Spencer Lanoue
Everyone loves a good laugh, and writing a funny story is a fantastic way to bring joy to readers. But if you've ever tried to put humor into words, you might have noticed it's not as easy as it seems. In this post, I'll guide you through how to craft a funny story that'll have your readers going from a chuckle to a full-on belly laugh. Let's dive into the art of humor writing, breaking it down into simple, actionable steps.
Find Your Comedic Voice
Before you start writing, it's crucial to find your comedic voice, the unique style that makes your humor stand out. Think about the comedians or authors you enjoy. Is it their dry wit, slapstick humor, or clever wordplay that makes you laugh? Your comedic voice might not be exactly like theirs, but understanding your preferences is a great starting point.
To find your voice, start jotting down things that make you laugh in everyday life. Pay attention to the small, quirky details and situations that you find amusing. This collection of observations can serve as a wellspring of inspiration for your writing. Additionally, consider how your personality influences your humor. Are you naturally sarcastic, or do you enjoy puns? Embrace these traits as you develop your comedic voice.
Here's a quick exercise: Write a short paragraph about a mundane task, like making coffee, and infuse it with humor. Perhaps you spill the beans. Literally. And describe the scene like it's a crime scene investigation. Experiment with different styles until one feels right for you.
Start with a Strong, Funny Premise
Every great story begins with a solid premise, and a funny one is no different. Think about classic comedic setups: a fish out of water, a misunderstanding, or a play on words. The premise should immediately hint at the humor to come and set the stage for your story's tone.
For example, imagine a world where everyone takes idioms literally. A character might try to "kill two birds with one stone" and hilariously fail, leading to a series of misunderstandings. Or picture an office where people take "wearing many hats" seriously, leading to a fashion catastrophe.
To develop your premise, ask yourself: What if? What if pets could talk, but only to other animals? What if gravity only worked on certain days? Let your imagination run wild. The more absurd, the better! The key is to establish a scenario that's ripe for comedic potential.
Create Relatable, Funny Characters
Characters are the heart of any story, and in a humorous one, they should be both relatable and amusing. Think about the quirks and eccentricities that make people interesting. Then, exaggerate these traits to comedic effect.
Consider a character who's an overzealous perfectionist. They might insist on rearranging their entire bookshelf every time they buy a new book, turning what should be a simple task into a slapstick event. Or a character who's perpetually unlucky in love might find themselves in increasingly ridiculous dating scenarios.
It's also important to give your characters depth. They should have desires, flaws, and growth, just like any character in a serious story. The humor often comes from their reactions to the situations they find themselves in, so spend time developing their personalities.
Character Example:
Meet Larry, a hypochondriac who works in a pharmacy. His fear of germs leads to hilarious situations, like wearing a hazmat suit to stock shelves. His coworkers are used to his antics but love him for his heart of gold and his encyclopedic knowledge of ailments.
Set Up and Pay Off Jokes
A good joke has a setup and a payoff, and your funny story should be filled with these moments. The setup establishes the premise of the joke, while the payoff delivers the punchline. The key is timing and knowing how to build anticipation.
For instance, imagine a character who's convinced their neighbor is a spy. Throughout the story, they gather "evidence," like suspicious gardening habits or late-night comings and goings. The payoff might be the neighbor revealing they're a mystery novelist, and the protagonist has just been inadvertently helping them with research.
Here's a tip: Don't rush your jokes. Allow your readers to savor the buildup, and then hit them with the unexpected twist. This technique keeps them engaged and eager to see where the story goes next.
Use Dialogue for Humor
Dialogue is a powerful tool for bringing humor to life. It allows characters to express their personalities, deliver punchlines, and engage in witty banter. Think about how you can use dialogue to reveal character traits or set up comedic situations.
Dialogue Example:
"Why are you wearing sunglasses indoors, Phil?"
"I'm protecting my identity."
"From what? The sun lamp?"
"Exactly. That thing's a menace."
When writing dialogue, keep it snappy and natural. Avoid long-winded exchanges that can bog down the humor. Instead, focus on quick, back-and-forth repartees that showcase your characters' wit.
Another technique is to use miscommunication in your dialogue. Characters who misunderstand each other can lead to hilarious situations, like a game of telephone gone awry.
Embrace the Absurd
Humor thrives on the unexpected, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by embracing absurdity. Push the boundaries of reality in your story and see where it takes you. The more outlandish, the more your readers will laugh.
Consider a story where the laws of physics don’t apply. Gravity works sideways, and people slide down the street like they're on a ski slope. Or maybe animals have day jobs, and your protagonist is a raccoon lawyer fighting a case in a kangaroo court.
The key to absurd humor is commitment. Once you've established your outlandish premise, stick with it. The consistency will make the absurdity even funnier as you build on it throughout your story.
Keep the Pacing Tight
Timing is everything in comedy, and this applies to your story's pacing as well. A well-paced story keeps readers engaged and ensures that jokes land effectively. Pay attention to the rhythm of your narrative and how it affects the delivery of humor.
Start by trimming any unnecessary exposition or slow sections. While it’s important to provide context, too much detail can bog down the humor. Instead, focus on keeping the action moving and the jokes flowing.
Consider using short, punchy scenes that deliver quick laughs. Rapid-fire humor can be especially effective, but be sure to give your readers a breather with slower scenes to maintain balance.
Edit and Refine Your Story
Once you've completed your first draft, it's time to edit and refine your story. Humor writing often requires multiple revisions to ensure jokes land just right. Don't be afraid to cut lines that aren't working or reshape scenes for maximum comedic effect.
Read your story aloud to get a sense of the rhythm and timing. This can help you identify areas where the humor falls flat or where a joke needs to be tweaked. You might also consider sharing your story with a trusted friend or writing group to gather feedback.
Remember, humor is subjective, and what's funny to one person may not be to another. Focus on what makes you laugh, and chances are, your unique style will resonate with others.
Final Thoughts
Writing a funny story is a delightful challenge that can bring joy to both you and your readers. By finding your comedic voice, creating relatable characters, and embracing the absurd, you can craft a story that's sure to entertain. And if you ever need a little help with drafting or editing, Spell is here to make the process smoother and faster. Happy writing!
