Teaching and Editing
Outside of my own writing, I teach courses and help writers who are looking for one-on-one editing. I have taught courses through the Writing Workshops on short-form humor in the style of Shouts & Murmurs and McSweeney’s, which I’ve also done a few times before through the Writing Pad. In my classes, we read funny things, look at what principles can apply to your own writing, practice different ways of approaching a comedy premise, and workshop our pieces. If you’re interested in that sort of thing, you can sign up for my email list to learn about my next class.
In terms of editing and mentoring, I’ve worked with writers on a variety of projects: novels, 30-minute TV pilots, short-form humor, and more. If you’re looking for help on a project in one of the above categories, feel free to reach out. I’ll let you know if what you’re working on is something I feel I could help with. A typical writer I work with is someone who is at an intermediate or advanced level, but they want more detailed feedback than what a friend, colleague, or workshop typically gives. Sometimes they’ve taken some writing classes before, and sometimes they’re serious writers but haven’t had formal instruction.
In my work with writers, my focus is on understanding and accepting the project on its own terms, identifying its strengths, and looking for opportunities to build on those strengths. I tend to provide feedback on the project itself, as well as more general thoughts that I hope will be useful months or years down the road. My process involves both line edits and broader suggestions on plot, characterization, and structure. If you’re at work on a project that you’d like a passionate reader and writer’s perspective on, let me know. I know it can be hard to find people who take your work as seriously as you do; I think that’s one of the primary things I can provide: a sense that the project matters, that its strengths are clear to readers, and that there’s a discernible way forward toward a final product. I am not an expert on the publishing industry, but if things get to that stage, I can point you toward some resources. I am especially interested in working with writers who are open to a long-term editing relationship, either on a book project or a series of shorter pieces.
Below are some testimonials from writers I’ve worked with one-on-one or had the pleasure of teaching.
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“I consider Chas a vital part of my writing process. His thoughtful analysis, insightful questions, and clear edits have helped me elevate my work across multiple genres: screenwriting, fiction, memoir, and humor. With his feedback I’ve been able to elevate the work, getting more published pieces and better representation. I don’t even want to write this recommendation because I’m terrified he will become too busy to work with me. But he asked and Chas has helped me so much, I feel indebted.”
-Kristina L.
“Chas is arguably the smartest person I’ve ever met. He’s also one of the nicest, most encouraging, and creatively challenging (in a good way). I’ve reached out to Chas many times in need of help trying to crack and craft a humor piece and his insights, suggestions, and guidance have helped me ten-fold. If you want someone that can help you take your work to its fullest potential, teach you valuable writing / humor lessons, and help you distill your work into a coherent train of thought, work with Chas.”
-Tim C.
“Chas is an extremely intelligent, funny, detail-oriented, and no-nonsense editor and reader. He's been my go-to editor on a major project and has given me incisive, priceless feedback and, crucially, helped me find and address my blind spots. He is friendly, efficient, easy to communicate with, and I've been consistently impressed by his quick turnaround times. I can't recommend him highly enough.”
-Hilary H.
“Chas changed how I approach humor writing. I usually start with a funny thought and go from there. But Chas challenges you to begin with something that’s not necessarily funny—a topic that frustrates or preoccupies you. He then shows you how to make it funny, with techniques and strategies that have worked for him. The result is McSweeney’s-level humor that’s more personal, original, and hard hitting. I learned so much from Chas. He’s insightful, helpful, and inspiring. I can’t recommend him enough!”
-Tod B.
“Chas taught me the fundamentals of humor writing, and over the course of 5 weeks I was transformed from complete noob to comic initiate. He was a patient teacher who demonstrated his expertise in the subject and passed on his knowledge generously. Not only did I have a polished piece by the end of class, but I also had the tools I needed to continue to generate clever ideas worthy of publication in some of my favorite corners of the internet.”
-BriAnna O.
“If you imagine yourself as a writer but have trouble putting your thoughts to screen (or paper), Chas Gillespie is a great help. Working with Chas, I learned the power of tying what could be an entertaining idea to what I’m really passionate about. Therefore, instead of booting up the computer and wrestling with ways to motivate myself to put 700 words into the processor, I know exactly what I’m writing about and why I care about it. That leaves a lot more time to come up with creative laugh lines and ways to enhance the piece.
Chas is also an excellent mentor who teaches with quiet confidence. He hones in on what you want to write and works toward finding ways to elevate the stakes while keeping focus. I look forward to continuing to work with Chas in the future.”
-Jesse L.
“Chas is a pleasure to learn from. He masterfully presents the freeing aspects of structure and logic – true friends when the muse is running late – as well specificity -- the one lad you can always count on.
Chas sets up solid ground rules which lead to respectful interactions and contributions… and healthy fun banter.
Each class helps you feel one step closer to identifying as a professional writer and taking your humor craft more seriously.
Extra bonus: siblings might appreciate you more – and I quote my sister: ‘hey that humor writing class is really working!’
A very happy student.”
-Nina Z.
“ Taking Humor Writing by Chas has not only changed my writing but also the way I look at life. In class he gave specific things to think about to help make our pieces comical and provided multiple ways to generate ideas. One memorable one was to write to an audience who can relate to a struggle we were going through. And let the people come to us. I’ll always remember that.
Chas gave us a solid, reliable structure. I look forward to reviewing my notes from this class on the future pieces I write.”
-Grace R.
I recently finished taking a humor writing class taught by Chas Gillespie that he did for the Los Angeles-based Writing Pad, which offers various online writing classes. It was terrific. Since taking the class, I’m wealthier, taller, and my teeth are whiter than the blank page I was always staring at. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the truth is: Chas is a terrific teacher. He knows comedy. And he has the published credits to prove it. Not only did he provide tips on how to write humor pieces and get them published, when he critiqued students’ humor pieces, he was adept at pointing out problem areas, as well as where and how to punch up the writing. Although I’ve made my living writing sit-coms and animation for TV and have taught animation writing at UCLA… I learned a lot about writing humor for publications from Chas and look forward to utilizing the various techniques he taught me. So my advice: If you ever have the chance to take a class by Chas, don’t pass up the opportunity.”
“As a screenwriter, copywriter, and storytelling producer/performer taking Chas's kick ass class was a winning idea. It greatly expanded my comedy toolbelt of writing strategies. From the get-go Chas had the entire class rapt... around his little finger. His super chill and thoughtful presence combined with lucid feedback boundaries provided a welcoming and supportive space to take risks. This is no small feat and this sort of environment is only created by the best of teachers. Chas has a genuine interest in students as individuals, there is nothing cookie cutter about his care in feedback and notes. I left every class with helpful new writing processes. And that, simply put, is fucking exciting.”
-Frayn Masters, Executive Producer/Host BACKFENCE PDX
“Chas is an amazing teacher and editor! He gave me thoughtful notes that were always dead-on and made my work better. He’s an ideal reader for any budding humorist’s work. Plus he’s an exceedingly polite Midwesterner. (I’m not sure he’s from the Midwest but it’s a vibe.)”
-Julia W.