brilliant sense of humor is what prompted me to take the Second City 'Writing Satire For the Internet' class with her. But her kind, actionable feedback is what helped me get the most out of the course. Taking a class with Riane is one of the best writing career decisions I've ever made." - Carlos G
“I am so beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to take my first ever humor writing class with Riane. Riane is a fantastic teacher — she made challenging concepts accessible and always offered thoughtful and nuanced feedback on my and my classmate's fledgling attempts to write funny. I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be the writer I am today had it not been for Riane's patience, expertise, and support as my teacher. If you have the chance to take a class with her, DO IT!!” - Emily K.
“Riane’s class was information dense in a way that felt generous. I like learning from examples, and thought the examples Konc took us through were exceptionally well chosen.” - Writing Co-Lab student
“The first satire writing class I ever took was with Riane, and she took my half-formed, barely-funny ideas and helped me learn to structure them into an actual humor piece. Riane is not only one of the funniest writers and humans on earth, but she has the gift of showing others how humor writing works, and the ability to help people see themselves as humorists. Riane’s feedback was always prompt, specific, and helpful, and she knows exactly how to help elevate a piece. Riane created a writing community in her class, and helped model what it means to give thoughtful feedback to others. I highly recommend taking a class with her to develop your own satire writing skills!” - Amy E.
“Riane had a deep well of knowledge and her class was incredibly in depth for a two hour seminar. I’d love to take a longer series with her!”
- Writing Co-Lab Student
Riane Konc © 2018