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Funny Must be Found not Forced (aka The Suffering of an Alliteration Addict)

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By Bowen Gillings

My marketing slogan is, “Keeping Fiction Fun.” My logo reads, “Quirky Tales Boldly Told.” What I write, and how I brand myself, is all about fun, funny, and fast. Those who have read my tales (all three of you), praise the humor and action. No one ever comments on the deep and nuanced layers of subtext that offer up seething commentary on the state of modern class struggles while holding a mirror to the reader’s own hubris. Primarily because I have no idea what any of that means and my stories tend to have the intellectual depth of a kiddie pool.

No matter what you write, weaving in or splattering on a bit of humor adds to the joy of the reading experience. Humor exists everywhere, at all times. It is a natural response to the unexpected in life. It is a coping mechanism for pain and loss. It breaks the ice and eases tension. Don’t get me wrong, it can be greatly out of place (e.g. in the heat of sweaty, bedsheet-ripping passion, or when consoling a grieving widow at the loss of yet another rich husband). My point is you can put humor just about anywhere in your story. You only need to understand how humor works and how it works in the story for your reader.

And that’s the rub isn’t it? “Oh, just understand what makes people giggle? Lay that out for me in three hundred words or less why don’t you, Professor Rod Martin!”

He’s a leading psychological researcher in the field of humor and laughter. Look him up.

I am not saying you must define biologically what causes laughter. I am saying you need to have a grasp on what you find funny (when you read) and what elements in your story lead to humor naturally.

And that, dear writer/reader is the task at hand.

To simplify, I’ll use bullet points:

  • Start big, work small.
  • Who’s on first?
  • What’s on second?
  • Go at it with a firehose, then a chainsaw (then a scalpel).
  • Compare = Despair

Start big, work small – Look at your story as a whole. Is it a tale that warrants humor, or are you Cormac McCarthy? Jokes aside, I think you’ll find that if you want humor in your story, if it fits, you’ll see scenes and moments to use it. Then go into the moments within the scene that humor might fit: breaking tension, characters meeting, character defying another character, settings, circumstances of encounters, etc.

Who’s on first? – Character. Character. Character. Know them, inside and out. I am speaking metaphorically. You don’t need to know the color of their colons. You need to know how they talk, think, and act. That way, you’ll write what they say, feel, and do in a natural way, and if that leads to humor, so be it. You must let them be them. Be they?

What’s on second? – What’s happening? Where’s it happening? What is going on around your characters? What is happening in your sub-plot’s sub-plot? Understand the physical—and if necessary, the metaphysical—in the world of your story. That may lend itself to funny stuff happening.

Firehose, chainsaw, scalpel – Write it as you write it. Don’t self-edit while you’re putting the words down (or dictating). Let flow what comes. Just wash your hands when you’re done. Then, go slasher movie on it. What parts feel forced? Do you have three metaphors in one paragraph? Sorry, only Sir Terry Pratchett and his sci-fi doppelgänger Douglas Adams can get away with that. Is your secondary character throwing off zinger after zinger? Cut. Chop. Slash. Never try to make it funny. If humor doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Readers will know. Let the muse do its work. Trust the muse and trust yourself. Then go in and tweak what works. Is there a better word choice? Stronger description?

Compare = Despair – Never go in trying to write like someone else. Never look at your work and go, “Well, I’m no Janet Evanovich.” That does you no good. You have a voice. Write in that voice. Hold to that voice. Your writing is yours. That’s the whole point.

Where do you find humor? Everywhere. Really. Watch people. Watch the news. Watch animals. Observe your world. There is humor to be had. Also, watch a lot of Monty Python and Eddie Murphy. With time, practice, and effort, you’ll find writing humor takes none of those things. It will just flow naturally.

Bourbon helps.


Bowen Gillings writes to keep fiction fun. Known for his thrillers and fantasy fiction laced with snark, wit, and characters you could share a beer with, Bowen’s quirky, offbeat style “boggles the genre mind.” He loves giving back to fellow writers through media engagement and by leading workshops on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing. He holds a Master of Education, five martial arts black belt certifications, and is an Army veteran. Travel enthusiast, lover of the outdoors, and habitual volunteer, Bowen’s secret joys include quiet moments by the fireplace and cooking big meals for family and friends. Find out more at storiesbybowen.com.

 

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