We’re buried under snow here in Toronto and I’m digging in and finishing up some really fun projects. All this week I’ve been working on WiP #2, a fun gag-filled comic book about democracy for Capstone Press.
Normally the biggest challenge when writing a non-fiction book for younger readers is to fit all the facts into just a few hundred words per page. This project is no different, but I also have to make it irreverent and funny as well as make sense. It’s an added challenge to the writing, but I find these challenges are what make the writing a lot more rewarding.
At first, I tried to fit the facts and make it funny at the same time, but that didn’t work. I either got carried away and ran out of space or the text just didn’t make sense.
Finally, I stopped trying to be funny and just worked on getting the facts into the manuscript on the first draft. That’s where I’m at right now. I’ve got a completed ms that reads like a standard book on democracy, which is fine with most non-fiction assignments. But not this one. This one needs humour!
So, this weekend, I’ll sharpen my funny bone take another pass at the draft and play with the language to make it more fun and more funny. I hope. There’s nothing worse than someone saying: “Be funny, now!”
But I’m up for the challenge. Think I better rent some Mel Brooks movies.
11:46 am on February 16th, 2007 1
But Liam, you are the essence of funny! Every move you make, every breath you take, we’re all watching you (with a smile waiting at the edge of our mouths for you to trigger the ha-ha).
Just figured I’d do my best to drive the pressure into overload. Maybe if lights start flashing and bells start clanging, you can shovel some snow on top and stamp it all down.
I think getting the facts down first sounds like a good idea. Then you can play with it, have fun, and find the funny in it.
Then again, what do I know?
10:00 am on February 17th, 2007 2
Sheesh! No pressure at all, Anita. And renting Scorsese’s “Departed” last night wasn’t the laugh-riot I expected it to be. Shoulda stuck with the “Young Frankenstein”. Oh well, I hope this coffee will make me funny.
11:57 am on February 17th, 2007 3
You see – all those people who said, “You couldn’t be funny if you tried,” were right!
I’m just kidding. When I want to use funny things in my writing I do what one of my close friends who is a very successful TV comedy writer in Britain recommends:carry my notebook everywhere I go for a week and write down everything funny that you think, overhear, say, see, etc. It’s surprising how many funny things happen in a week. Hanging aournd with some children would probably double the number.
Good luck – I know you are very funny really
11:24 am on February 19th, 2007 4
That’s a good plan Andrew. I do normally carry a notebook, but usually fill it with crazy story ideas or even crazier rants at something I’ve just seen on the subway.
5:01 pm on February 20th, 2007 5
I know you’re funny. Every time I think about you I can’t stop laughing (Kidding!)
Seriously, you are funny, Liam, and I know it will come naturally to you. Forcing funny never works, believe me! But yes, best to get the fact down, first!
Do you ever read the comic strip Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau? That might be inspirational…
1:40 pm on February 22nd, 2007 6
Ha ha, YOU’RE the funny one Patricia! And I love Doonsbury, but rarely get the chance to read it anymore. But since I’m writing for 8 year olds, the funny I’m going for usually involves bodily functions or really bad puns.