When you think about novels you’ve read, various genres may be relevant. Avid readers often tackle a broad spectrum, ranging from Sci-fi or fantasy to mystery, romance or historical fiction. It’s probably somewhat rare, however, to read novels that make you laugh out loud; don’t you think? Writing a funny story can be challenging.
Several key issues help lay the foundation for writing a funny story, including character development, plot and comedic devices. Finding a balance between dialogue or situations that are meant to be humorous and “the rest of the story” should be the primary goal for authors who want to make their readers laugh.
Keep these things in mind when writing a funny story
Something or someone must be funny in a novel to make readers laugh. The following list provides a brief overview of the key components that authors use as “tools for humor” when writing a funny story:
Character development: A character or characters in your story can be a main source of humor. The personality traits, appearance or behavior of a specific character might make a reader laugh. Character development is always critical element of writing fiction but especially when writing a funny story.
Plot: Stories can be funny by virtue of their plots. A few main ideas that typically add elements of humor to a novel include mistaken identity, unexpected outcomes and illogical or unrealistic situations.
Comedic devices: Implementing several techniques can be beneficial when writing a funny story, such as using sarcasm, exaggeration, understatement or surprise. These devices create a natural environment where humor can thrive.
It’s common to use at least one (and sometimes all three) of these components to “tickle the funny bone” of your readers when you goal is to write a humorous story.
Do not make fun of people
There’s a stark difference between making people funny (character development) and making fun of people, something authors should avoid like the plague. The key is to add levity to situations or dialogues that emphasize the reality of the human condition without mocking people.
Instead, try to enable humor to unfold naturally when writing a funny story. In fact, if you do it right, it’s logical to assume that some readers might find something or someone humorous in a story while others don’t necessarily get a laugh. A story can’t be relatable to all readers all the time, so don’t try to force a laugh and avoid using mockery to try to make someone laugh.
Do you think it’s funny?
You can gauge whether you’re doing a good job writing a funny story if you’re laughing while you write it. If the author of a book finds its contents funny, chances are that many readers will feel the same.
