Comedy puts everyday things and people into strange new relationships. At the center of every good comedy is an unexpected surprise. Hence, great comedy requires great imagination. Before sitting down to write comedy, you must always start with one question: What if?

Often, humor hinges upon absurd situations. Take, for instance, Sagan Harris’ award-winning story, “Man Kills Mime,” in which the author starts off with the question: What if a boy fell in love with a girl mime?

Excerpt:
“First, let me tell you about the girlfriend. Her name’s Rachel and, unlike most of her kind, she actually speaks, much to the chagrin of the rest of her family. Some of the other mimes refer to her (in sign-language, of course) as a “talkie,” someone who speaks, which is the closest mimes can get to a slur. She’s received a few nasty letters, especially about dating another “talkie,” but I wrote them back and said if they had something to say, they’d better say it to my face. I never got a reply.”

Read Sagan Harris’ “Man Kills Mime.”

	Your Turn Compile a list of five absurd situations, in which everyday things or people are placed in strange new relationships. Ask the question: What if...? Now choose one situation and start drafting a humorous piece. Be sure to surprise your readers with your creativity.