Funny... With Heart, Not Put-Downs

Be funny, not mean.  Please.  Here are some ways to do that in your stories (from The Comic Toolbox by John Vorhaus:)

1.  Center and Eccentrics--Everyman (standing in for you or I) surrounded by eccentric characters
2.  Fish-Out-of-Water--A normal character in a comic world or a comic character in a normal world
3.  Character Comedy--Direct emotional war between strong comic opposites
4.  Powers--A comic story built around magical powers, the powers themselves being the comedic premise.
5.  Ensemble Comedy--A group of characters at odds with themselves and their world
6.  Slapstick--Denial of self-doubt results in physical comedy; the target of abuse gets exactly what he/she deserves and no one gets hurt
7.  Satire or Parody--Attacking social or cultural icons or phenomenon

There you have it!  Comedy in a box.  Sort of.  Just don't be cruel about it!  Or I might have to punch you in the face.  Haha.  See?  That's funny. 

Happy Writing,
Rachel