How to write humour (a brief overview)
Humour can transform a humdrum story into an unforgettable ride. But it's also like trying to catch a slippery fish with your bare hands. Some of us have got it. Some of us, well ... could use a bit of help.
Understanding humour
Before throwing pies and slipping on banana peels, it's important to understand that humour is subjective. What makes one person chuckle might leave another person stone-faced. Don't be disheartened if your brand of humour doesn't land with everyone. Remember, you're here to amuse your characters, your readers, and most importantly, yourself.
The art of surprise
At the heart of most humour lies the element of surprise. It's that unexpected twist, that sudden absurdity, that clever pun that catches us off guard and makes us burst into laughter.
When you're writing, look for opportunities to include surprising elements. This could be in the form of a clever dialogue, an unexpected reaction, or a bizarre situation. Just remember to keep it natural – forced humour is never enjoyable.
Comic characters
Creating humorous characters is a fantastic way to inject consistent comedy into your story. These characters can have funny quirks, eccentric behaviours, or a knack for landing in ridiculous situations.
Perhaps your protagonist has a phobia of spoons, or your antagonist has a penchant for dramatic monologues about their love for cheese. Remember to make these traits integral to their character – they should be more than just comic relief.
Wordplay and witty dialogue
Play around with language to generate humour. Puns, metaphors, malapropisms, or clever repartee can all elicit a giggle.
Witty dialogues can especially shine in this regard. Quick back-and-forths, unexpected comebacks, or clever one-liners can leave readers chuckling and looking forward to the next exchange.
Comedic timing
Timing is everything in comedy. The punchline of a joke must come at just the right moment. Too soon or too late, and the humour might fall flat.
In writing, comedic timing involves revealing the humorous element at the right point in the narrative. This could be a funny line in the middle of a tense scene, or an absurd event that interrupts a serious moment. Play around with the pacing and the placement of your comedic elements for maximum effect.
Laugh at your own work
When writing humour, it's essential to find your work funny. If you're chuckling to yourself while writing a scene, there's a good chance your readers will too. Plus, it makes the writing process a whole lot more fun!
Mirror, mirror: A reflection on humour
Here's the deal, writers. Humour is a highly personal, nuanced element. It's not just about writing a joke; it's about weaving a tone of levity throughout your work. It's about understanding your characters and what makes them ticklish ... so to speak.
And don't forget, not everything has to be a laugh riot. Sometimes, a subtle touch of humour can be more effective than a dozen knock-knock jokes. So go forth, explore your funny side, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Writing humour can be a tricky business, but when it works, it's the best kind of magic.
