The 12-Minute Rule That Makes Co-Writing Effortless
Writing Lessons from the Hacks Creators: How to Craft Comedy Like a Pro
Ever wonder how the writers behind Hacks make it look so easy?
Show creators Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello recently sat down on the Scriptnotes podcast with John August to spill their secrets. Here’s the good stuff—broken down so anyone can use it.
Build Your Story Around a Goal
Think of your story like a road trip. You need a destination before you can map the route.
- Downs and Aniello planned Hacks for five seasons (even before they knew they’d get renewed).
- By Season 5, they knew the ending.
- The key? Give your main character a clear goal.
In Hacks: Deborah wants to kill it at her MSG show. That goal shapes every episode in the final season.
Why It Works
- A goal gives your plot structure.
- It helps you decide what scenes belong and what to cut.
- When you’re stuck, ask: “What does my character want right now?”
[!TIP]
Try this: Write your character’s goal on a sticky note. Keep it visible while you write. Every scene should nudge them closer—or pull them further away.
Break the Beats Together
Writing with a partner? Don’t just split up the work.
Downs and Aniello outline together first, then write the same scene at the same time.
Their Step-by-Step Method
- Talk it out. Decide what happens in the scene (the “beats”).
- Set a timer. (They use ~12 minutes.)
- Both write the scene. No overthinking—just get words on the page.
- Swap and read. Highlight your favorite parts from each other’s drafts.
- Combine the best bits. Build a “third draft” from the highlights.
[!NOTE]
Why the timer? It kills perfectionism. You can’t stare at a blank page—you have to write something. Even a messy draft is better than none.
"Time Chess": Write Fast, Edit Smart
Downs calls their method “Time Chess.” Here’s the logic:
| Problem | Their Fix |
|---|---|
| Stuck on a joke? | Your partner probably has one. Keep moving. |
| Can’t find the scene’s “button” (ending)? | Swap drafts—maybe they nailed it. |
| Wasting time doubting yourself? | The clock forces you to produce first, judge later. |
Result: They finish a solid first draft way faster—and it’s already been “tested” by two brains.
If One Person Loves a Joke, Keep It
Disagreement is good. But if your partner really believes in a joke—even if you don’t get it—leave it in.
Real Example from Hacks
- Line: “Yum yum in my tum tum.” (Deadpan, delivered by Ava)
- Aniello: “Not my kind of funny.”
- Downs: “But I love it. Let’s try it.”
- Outcome: The line became a viral meme. Audiences quoted it everywhere.
[!IMPORTANT]
Rule of thumb: If one writer is passionate about a joke, trust that instinct.
Passion = “This feels true to the character.”
That truth often resonates with viewers—even if it’s weird.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Lesson | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Goal-Driven Story | Define your character’s big want. Build episodes around it. | Gives plot direction & purpose. |
| Beat-Break Together | Outline jointly. Then write the same scene in parallel. | Two perspectives = richer material. |
| Time Chess | Set a short timer. Write fast. Swap. Highlight favorites. | Beats blank-page paralysis; speeds up draft. |
| Protect the Weird Joke | If your partner fights for a line, keep it. | Unique voices = memorable comedy. |
Summary
- Start with a goal. It’s your story’s compass.
- Outline together. Then race to write the same scene—messy is fine.
- Swap, highlight, merge. You’ll get a stronger draft in half the time.
- Trust the odd joke. If one of you loves it, the audience might too.
Bottom line: Great comedy writing isn’t about being the funniest person in the room. It’s about structure, speed, and trusting your partner’s gut.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a writing partner to use these tips?
A: Nope! You can “partner with yourself.” Outline, set a timer, write two versions of a scene (or just one fast draft), then highlight what works. The process is what matters.
Q: What if my character’s goal changes mid-story?
A: That’s great—it means they’re growing. Just make sure the new goal is clear, and rebuild your beats around it.
Q: How detailed should the outline be before we start “Time Chess”?
A: Know the beats (what happens, emotional shift, key info revealed). You don’t need every line—just the skeleton.
Q: What if we both hate a joke after highlighting?
A: Cut it. The method is about keeping what works, not forcing what doesn’t.
Q: Can this work for drama, not just comedy?
A: Absolutely. The goal/beat/timer method applies to any genre. The “protect the weird line” rule becomes “protect the bold choice.”
Want the full deep dive?
Listen to the Scriptnotes episode: “Wrapping It Up with Hacks”
Read the Hacks pilot script: No Film School link
Now go set a timer and write something messy. You can fix it later.