How to Write Satire

If you want to write satire, then you have to find a good way to start writing it. I wouldn't claim that I am an expert on writing satire but I think I can write effective satire. Satire is effective only if it bites people in a real or perceived or imaginative manner. If you have never written fiction earlier, do not despair. I would suggest that you first sit down with a blank sheet of paper and jot down the names of some people whom you really hate, someone you really despise. Then read some George Orwell. I would recommend his great novel, 1984. You could find it here: http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks01/0100021.txt

You don't need to read the entire novel for this small exercise in writing satire. If you start reading the novel, then you would lose your focus. You have to think about how to write satire. So, look at 1984 and see how it begins. Winston is described with varicose ulcer in the second paragraph and you are also introduced to Big Brother. The moment, you read the first ten paragraphs or so, the satire is quiet clear. Look at the way, Winston, Big Brother and the various Ministries in the Government are described in the novel.

Orwell uses a kind of lampoon technique but combines it with biting satire. Some writers have written against the use of lampoon in satire but lampoon need not merely be used as a tool to make fun of people. It can also be used in a more serious manner as Orwell has shown.

Anyway, we were talking about the person whom you hate. So, now think of that person's various specifications. There must be something quite disgusting in that person in a physical way. You might not the way that person puts oil in his hair or the way he smiles in an affected manner or the way he leers at you or there is something in his personality that is quite odious. You will find one particular trait that you really hate in him. When you are writing this piece, don't think of the person as a whole and don't think of his good points for now.Now, you need to isolate that trait and then see how you can heighten it. You could elongate it. You could fatten it. You could do anything with that personality trait of the person you hate. Also, think of giving such a name to your character that even the name of the person reflects some of that hate. Once you do this and write it down in one sitting, in one rush of thoughts, it should come out quite good and you would be quite surprised at your first attempt at writing.