Interview With Jen From Cake Wrecks
How to Write a Successful Humor Blog
Suite 101: Frequent Cake Wrecks readers often remark “The cakes themselves are funny, but the witty commentary is what keeps me coming back for more”. Did you have any idea that your particular sense of humor would be so universally well-received?
Jen: Absolutely not! I began the blog solely for my own amusement, since, like so many twisted individuals, I tend to find humor where others do not. I certainly had no idea I would find so many like-minded individuals wandering around cyberspace. It’s both heartening and just a tad frightening, really.
Suite 101: Where do find inspiration for your playful, witty humor?
Jen: Good question. I suppose my sense of humor is a case of both nature and nurture, since my dad is basically a snarky Dilbert and I was raised on Star Trek, British comedy, and Douglas Adams. As for inspiration: when writer’s block strikes, I go back to what I know. Pop culture, old TV shows, an irrational fear of clowns: it all comes into play. (Though to be fair, I’m not afraid of clowns - I WAS the clown.) I’m also a voracious reader; before Wrecks hit the big time I averaged about 2 or 3 books a week. I’m trying to fit reading back into my schedule now, because that also helps keep my imagination running.
Suite 101: Any advice for would-be humor bloggers?
Jen: I feel like a hypocrite doling out any advice, since I really fell into blogging almost by accident; I just started doing something I enjoyed, and people began to notice. So, I guess if I could suggest anything, it’s do what you love (I know, how original) and then put it out there for people to find. If I’ve learned anything from Wrecks, it’s that everyone’s sense of humor is a little different, so odds are your writing will mesh with somebody. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things; some of the best responses I’ve gotten on Wrecks were on posts where I really took a risk and tried a radically different style or approach. Of course, sometimes those attempts fall so flat I can practically hear the crickets chirping, but that’s a risk that goes with the territory, and at least they’re learning experiences.
Suite 101: Let’s talk about your readers for a moment. Cake Wrecks fans are a diverse bunch – your readers range from cake aficionados, to stay-at-home moms, to cube dwellers and the dark crevasses of geekdom. And how they comment! You actively encourage feedback and commentary in your blog - with an average of 42 comments per post (last week), do you actually read every single one?
Jen: Heh – during the week, I think there are closer to a hundred and forty two comments per post! And yes, I do read every single one. I’ve had to delegate the moderating, so I don’t check in on the comment page as often as I used to, but I do still make it a point to review them all at the end of the day. It’s fun for me, because I have some hilarious people who regularly comment and I love seeing their take on each post. I also never want to lose touch with my readers: their feedback is essential to not only the site, but also to me as a growing writer. Wrecks readers are nothing if not honest: they tell me what works and what doesn’t, and I’m grateful to them for that.
Suite 101: One of the biggest keys to a successful blog is to make regular updates. How do you keep up with the demand?
Jen: My house is a disaster, and we live on take-out dinners. Does that answer your question?
Suite 101: How many entries do you usually prepare in advance?
Jen: I’ve found I can’t schedule more than a few days out, because I write and rewrite posts up until the very last minute. I’m a bit neurotic that way.
....For more of this interview with Jen, check out the scoop on the Cake Wrecks book due out in 2009!
a Blog so popular they have their own T-shirts
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