Rose DesRochers Exclusive Interview: Humour Columnist John Sammon
Posted on October 13, 2009 by Rose DesRochers
Interviewer: Rose DesRochers
John Sammon has had a varied writing career, including covering the crime beat for a Nevada daily newspaper, as well as writing freelance magazine articles for True West, Orange Coast, and other historical and lifestyle publications.
In addition to his weekly syndicated humor column that he brought from print to the web , he has written two novels. I recently had the privilege of interviewing Mr. John Sammon and this is what he had to say.
How did you get your start in writing humour?
I was working at the Mountain Democrat (California’s oldest newspaper), and the editor asked us to do a weekly observational opinion piece. I found that I liked it, especially the humor pieces. I had been the class clown in high school.
It has been said that humour is the most difficult gene to write. Would you agree?
Yes and no. It’s true that unlike drama, humor requires some kind of physical response from the audience (hopefully laughter). But to someone like Bob Hope, it’s as natural as a duck taking to water.
How do you decide what to write about?
I sometimes get inspiration while taking a shower. I do some of my best thinking there. I look for something that makes me angry (like in the news), or amazed. I use personal failings, perversions and neurosis as a source of story ideas.
What is the one talent you wish you had that you envy in others?
The ability to fix things, like the car, without shredding my hand. I’m helpless with mechanical things. I only think with the left portion of my brain.
Who are some of your favorite humor writers?
Nobody made me laugh harder than Dick Peabody, an obscure columnist and former cast member of the sixties TV Show “Combat.” Sadly, Dick passed away a few years ago. Dave Barry is also good.
Does your family ever get annoyed about you discussing personal details in your columns?
No. My wife is a good sport, but I seldom poke fun at family. It usually doesn’t work out. Self depreciation is better.
What made you decide to write humour as apposed to other genes?
I had had so many disasters in my life, stumbling from one misadventure to the next, that I came to the conclusion there had to be some humor in it.
Do you have any secrets for having material for a column?
I have lots, but they’re too twisted and perverted. I don’t want the League of Decency to put me on a subversive troublemaker’s list.
What was your first big writing break?
To date, I’d have to say the inclusion of my novel “Freedom Pagoda” on an English publishing house list under the title “Discovered Authors,” as one of their thirty best books.
What makes you laugh personally?
I have very eclectic taste. I was the only one in a packed theater who laughed at Jack Nicholson in “The Shining.” Generally, I like subtle Jack Benny-style humor with funny side glances and pauses.
Do you get a lot of hate mail?
I get my share, from swear words to the lesser ones like “jerk!” and “idiot.”
Do you have any tips on how to overcome the dreaded writers’ block?
I can honestly say I don’t get it. If you don’t think about it, you won’t get it. It’s like claustrophobia. It’s all in your head.
Are you surprised with your success as a humour writer?
I have gotten a real upsurge recently in my audience, numbers of visits. I knew this could happen. But you’re still surprised when it does.
Tell us a joke:
It’s not so much a joke, but an observation. I was recently called a “typical internet A..hole.” I highly resent being called
“typical.”
Do you have any advice and/or tips you’d like to pass on to the aspiring (humour) writer?
Go for the truth. Don’t try to be funny, clever, or cute. Pull humor out of real situations. You want the audience to say, “yeah that happened to me. That’s right.” In any audience, 30 percent of the people may laugh, 30 percent will think you’re a jerk, 30 percent will sip their drinks. Thirty percent (laughing) isn’t bad. If you get three hits out of ten in baseball, you hitting 300.
Where can one go to read your columns?
Sammonsays.com
One last question. Do you think I’m funny?
I think you have great comic potential. Do you want to form a comedy team, with you as the straight woman, and me as the stooge?
Purchase John Sammon’s book “The Gods who Stunk” from Amazon.com.
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