 Comedy: March 16, 2016 Issue [#7527] |
  Comedy
This week: Comic Relief in Dramatic Writing Edited by: Marci Missing Everyone  
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Hello. My name is Marci and I will be your Comedy Newsletter editor for each mid-month edition. I wouldn’t consider myself a comedic writer. So then why am I writing for the comedy newsletter? Because even the most dramatic, suspenseful, and mysterious works need something called “comic relief” once in a while. It’s what gives us a moment to slow our racing hearts and take a breath before diving right back into the story.
“Life is a drama full of tragedy and comedy. You should learn to enjoy the comic episodes a little more.”
― Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle
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“Jay believed her when she said she didn't try to commit suicide, but his heart ached that even six months after her ordeal, this psychopath could get to her through her nightmares and daytime blackouts. It was like a kick to his gut that he couldn't protect her from her mind. And with every fiber of his being he wanted to protect her. It had been a long time since Jay had shared his heart with any female. Well, except for maybe his cat, but that was different.”
I shared the above passage from the novel I am currently working on, “April’s Escape.” I had just written three chapters of intense emotional conflict. The main character is dealing with PTSD and it’s side effects. Her partner is falling in love with her, and the feeling is mutual, but she can’t deal with it right now. And, she’s searching for a serial killer who is stalking her at the same time. You get to a point where your heart is about to stop, and you can’t deal with much more. Now is the time to slip in the comic relief.
Have you ever looked at a busy painting such as a colorful abstract? Has every inch of the canvas been covered by color? After a few minutes, it can actually give you a headache. However, a clever artist knows that you need a portion of white space so that your eyes can rest. If the artist has been successful, you will spend much more time admiring the artwork than you might otherwise have done. It is the same principle as using comic relief in your writing. It doesn't have to be a big grand funny moment. It can be as small as the one-liner used in my novel. It's just enough to add some levity to an intense situation.
Now you might ask, "How do I take my funny stories and use them in my short story or novel?" Let's reference the cat that I plugged into my novel. My male character, Jay, loves cats and even has one. Have you ever had a cat? What funny things has it done? What are it's funny quirks? Every pet I've ever had has funny moments so I'm sure it's the same with you. Think back to some of those times and write them down. Next time you write a story, think about how you can naturally weave them in without making the pet the primary part of the story. It will add an extra dimension to your writing.
Marci Missing Everyone
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Enjoy these selections that mix drama and comedy!
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| There are all kinds of places you can look for comedic inspiration: pets, kids, and embarrassing situations are just a few. In just a few sentences, share a fun anecdote that will make me laugh. Think about the perspective of using it in a story. |
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