I attended an seminar on adding humor to your manuscript. Guess what? Although I thought I could be funny, at least have a little humor...it's harder than you think to put it down on paper. It loses something in the translation, so to speak. I decided to take notes on the things I read that make me snicker and start from there. When you write romantic suspense, you usually don't include prat-falls, but your heroine can certainly trip over a pair of shoes left in the middle of the room when she's late for a date, or dress in her best only to be caught in a downpour. Maybe when the hero leans down for that romantic kiss, she could sneeze. I'm going to work on it, because a little humor goes a long way.
Secondly, in order to be a good writer, you must read. Read every genre. Read non-fiction as well as fiction. Every year there are new words (slang) added to our vocabulary, and have you noticed that companys are changing their names to initials? Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas is now called, "T" Other casinos are following suit. As a writer you want to keep up with the times, but be careful that you don't date your manuscript.
I went to the Desert Hearts Reading Group this afternoon. The leader, Linda Cutler-Smith, chooses the romance books we will read and discuss, also giving us an alternate in case we don't care to read a specific genre. What a great group. We meet in Las Vegas at the Sahara West Library and beside discussing books, we feast on the wonderful treats Linda brings.
Next, I am leading a Memoir group. What fun it is to hear all of the family stories and helping the writers put their thoughts into words. I am blessed to have such good friends.
Last, please go to Snowy Creek Books and read the wonderful reviews I've received on, "Unexpected Gifts." I am so pleased with the input my readers give me. The book is on their catalog page and on Amazon.
Interesting blog, Joyce. I've joined it, as you see. If you'd like to join mine, it's:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gerrysbooks.blogspot.co.uk
Be nice to see you there!
Thanks Gerry. I'll be there soon. Bogged down giving classes now. Joyce
DeleteInteresting blog. I always enjoy a little humour when it is done well.
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly agree, read every genre and be open for critiques. You're spot-on about the humor in writing, it'll come across with certain tweaks, but it's not easy :)
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way Joyce. I read everything I can get my hands on. I jut wrote my first love scene. Why is it so hard to put into words what is suc a special thing? It's in a ya novel so can't be overly strong. I guess I'll know if it passes muster if my agent doesn't make a negative comment.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog by the way. very nicely done.
Thanks, Sherry. The first time I wrote a love scene, it seemed stiff and clinical. The publisher I write for now would rather I (close the door) not be explicit. Easier for me, but more difficult to create sexual tension. Joyce
ReplyDeleteInteresting Article, Joyce. I love humor - it's a engine of life! :)
ReplyDeleteWise observations about humor writing, Joyce. On his deathbed a great comic (whose name I forget) put it best when he said, "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."
ReplyDeleteAmen. Joyce
DeleteWonderful blog. Glad we have connected through LinkedIn. Yes, reading and reading a lot is instrumental in developing one's writing craft!
ReplyDeleteSomeone said, So many books, so little time. Joyce
DeleteHi, Joyce,
ReplyDeleteLove this post. One of the surprises I found while reading my 'novelette' to my writing group was how much they laughed. I didn't realize some of what I wrote was funny. lol! I guess not trying to hard is the way to go. When I try to write funny, it sometimes comes across as more forced, so there is definitely a delicate balance to writing humor. Thanks for the invite to check out your blog!
Donna
Topsy Turvy Land
The funny events that happen naturally come out the best in print. What I write that I truly believe is funny on Monday, falls flat when I reread it Tuesday. If I can picture a scene in my mind, it comes out a little better. I'm working on it. Joyce
DeleteGreat article! I too write comedy and it is hard. Everything about comedy is geographical, cultural, local, and current, and it is primarily visual.
ReplyDeleteNora, I haven't quite conquered writing good humor yet, it's a work in progress. Joyce
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