  Comedy
This week: Keeping Your Readers Entertained Edited by: Lornda  
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Hello, I am Lornda , this week's guest editor. This issue's topic deals with an element in writing that is often missing to keep readers entertained and turning the pages of your masterpiece.
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Keeping Your Readers Entertained
When we read fiction, it provides a great escape and gives us a chance to explore different peoples' lives or other worlds. Your task as a writer is to entertain the reader and convince them the story is real.
A fiction author must develop a distinctive style of writing that shines much like a Hollywood producer would with a TV series or movie. There are a variety of tools to convey the entertaining quality of the story like through dialog, sentence structure, phrases, and other techniques to set a mood. One thing is for sure, when we pick up a thick novel or read a longer work of fiction online, we want to be transported into a different world and be entertained.
So how can you keep the reader entertained without losing them along the way? One key way is to add humor to some of the scenes or to enhance a character's personality. In some of the longer works of fiction that I've read, I lose interest and stop reading. As I read along, I visualize the scenes and characters like watching a movie-it can encompass many genres. For total entertainment quality, a movie offers a mix of genres to keep the viewer watching. It's the same with a longer story or novel, a mix of genres can keep the attention of a reader and entertain them to the very end.
Let's examine the different genres in a few popular movies:
Star Wars: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Gone With the Wind: History, War, Drama
Lord of the Rings: Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Dark
All of the examples above added entertainment to capture the viewer's attention and keep their eyes glued to the screen. Did you notice a missing small genre from those movies? It was an important element to advance the entertainment value-to wake the viewer up at just the right moment-the element of comedy.
Here's a breakdown of a few comical elements from these movies:
Star Wars: Who can forget the bantering the three main characters of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia. It wasn't all 'shoot the aliens and fly away'-the element of light comedy was added in at the right moment.
Princess Leia talking to Luke: "Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"
Han Solo: "Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I told you I'd out run 'em?"
[Nobody is listening]
"Don't everyone thank me at once."
Gone with the Wind: In this three hour and forty-two minute epic, it wasn't all about the war or Scarlett's next husband. Sprinkled throughout are many comical elements to move the action along and to enlighten us on the personalities of the character.
Scarlett: "Sir, you are no gentleman."
Rhett: "And you, Miss, are no lady."
Rhett: "Did you ever think of marrying just for fun?"
Scarlett: "Marriage fun? Fiddle-dee-dee. Fun for men you mean."
Rhett speaking to Scarlett: "A cat's a better mother than you."
Lord of the Rings: The character of Frodo Baggins and his close friend of Sam, kept the pace of their special friendship alive through some snappy dialog. Gimli the dwarf and his arguments with Legolas were priceless in this dark movie. The timing of the bantering between these characters was a success to keep the story entertaining.
Gimli (the dwarf) (Jumping and straining to see): "What's happening out there?"
Legolas: "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?"
Legolas and Gimli have a contest to see who can kill the most bad guys.
Legolas kills a giant elephant (Mumak) and Gimli says: "That still only counts as one!"
By examining the comic elements integrated into the above movies, you may identify how your own longer stories could benefit from an infusion of well placed humor. Many times, this is achieved through suspense or action, but by adding a comic element carefully into the story, the reader bonds with the character and their surroundings, which keeps them entertained and turning the pages.
I'm off now to find my next entertaining story to read where I can visualize an actor Johnny Depp to play in the next big Hollywood movie! Could it be one of yours?
Write ON and keep the readers turning the page!
~Lornda
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Here are a few examples from stories around Writing.Com where the genre is not comedy, but an element of comedy has been utilized with dialog, narrative or character building. Enjoy!
Listed Genres: Fantasy, Action/Adventure, & Drama
"Master Dabriel, have you even been to sleep tonight?"
"Sleep!" Jace sounded appalled. "Who in the hell needs..." he hesitated, swallowing hard and covering his mouth with the back of the hand. "Sleepy time?"
"Sir, I recommend you get some rest," Charles said, and the other men around him were beginning to take on similar expressions of amusement, relieved of the shock from the Outrider's sudden arrival. "I'm sure the others won't mind postponing their departure for you."
Jace shrugged, taking a very generous swig of the very empty bottle.
"Bah," he blathered. "They're all planning to sleep in, anyway. Wanted to take advantage of these soft beds, but I told 'em," again he paused to give the very distinct impression that he might vomit at any moment. "I told 'em. I don't need ..."
"Sleepy time," one of the other men spoke up.
Jace said nothing, only pointed down at him with a goofy smile.
Listed Genre: Action/Adventure
"Deep breaths, Jack. Gotta get my own arm patched up here, and I'll be right back." I limped over to see how the youngster was doing with the supplies.
"Lad, I'll need your help. We're the crack medical team now, sad to say. I'm Dr Kildare, and you're Nurse....uhhh, Betty?" I was trying to keep his spirits up. Despite his rapid recovery from the specter of death, I thought I'd be mostly on my own from here on in.
"Edwa.... er, call me Ned. Ned Winslow."
"Nurse Neddie it is." I forced what must have been a ghastly grin, because Ned grimaced.
