Mike Sacks on Satire, Self-Publishing, and the Art of the Novelization

Classic Conversations

Mike Sacks, a renowned humor writer and author, discusses his unconventional journey in the world of comedy writing. From contributing to Mad Magazine to self-publishing his unique and quirky works, Sacks opens up about the creative freedom and challenges he encountered along the way. He dives into the art of crafting novelizations for non-existent movies, a concept that has allowed him to explore satire in ways traditional formats don’t often permit. Sacks also shares the thrill of seeing his written work transformed into audio projects featuring top talent like Jon Hamm, Gillian Jacobs, and Bob Odenkirk.

Episode Highlights:

• Mike Sacks’ Creative Journey: Explore the unique path of humor writer and author Mike Sacks, from his early contributions to Mad Magazine to the freedom found in self-publishing his distinct brand of comedy.
• Crafting Novelizations of Non-Existent Movies: Mike shares his fascination with creating novelizations for fictional movies, revealing the process behind his book "Stinker Lets Loose!" and its transformation into an audio production featuring stars like Jon Hamm.
• The Evolution of Comedy Writing: A deep dive into how the comedy industry has shifted from traditional publishing to self-publishing, allowing writers like Mike to maintain creative control and explore new comedic avenues.
• Influence of Pop Culture and Satire: Learn how the cultural moments of the 1970s and 1980s have influenced Mike's satirical works and his approach to comedy writing.
• Advice for Aspiring Writers: Mike offers practical tips and advice for those looking to break into the industry, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and staying true to one's comedic voice.

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