If there's one thing I've learned in this publishing endeavor, it's that readers love to laugh. They love to feel comfortable and open up to the author who writes some of their favorite stories. If you have a witty sense of humor, you should showcase it rather than subdue it.
However, be careful with the sarcasm, as that *could* potentially "hurt" you. You can't hear tone of voice on the 'Net.
But the successful blogs, the successful websites are the ones with a touch of humor. If a reader knows they're going to chuckle a bit by reading your posts, they will return again and again. Having witty prose is a plus, if you can manage. You don't have to be telling jokes or write full-on comedy, but writing about light-hearted situations, or telling some story from your life from a light-hearted point of view can draw a lot of readers to you and make them curious about who you are.
I'm generally well-liked in the circles I...circulate. And I believe that's because I'm generally a happy person. I dont' write comedy, but I might sometimes poke fun at myself, write an article with my tongue firmly in my cheek, or grossly exaggerating an event in my life to make it "seem" more dramatic than it actually was. (See one of my blog posts as an example: http://beckasbabble.blogspot.com/2006/08/cold-cocked.html)
So to sum up, be easy-going. Be easy to talk to. Be somewhat humorous, and don't be afraid to poke fun at yourself every once in awhile. Readers like to know they're your "friend", and making them laugh, even if only cracking a smile, can go a long way in getting them to actually stick around and read something you've written.
Try it. Can't hurt. :)
~~Becka
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Comments: 17
I love reading anything tongue-in-cheek or with plays-on-words, double entendres, etc. To me, rather than being just funny, it shows a quick wit and another level of writing. Reminds me of the first Shrek movie - kids loved it for the slapstick comedy and adults "got" the other innuendos.
Thanks for sharing!
"My horse, Maximus, loves to be ridden hard and fast."
Johnny turned to stare at Beth with an arched brow. "I know someone else who loves to be--"
"Can it, loverboy."
Or take advantage of a stereotype - such as, all men think about sex all the time. Could be humorous when the male and female cop are on a stakeout.
Or make something embarrassing happen to your characters. They spill their drink on their crotch. Uh oh. They trip over their own shoelaces into the love interest's arms. Nice move, Ginger Rogers. Sarcasm is a great driving force of humor.
Jane's eyes lit up with mock excitement. "Sure, I'd love to go to your Coddled Chef party! Want to stick a fork in my eye too?"
It also helps to have a character who is either a prankster, loves to riddle the conversation with innuendo, or a smartass. Those are quick and dirty ways to pepper a manuscript (or blog posts) with humor. :P
~~Becka