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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/34333
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/34333
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Read a lot and write a lot - that's the most basic advice you can get for any question about "How can I become a better writer?".

It's important to understand that you need practice to get better. Writing is no different than any sport or other hobby/profession you may pick up. Reading diverse genres authors helps to get a broader view and to better understand what works and what doesn't work - especially in regards to what works for you and what does not work for you.

Therefore the answer to your question is quite easy: if you want to get better at writing humour you should focus on reading multiple authors that are trying to specifically incorporate humour into their writing. If you've identified Kafka as a satirist that you find interesting then that's great - go ahead and read some of his works.

But don't try too hard to be like Kafka or you will end up as a mere copy of his style. Try to identify other authors with differing styles to get a feeling for what your personal style is and how you want to write. Reading Kafka may help unispired comedians, but it's only a small part of what makes a successful comedian.

At the same time you should regularly try to get feedback from others about your progress in this regard. Critique circles and feedback websites can help you with this.

Original score: 1