Master Class with Joni Cole: Finding the Funny
Whether it’s funny ha ha or funny peculiar, an infusion of humor can benefit every story. Even if you’re not writing a comic novel, the selective use of humor can help you deepen characterization, make your overall work more engaging, and bring into relief the poignancy of certain scenic moments, real or imagined. But what does it take to write effective humor? And what are some of the potential pitfalls of trying to be funny? In this interactive talk by acclaimed author and humorist Joni B. Cole you’ll learn techniques and tips that will help you find your funny on the page…and even in life.
Participants are invited to bring a page (250ish words) or so from a work-in-progress to read aloud for appreciation and feedback, with an eye toward increasing engagement by enhancing the scene’s humor and humanity.
Joni B. Cole is the author of seven books, including the recent release Party Like It’s 2044: Finding the Funny in Life and Death, and two acclaimed writing guides: Good Naked: How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier (listed as a “Best Books for Writers” by Poets & Writers magazine) and Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive. For twenty-five years she has taught creative writing to adults online and in person at her own Writer’s Center of White River Junction, VT, and at a variety of academic programs and community organizations. For more info: www.jonibcole.com
Please note: By signing up or coming to any of our events, you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.
ZOOM NAME:
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MEETING: Only registered members of Burlington Writers Workshop will be given access to this session. Membership is free and easy.
CANCEL: PLEASE cancel your registration if you will not be in attendance, so people on the WAIT LIST will be able to fill that seat. To cancel, click your name or email in the top right corner of the Eventbrite screen, click on tickets, click on workshop to be canceled, and click cancel order.
CONTENT ADVISORY: All works in BWW are intended for an adult audience, and may contain language, characters, themes, and content that is offensive or triggering to some readers. If your piece has content that may be upsetting to others, please put the words “Content Advisory” at the top of the piece and the reasons why. For example: “Content Advisory: Graphic violence, depression, & PTSD”
Please note, this is simply a courtesy to all BWW members, so that they can choose whether or not to be exposed to given material, and when. We completely understand no one can catch every possible issue. However, we do ask that you make a good faith effort for the benefit of all members. Better too much info than not enough. This policy is in no way censoring what is written, it is merely a consideration to others.
If you’re unfamiliar with this topic, please visit this website for some examples of things that might come up. In general: if you’re writing about something that would be harmful physically, mentally, and/or emotionally to others in real life (such as graphic violence), list it as a content advisory.
