IWSG post_ WHAT'S SO FUNNY?

Sometimes you just have to laugh or go insane, right?
We writers know that from our gauntlet of rejections.  
So why do we forget to include it in our novels? Many authors foolishly think of humor in writing to be limited to Slapstick.  They are wrong.

Why did Joss Say That?

1.) Your Characters Become Relatable

Over 90% of readers think they possess a great sense of humor.

They may be wrong, but weaving humor into your characters will draw your reader to her or him.


2.)  Humor Relieves Tension

Sometimes events get overpowering in novels.  

Humor gives a vent to tension and allows the reader to take in a breath.

From Casablanca to Die Hard to any Marvel movie you will find this done.

As the poor hunter being mauled by a cougar called out to his companion loathe to shoot lest he hit his friend --

"Shoot!  One of us has got to get relief!"


3.) Uncomfortable Subjects become tolerable


Humor is often the only vehicle able to address touchy topics in a non-threatening way. 

Think Gran Torino and racism. 


4.) Warms Your Reader to Your Character  

People with a sense of humor are better liked --

and this comes in handy when one of your characters is a bit prickly in other ways.


5.) Helps Make Your Book a Page Turner 


Humor also requires us to slow down and pay attention. 

Studies show that changes in brain waves in response to punch lines are similar 

to those when we notice a rare, intriguing event that captures our attention. 

Humor actually encourages readers to read closely, 

and that makes the reading experience more immersive.


6.) Aids in the Flow of Your Novel

Humorous remarks or incidents tend to happen near the end of a chapter or long scene. 

They provide a rhythm and let the reader know it’s time for the next scene.


7.) Humor Helps To Make Your Characters Multi-dimensional

People joke all the time --

and sometimes the more tense a situation is the more a person might joke ...

just to relieve the emotional strain.

If you want your characters to seem more real-to-life, humor is one way to go.


8.) Humor is A Great Brush to Paint the Personality

Not everyone's sense of humor is the same.  

The jock laughs at different things than the geek.

In fact, what one person laughs at may tell your reader more about him 

than three paragraphs of description!

"Hey, Honey, what would you say to a nice walk?"

"Oh, Tom, that would be so nice!"

"Great.  Would bring me some beer and cigarettes on your way back?"

Hope I at least gave you a smile.  :-)