Funny stories: See how easily you can be humorous & write a funny story

Funny stories: See how easily you can be humorous and write a funny story. Man laughs while working on a silver laptop while seated cross-legged on a wooden floor. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Ask Nicola Q&A: How to be funny and write humorous stories in 3 simple steps

Hi and welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.

As a life-story coach I get lots of questions about all stages of writing.

And in this Q&A series my answers aim to help writers just like you!

So this Ask Nicola article starts with the query:

I want my book to be funny! I need some writing techniques. Can you help?

First, that’s fantastic you are read y to sit down and record your life for family, friends and future generations!

Second, warm-up your cheeky side and let’s jump into how to create a funny story …

Get in a funny mood

Before you set out to write a funny story it is important to consider a few points.

First, like any good writer, understand who you are writing for so that you can tailor your message and jokes appropriately.

Second, cast out self doubts and know, with some guidance, we all have the ability to write a funny story.

Next, keep in mind you want to conversationally sprinkle, not stuff, humour through your writing.

For example, apply the odd funny word or one-liner to setting, character and plot descriptions.

And finally, read funny books and watch humorous movies to see exactly how the experts do it.

Your Family Stories System. Father and girl on his shoulders with arms spread wide at the beach.

Get the funny story down

Now you are prepared to write a funny story let’s look at some humorous writing techniques.

One popular idea is to tap into observations of ordinary situations or details and show (not tell) how they are absurd or funny.

Of course a classic example of this technique is the sitcom Seinfeld.

Another way to initiate a laugh is to use the element of surprise.

Next you could reference the impossible through absurdity or exaggeration.

And don’t forget this can be especially funny when applied to yourself in a self-deprecating manner or to dark emotions and situations.

Finally, make your writing humorous with out-of-context cliches, metaphors and vivid similes.

Polish until funny

Good editing is also a key consideration for creating a truly funny story.

Let’s start with a golden rule: don’t use strings of exclamation points!!!! In fact, use them sparingly.

Likewise avoid writing: ‘she joked’, ‘he laughed’ or ‘they chuckled’.

Your reader should pick this up without being told.

Second, make sure jokes are short and pared back to their super-funny essence so readers don’t tune out.

Certainly this ties into ensuring jokes have good timing with a clear set-up and punchline.

Finally, read jokes aloud (to others if you can) to test they are hitting the funny mark!

Final say: Tell a funny story

Being able to write a funny story is a wonderful skill to have.

Certainly it makes your life story entertaining to read and definitely engages readers.

So to pull off funny writing: do some initial planning and research, use humorous writing techniques, and edit well to perfectly polish jokes.

But whether you are planning to write humorously or not, the important thing is to make a start and continue consistently.

Because only then will you be laughing all the way to the finishing line.

Happy writing!

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Your say

Have a funny story or technique to share? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.

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