November 10, 2010

Is This Funny?



Belated Halloween pics of my cuties

Alice-in-Wonderland turned vampire.


I'm working on a picture book that I've been "editing" for a year now.  Every time I think I've got it right, I put it away.  When I pull it back out months later, it needs work.  I feel like I'm really close now.  My critique group is not covering it in red anymore.  **Happy Sigh**

But there's still something bothering me.  The nagging question of "Is this funny?"  It's supposed to be.  I find it humorous...but my family tells me I'm easily entertained.  Which leads me to ponder if this is amusing to me but not REALLY amusing.

How do you add humor to your writing?  When do you KNOW it's funny?

P.S.  If anyone would like a Picture Book critique buddy, I'm game!

13 comments :

  1. Hi, Catherine! Love the pictures!! I don't have a PB WIP right now, since I've been focusing everything on my chapter book, but I'd certainly be willing to have a look at yours. :-)

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  2. Beautiful kids! I conclude that something is funny if I read it over on various occasions and it still makes me laugh.

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  3. Roxy, thank you! Your method gives me a sense of relief. :)

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  4. I mimic real people and their funny stories. If it made me laugh, I put it in, with variation, if needed, sometimes not. I'll bet yours is terrific. We need more humor in this world. Best wishes! Hey, I was inspired by your rebus in Highlights to write one. Good job!

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  5. Oooh!! Me, me, me!!! My in real life group is on a hiatus. :)
    And I'm the only PB writer anyway.

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  6. Also, your kids look like they have a brilliant sense of humor. :)

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  7. Mary, good tips! And I'm so happy it inspired you. Best wishes for your rebus too! Keep me posted.

    Kristin, oh goody!! I'll be sending one your way. Yes, my kids keep me laughing.

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  8. Hi Catherine,

    Great blog! High school students can be funny! The worst is when they're misbehaving and it's funny and you have to censure them without laughing - as a teacher it's a scenario I'm quite familiar with.

    I think humour is one of the hardest things to write. Oftentimes, what I consider the least funny of my "quips" will get the best responses and when I'm really trying to be funny people won't even notice it as an attempt at a joke.

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  9. I don't have anyone to swap PB manuscripts with. My e-mail is on my profile, if you're still interested.

    And yes, I thought that last picture was funny.

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  10. Akseli, censure without laughing--man do I understand that. I agree with how hard humor is. Some people just have natural timing. I don't think I'm one of them. Thanks for stopping by!

    Myrna, awesome!! I'll be sending one to you.

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  11. Hey! Funny is so subjective, and hard to do on paper. Well, for me, anyway. In real life, I am NEVER the one telling jokes at parties, family gatherings, or get-togethers with friends. You are more than welcome to enter your in my PB contest. It ends November 30. (I hold them monthly). I'll tell you if I think it's funny. And the winner wins a critique, too. I have five different categories, but so far only one winner each month (not enough entrants, yet). http://www.christiewrightwild.blogspot.com.

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  12. Hey Christie. I entered last month with another picture book manuscript but I might enter again with this one. Thanks.

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  13. Personaly speaking I think that being "EASILY ENTERTAINED." is great. Why are you trying to be funny? These are your memories remember and if you are entertained that is all that realy matters.
    God bless you my friend.

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