Listed Genres: History, Religious, & Supernatural
Picking their way through the mud that afternoon on the way back to the church, Father Benedict and Brother Stephen grew weary of Brother Michael's complaints. "I hope we make it back before dark. I can't wait to wash my feet. Aaaah!" He cried out as he slipped, "Did you see that?" Michael pointed to where he nearly fell. "I can hardly walk. Every time I take a step, I sink so far into the mud that I can barely pull my foot out. I've lost my sandal twice, already. If we had taken the wagon, as I suggested, we could be riding, instead of walking in this -"
"I'm not going to carry you, Michael," Brother Stephen announced, not entirely in jest. "You're too heavy."
Listed Genres: Supernatural, Mythology, & Occult
"There's only one thing a man truly needs in this life." He turned and shambled through the open door.
Kevin laid his hand on Thrace's shoulder, stopping him. "What? What does a man need?"
Thrace looked over his shoulder, crooked an eyebrow, and snorted. "When you're my age - a good bowel movement!" His raucous laughter slashed the night before he disappeared inside.
| | THE IDIOT [13+] #1270897
Balmy antics of an entrepreneurial lad who refuses defeat while pining for Dad's approval
by DRSmith  |
Listed Genres: Family, Relationship
This one has 'Comedy' listed as one of the genres--and so it should--it's hilarious, but it does tell a sad story of a young boy who wants his dad's approval.
Mrs. Bernstein was more than a customer; she was our landlady who hired me to clear front walks and driveways from all six of her tenement buildings. I panicked.
"I'm really, really, sorry Mrs. Bernstein! I- uh- I was blinded by the flying snow."
"Oh shut up, you putz!" She thrashed a chubby finger at me. "You should pay more attention to vhat you do."
After lecturing me, she whirled and plodded toward the door. I followed, feeling a need to beef-up my apology. Another mistake.
My eyes zeroed in on her enormous bottom- boom, boom, boom, boom. Imaginary kettle drums sounded in my head as each cheek thrust her housecoat from side to side. I likened her to one of Dumbo's aunts and failed to stifle giggles. She heard me, spun on her heels and stuck her fleshy face to within inches of mine, her intense glare wildly magnified through thick horn-rimmed glasses.
"So vhat is this? You think making chopped liver from my little Chutsie is so funny, do you? Vell you're a schmuck! A meshuggener! Now you take that yellow monster and get your little goniff behind off my property, 'cause I ain't payin' ya." She slammed the door in my face, yelling a final scurrilous word: "IDIOT!"
Since we discussed the movies of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, I could not leave without highlighting these two funny stories!
Ono remembered what the wizard, Randolph had told him. "You must not give in to the urge of The Wing. It calls out to be found! Once you start gnawing on it, the Evil Guy will be able to see where it is hidden, and then none will be safe in all the land."
"Ono," said Sippin, drunkenly, as Ono approached. "Tell these kind gentlemen about the dark riders we met out on the road today. They don't believe me."
"Sippin, you've had too much to drink," said Ono, as he tried to lead Sippin back to the table. "Are you making up crazy stories again?" As he turned, Ono's foot caught on a small stool. He tripped and fell. Unconsciously, he stuck the Wing into his mouth.
The magic of the Wing took over, and Ono became...almost invisible. His senses were immediately heightened and he could smell fried chicken everywhere.
"Answer these questions, you will. In time...all will be understood, yes? Back to your lessons with you. Focus!" The orange-furred mother approached him. "Attack you I will. Defend yourself without seeing me, yes?" She covered his head with an old potato sack.
"No, Mom! Not that again!"
"Feel the Force, Yoda. All around you it is, inside you."
"No, Mom, please!"
She came at him swiftly and smacked the side of his head with the rolling pin. There was a discernible thump.
"Ow, Mom! Jeez! That hurt!"
"Let loose your feelings, Yoda, yes? Anticipate my every move, hmmm?"
Yoda tried to cover-up his head with his hands and arms. There was another loud thump.
"Ow!"
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Oh, an empty spot! Can't let that go! Here are some entertaining quotes, a contest reminder, and a 'Comedy' challenge.
Don't forget Mother's Day. Or as they call it in Beverly Hills, 'Dad's Third Wife Day' ~ Jay Leno
Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes. ~ Jim Carrey
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-seven now, and we don't know where the hell she is. ~ Ellen DeGenres
This one is dedicated to DRSmith :
I used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass. ~ David Lee Roth
Speaking of quotes! Don't forget about the quote for the "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest" . Write a non-fiction, comedic essay based on the quote below and enter it by April 30th @ 11:59.
"You're always a little disappointing in person because you can't be the edited essence of yourself."
~ Mel Brooks
A Comedy Challenge:
Let's see who can write a humorous comeback to the following line. I'm going to use one of the movie quotes from Star Wars. What will Luke say back to Leia? The best will win a 'Funny' Merit Badge.
Princess Leia talking to Luke: "Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"
Luke: . . .
Here's mine: Luke: "Well, Dunkin' Donuts called and they want their cinnamon buns back." I'm sure you can do better!
Enter your comeback in the 'Send a comment or question' box below or email me! Feel free to send comments or questions about 'Comedy' in general. I'll try my best to answer them for you!
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Comedy: April 13, 2011 Issue [#4332]
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