The Subtlety of Humor by Darlene Beck Jacobson
Let's face it. We all love to laugh. We need to laugh. Laughter fills up our buckets in a way that lifts us up and helps us see the world a bit differently. And, it seems that editors and publisher of children's books love stories filled with humor. Humor that works well in a story feels like a gift. An unexpected gift that brightens our day. Writing humorous passages isn't always easy. For it to work, it has to feel natural and part of the character offering it. Instead of aiming for high hilarity, or slapstick in-your-face gags, try subtle humor. The kind that makes us smile and connects us with the characters in a quieter, less showy way. Here are a couple of examples. The first two are from my verse novel WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY (Creston Books) TAPE Katy drags the sheet from her bed onto the grass in the backyard. Let’s camp out, she says. I tape one end to the fencepost with Pops’ duct tape. Quac...