I like to throw in humour when I write. I think it helps keep the reader interested. It can’t go into every scene (like if someone dies) but here and there it helps keep the book flowing. Also, the funny bits help me keep going when I’m editing…and re-editing and re-editing.
Here’s an example that might come in handy. We’ve all read posts warning us not to do this or that rookie writing mistake. True? This post by Joanne Harris is also about not doing rookie mistakes…but it’s funny. Ahhhh.
http://joannechocolat.tumblr.com/post/74396202962/ten-rookie-writers-mistakes
A little humour goes a long way to help make any post or book more readable.
On that note…did you read the one about the penguin?
(credit:motifake.com)
Humor is so hard to do well for me.
And it can backfire so easily! Tricky thing that humour.
Reblogged this on The Writing Catalog and commented:
I agree. I try to use humor whenever I can, especially if I’m dealing with something heavy. My problem is, I have a dry and somewhat odd sense of humor, so I never know whether anyone’s going to get my jokes until I publish.
I think humor is so important in writing books; it really makes your reader feel at home. That being said, it is very difficult to get across expertly. As a writer with a literary blog, I think you’ve raised a very important discussion!
Thanks so much! I like to read humour and, like yourself, think it’s very important!
Reblogged this on Margarita Morris and commented:
This is an excellent point. I think it’s about having light and dark in your writing, in the same way as a painting needs black and some touches of white.