Gene has been known as the guru of comedy writing. He wrote jokes for comedians such as Phyllis Diller, Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Tim Conway, and many others. He earned three Emmy Awards for his work on The Carol Burnett Show. His tenure with Bob Hope started in 1969 and continued until the performer’s retirement, serving the last 15 years as his head writer.

Gene’s television career includes producing Welcome Back, Kotter, Three’s Company, and The Tim Conway Show. Other credits include Mama’s Family, All in the Family, Laugh-In, and many others.

Gene authored 45 books on comedy. His book Comedy Writing Step by Step is considered by many to be the textbook on comedy writing. A revised and updated version of this book — The New Comedy Writing Step by Step was released by Quill Driver Books in 2008. Other books include Talk About Hope; Become A Richer Writer; and The Comedy Writing Workbook. Gene has one novel, Breakfasts with Archangel Shecky, as well an instructional book, Write Your Book Now! that helps other writers start and finish the book they always wanted to write. For additional books visit our store.

Gene has written for many national magazines including Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, Toastmaster and wrote a regular humor column for Arizona Highways for many years.

Although, Gene left us in 2022, his teachings continue on and his desire to encourage young writers lives on.

Linda followed in her father’s funny footsteps and has been involved in various aspects of comedy writing since she sold her first professional joke in 1990.

Linda has supplied one-liners and comedy bits for ventriloquist Terry Fator and his cast of characters who perform at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas at the Terry Fator Theatre, and around the country.

She wrote lines for Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, Yakov Smirnoff, Jimmie Walker and other stand-up comics. She’s written comedy for the business world,
adding a touch of humor to executive speeches and a little bit of fun to corporate award ceremonies.

Linda was a staff writer for the television special celebrating Hope’s 90th birthday, Bob Hope—the First 90 Years. That show won an Emmy Award as best musical variety show, and Linda and her fellow staff writers were nominated for a Writer’s Guild Award for their work on that script.

She has co-written two collections of business jokes published by Prentice Hall – Funny Business and Bigshots, Pip-squeaks and Windbags. She is the author of HMO’s, Home Remedies and Other Medical Jokes. Her material has been quoted in Reader’s Digest, the National Enquirer, and Arizona Highways.

Her latest book, How to Succeed With Your Homeowners Association: The Complete HOA Guide for Owners, Boards and Managers is due out in June 2016