Sharon Spell used her TV jokes at church (and now she’s horny)
Sharon Spell is an award-winning writer and comedian. Her writing and humor explore themes of mental healthcare, grief and loss, and how history is shared. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sharon is a longtime New York City resident.
Her first original pilot script, “You’re Doing Great!” is based on her experience of losing her parents within the same month. The story diverges from real life when the main character moves back to Mississippi to face her past while grieving. It’s a darkly comedic look at grief, mental health and moving forward. This piece is an official selection and finalist in ten festivals, including winning “Best Comedy Short Screenplay” at the Austin After Dark Film Festival, and is a TV Pilot Finalist at the Vail Film Festival Screenplay Competition.
What were you like as a teen?
I loved watching standup on television as a teen. I had a very religious upbringing and tried using TV jokes at church with limited success. Let’s just say my timing wasn’t right, so I ended up pretty introverted until I got into college.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
Aside from babysitting gigs as a teenager, my first job where I got a paycheck felt unsexy at the time. Looking back it was hella sexy: I drove a standard transmission Mazda pickup truck with no air conditioning making deliveries for a local pharmacy. Great, now I’m horny.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Making my friends laugh feels the best, so any time friends came to my shows and encouraged me was the greatest.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Have fun while you’re still on this side of the dirt.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Take a break, but don’t quit.
How has being funny helped you in your life?
When there’s laughter there’s hope. Even at my lowest moments, I knew I could get through tough times when I could laugh. In August of 2011, my parents died 18 days apart. My siblings and I didn’t know how we’d get through that month. I started telling them, “You’re doing great!” which got a laugh because of the irony. That became our ironic catchphrase for the month and beyond. When I started writing about this experience–jokes that would become my one-person show then pilot script–finding the humor around and among the funerals, I knew I would be okay. Eventually.
What specific things should a novice comedy writer do to shape their voice?
Keep a journal and write what makes you laugh. Comedy is collaborative and you’ll fine-tune your jokes later. But keep a list to have something to work from.
Do you have a writing routine?
During the pandemic, I started an early morning writing habit. Then I had ankle surgery last year and got out of this habit during recovery. It took months until I felt comfortable enough to sit at my desk for any extended time, and writing in bed made me sleepy. I was able to write some, but not at the level of before surgery. Even with a modified habit, I did start and finish a new pilot script. Now I’m back in my routine, but my health always comes first.
What is your go-to show when you’ve had a bad day?
Golden Girls, Arrested Development, 90-Day Fiancé
What single word always cracks you up?
Cracks. Great, now I’m horny again.
