I like puns but have not used them in my writing.
I have a sci-fi story in my head and it needs humour. Not LOL all the time, but something to make the reader smile.
So how to make your reader smile, laugh, giggle?
What makes you laugh? - good starting point. Why do you find a line or situation funny? Note it , use it. Gather funny moments.
Character's voice - does your character speak without thinking? Is s/he easily misunderstood? Does s/he use humour rather than cry?
Misreading situations - humour can come from misunderstanding of an action or words
Descriptions - exaggerate, use loads of adjectives, go crazy and paint a funny picture.
Sexual innuendos - use them in inappropriate places , by accident.
Surprising - but needs a set up, a lead towards then the funny twist. Maybe use the rule of three - two similar ideas together - add the third.
Metaphors and Similes - use as descriptors to add comedy to a normal action. Bad similes work well in humour.
Change a cliche - the mind knows the end- you change it and the reader smirks.
Normal life with a twist - strange situations, exaggerated moments.
K words - why I don't know, but words containing the hard K sound are funnier!
Less is more - use humour sparingly, we cannot laugh continually and still read a good story.
Avoid sarcasm - because it often relies on infection and tone it can be too harsh when written.
Practice- try some out on your Facebook or twitter friends.
I have not dared to try making this post funny- one day I will have the confidence.
Are you a funny writer?
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