The Fundamentals of Satire
A four-week class designed for writers looking to publish short satire and incorporate satire into longer works.
If you’ve been wanting to learn more about satire, improve your own writing, and get into some of the best publications out there, you’ve come to the right place.
About the Class
The Fundamentals of Satire is a comprehensive course covering everything about one of the most important art forms we have.
We’ll delve into everything from the history of satire to the future of the craft. Over four weeks, we’ll explore:
The four types of satire
The main elements of satire
What makes satire work (and why it sometimes goes so wrong!)
How to hone your point of view
Developing character and voice
Strategies for getting published
And much more
You’ll leave this class with plenty of laughs, a deeper understanding of the art of satire, ideas and outlines for short-form pieces, and a strategy for incorporating satire into your other writing projects.
Course Structure
This class meets once a week virtually over Zoom, starting with a brief warmup and a guided lesson from Joanna about a critical satire fundamental.
In the second half of each class, you work through exercises to put theory to practice, all with the aim of developing your own new satire ideas and furthering your work.
Joanna approaches each class at an individual level, so you’ll study all of the above with attention to your specific experience and goals.
About the Teacher
Joanna’s satire has been featured by Time, The Hill, The Belladonna, Funny or Die, WhoHaha, and more. She is a former staff writer for Top Story Weekly; a standup and sketch performer with iO West and UCB; a regular contributor to McSweeney’s and other online publications; and co-writer of the sold-out satire show Fox News the Musical. Joanna is the creator and host of the popular series Red, White, and Dad, which chronicled her father’s (real) campaign for president in 2016.
Where and When?
This class is typically offered virtually in September/October, with the next class slated for fall 2025.
If your writers’ group or organization would like something in-person or tailored to you, contact Joanna.
What Else Can I Expect from This Course?
Class Assets
Slides and links delivered directly to your inbox after class.
Publishing Tips and Tricks
Tons of dos and don’ts, from getting published for the first time to launching into new and bigger markets.
Editing and Improvement Hacks
Techniques to help you find the issues in your own work and figure out solutions.
Additional Resources
Optional reading and videos to help you improve your writing and further your development at your own pace.
Discounted Future Feedback
Personalized support from Joanna at a discounted rate beyond the length of the class.
What Others Are Saying About The Fundamentals of Satire
“This class is a terrific experience. It matched and exceeded the description. Joanna's being a playwright and comedy writer, as well as extremely knowledgeable, is a magical mix that opens up so many ways of thinking about your own writing. She offers the tools to start writing short satire from next to zero, so the experience is valuable on different levels.”
– Janesse Leung (now a multi-published satirist!)
“Exceptional! Joanna brought enthusiasm, knowledge and organized presentations to each class. What I found most valuable was the insightful information conveyed about the genre and helpful step-by-step approaches to take during the writing process.”
– Thomas Pease (now a published satirist!)
“This class provides great information about how to write satire and very specific guidance for where to have it published. I learned the importance of making certain the entire piece is congruent with the narrator's voice and experience. Joanna is very knowledgeable. She makes it fun and accessible!”
– Deborah
“It was a rich mix of thought-provoking ideas about writing and meaning. It kept me awake and sitting still and sparked ideas that I worked on after. I didn't doodle a single mystical animal or do any Kegels during this class.”
– Anonymous
“You don't usually get someone who's as compassionate, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, open as an artist and skilled in putting together an inspiring mix of observation and action for a variety of students.”
– Anonymous
“I have read satire, but figured there was some kind of magic behind it, where it was something that other people could do but not me. I just had never thought about how to access it or do it consciously or realized it could come so naturally.”
– Anonymous