Mountain Words Festival 2026

What makes something funny—and why do some jokes land while others fall flat? Join comedian and storyteller Shane Mauss for an insightful and entertaining deep dive into the mechanics of comedy. Blending sharp theory with real-world experience, Shane breaks down the fundamentals of humor—timing, structure, surprise—and how they show up across different formats.
From stand-up and storytelling to social media and infotainment, Shane explores how writing shifts depending on the platform, audience, and intent. Drawing from his own evolving career, he shares what he’s learned along the way—how his voice has changed, what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and how to keep pushing creative boundaries while staying authentic.
Whether you’re a comedian, writer, or just comedy-curious, this lecture offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft from someone actively shaping it. The session will wrap with a Q&A, so come ready with questions and ideas.

With urgency, rappers build dynamic three-dimensional worlds and settings in the small space of a verse and song. How do they do this, and what can we learn from them to change our own writing? We'll watch music videos and analyze lyrics of rap songs to figure out what makes their worlds feel developed and immersive.

Join acclaimed author Benjamin Percy to learn how contemporary writers engage plot, character, dialogue, and suspense. Percy's book, Thrill Me, is an urgent and entertaining book on craft that brims with Percy's distinctive blend of anecdotes and advice, all in the service of one dictum: thrill the reader.