Is it just me or does Cary Grant’s hand look HUGE in this photo?
Actors today try to avoid comedy because if you write a comedy that’s not a success, the lack of success is immediately apparent because the audience is not laughing. A comedy is a big risk.
~Cary Grant
I love Cary Grant…for many reasons. :) And that quote above is one of those reasons.
I adore the quote almost as much as I adore the man. I really do. Because comedy is one of my faaaavorite things. Movies, books, really stories of any kind—and people!—who make me laugh, they’re the best. So I just can’t help infusing my own stories with what I hope are funny moments and plenty of witty banter.
And that’s why I often say I write rom-com rather than straight contemporary romance.
Don’t get me wrong…romance is a rather big factor in my books. I mean, when you’ve got a cute guy and smiling girl on the cover, there better be a little romance inside, yeah?
See? Smiling girl, cute guy. :)
But to me, the humor is just as important. It’s one of my favorite things to write…but just like Cary Grant says, it’s also, perhaps, the riskiest. Or at least one of the iffiest. Because I’m constantly wondering, what if I’m the only one who thinks this is funny?
Romance can take its time in a story.
A spiritual theme or overarching story question can slowly gel in a reader’s mind, even after they’ve finished the story.
But the humor? That’s yes or no, in the moment. It either makes the reader laugh…or it doesn’t. And humor that falls flat is just plain painful.
And yet…humor done well is worth the risk, I believe. Why?
Because—and I’ve probably said this all over the interwebs, so forgive me if I’ve got the broken record thing going on—laughter paves the way for truth.
At least for me.
It gets me all comfortable and settled in. Laughter is an impulsive, in-the-moment response…in some ways, it’s one of our realest expressions. Because we don’t control it or think it out beforehand. We don’t prepare for it. We just…laugh.
There’s a genuineness to it…and I think that’s why it’s so good at prepping me for the bigger stuff—the deeper thoughts and longer threads of conversation that make for amazing relationships.
And I think that’s why I love humor in stories so much. Because it pulls an immediate, impulsive response from readers that connects us to the story, to the characters, to the moment. And suddenly, we’re settled in and ready for the deeper pieces—the nuggets of truth, the direct or indirect spiritual themes, the serious moments that will hopefully have us thinking days after we reach “The End.”
Too…I just like to laugh. :)
How about you? Do you prefer a dose or more of humor in the books you read or movies you watch? Do you think there’s something to the idea that laughter paves the way for truth and deeper conversations?
Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. She's the author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, as well as a current nonprofit grant writer, marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy and total Iowa girl. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching classic movies and daydreaming about her next story. She's passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs (and vlogs!) regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.
I’m with you, Melissa. I like a bit of comedy. And I also adore Cary Grant.
Oh Melissa. You and I need to spend some serious time together in St.Louis, my friend. I write “dramedy” – some are pretty well fully defined rom-com, but even the more serious ones have a definite comedic element to them. I love to laugh :D. Must be one reason why I like you so much ;). I cannot wait for Here to Stay!!!!
I tell people I write with a light, humorous touch because … what if I tell them it’s supposed to be comedy, and they don’t laugh? Too much pressure! ;) So while I don’t try to be roll-on-the-floor hilarious in my novels, they are tickling the funny bone according to reviews. Whew.
I think at least a smidgen of humor is a BIG plus in stories. Why? Because readers want an emotional experience. It’s that emotional experience that keeps them coming back for more. My motto when writing any book is: “Make ’em laugh, make ’em cry.” Winning combo in my estimation… Great post, Melissa!
A bit of comedy and laughter eases you into the deeper stuff. You’re in the thick of it before you realize it sometimes. Looking forward to Here to Stay!
Blessings,
Andrea
Well said, Cathy. I fully believe if you are about to make the reader cry, there needs to be a humor break somewhere, so their emotions have a safe landing.
I totally agree with you about Cary Grant, and about humor. As I touched on with my response to Cathy, I think any good story needs landing spots. Whether the story gets serious due to a basic conflict, or due to something really serious, the reader needs emotional breaks. Even if the humor is light, the reader knows it’s ok to laugh, and breathe, if the characters can laugh at each other and themselves. I also agree that an attempt at humor that fails is incredibly painful…like watching a train wreck. Humor has to feel natural. If it’s something said, it needs to be a logical response from a character with a sharp wit, not from a character who “thinks” they are funny, but corny. If the humor is through an action, I never find something funny, when someone gets hurt. Falling in mud?…hysterical…getting hurt?…not so much.
I’m loving these blogs.
Yay for another Cary Grant fan. :)
Aww, I like you too, Carol. :) And YES to spending serious time together in St. Louis!
Haha, I have those “what if they don’t laugh?” fears, too. :)
Oh yeah, if a reader can both laugh and cry in the same book, I definitely count it a success.
Thanks, Andrea! I hope you really enjoy Here to Stay!
I like how you worded that–“landing spots.” It’s so true!