I write humorous cozy mysteries, and I embrace that fact. Murder and mirth: Do they go together? I’d like to think so—and not only because I write them. I’ve heard morticians and paramedics talk about using morbid humor to get them through tense situations. Comedy can act as a balm.
Growing up, I
was definitely not the class clown, but I
appreciated humor in my life. I admired wit from my family, friends, and
through books. Back then, I never would have imagined that one of my books (Mimi Lee Gets A Clue) would be nominated for a Lefty Award
for Best Humorous Mystery.
Recently, I’ve even been asked to sit on panels on being funny. I did a virtual event on July 20 with other bloggers from Chicks on the Case called, “A Killer Sense of Humor: Adding Mirth to Murder Mysteries.” I was also on the Killer Humor Cozy Panel (August 13, 2021) sponsored by Murder by the Book.
Even as I participated
in these events, I also made sure to jot down advice from the other panelists.
How do we insert
humor into our novels? Some ideas are:
·
Add humor—but
not too close to the actual murder
·
On the other
hand, kill those whom you love to hate
·
Use realistic
observations but go at them sideways (like a stand-up comic)
·
Throw in funny
situations, even veering into slapstick if you want
·
Subvert readers’
expectations: set them up for something and then do the opposite (a.k.a. go for
the punchline twist)
·
Make characters
witty: people (or animals) in books can have witty internal thoughts or
external chatter
In the end,
humor is subjective. That’s why it’s super helpful to have beta readers,
critique partners, and editors reel in the joking.
However, I do try
to make myself chuckle while I’m writing. For me, that’s a good barometer of
achieving humor. And the sweetest reward is when others agree, like Katie’s
Cottage Books. Katie said of Mimi Lee Gets A Clue:
“5 laugh out loud stars!” and “I was
reading this book at the bakery and laughing so hard, the random guy at the
next table asked me, if I was ok!”
What tickles
your funny bone?
You are so right about humor being objective -- and it often requires a bit of intelligence from the reader. I don't intentionally try to write humor, but some characters can't help but generate smiles or laughs.
ReplyDeleteEchoing what Jim said. I don't think I write humor but I've been told I do. I think my own humor comes from characters using sarcasm or being a bit snarky.
ReplyDeleteHumor lightens the load. I'm all for that.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. Humor makes cozy reading so enjoyable and you make it look easy.
ReplyDeleteI’ll second what Molly said!
ReplyDeleteWell-placed humor works every time.
ReplyDeleteI was introduced to your humor with Winston Wong in Seniors Sleuth. The very title is a humorous bit, with Winston intending to advertise himself as a "senior sleuth" but instead it showed up as "seniors sleuth" and he is hired to work on issues of senior citizens.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing! And keep chuckling!
good post... and your humor shines in your books
ReplyDeleteYes, Jim! Our characters can be naturally humorous.
ReplyDeleteAnnette: Sometimes we don't even know we're being funny until readers tell us. :)
I agree, Molly. Let's lighten the load. I've heard of many readers turning to humor and cozy mysteries, especially since the start of the pandemic.
Aww, thanks, Kait! Looking forward to writing more cozies!
Agreed, Susan!
I love how some authors can really weave humor into their books, Margaret. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, KM. Might as well start with humor, even in the very title!
Hurrah, Debra. Love how your main character despises cooking and has very interesting, simple recipes.
I love reading books that include an element of humor. While I wouldn't classify my own mysteries as humorouw, I love to include an element of humor in dialogue and even add the rare slapstick scene. I believe that humor is good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn: Laughter is definitely the best medicine!
ReplyDelete