Writing Funny

I never set out to be a comedy writer. In fact, my first novel was inspired by a tragedy in my love life – a messy breakup that sucker punched my self-worth where it hurt. I turned to writing – my preferred form of therapy – and found myself transforming burning frustrations into laughter. The resulting novel, Reader, I Married Me, pokes fun at society’s obsession with ‘happily ever after’. I like to call it ‘a romcom without the rom’. 

For me, writing about the stigma around being single was the gift that kept on giving because I felt so passionately about it. It made me realise that the root of much comedy actually stems from deep human emotion. 

A good starting point for any story is to write about something that really matters to you. Why do you care? What are you trying to say about human nature? Once you’ve found your fuel, the way in which you tell the story defines its genre.

How to make your readers laugh

The comedy genre’s function is to amuse, entertain and make readers laugh. There’s a whole toolbox of dramatic devices that you can use including exaggeration, parody, satire, irony, absurdity, wordplay, subverting expectations and resolving conflict. I’ve picked out some specific techniques that can help you to find YOUR funny.
 

• Develop your own unique POV
  
  Try different comedic styles to see what feels natural, including satire, dark humour, or light-hearted banter. Experiment with different formats, such as dialogue, short scenes, or first-person narratives, to see what works. Let yourself write freely without worrying about being ‘funny enough’. Your comedic voice will emerge when you stop overthinking and let your personality come through. 
  
  The funniest writing often comes from truth. Use your observations, personal experiences, and everyday frustrations as material. Don’t shy away from writing about your awkward moments, fears, or mistakes. What perspectives can you bring that are different from what’s already out there? How can you approach common topics in an unexpected way? Lean into what sets you apart. 
   
• Character-based comedy
  
  Comedy characters are often exaggerated versions of real people with real flaws like arrogance, obliviousness, clumsiness, or stubbornness. Their personalities drive the humour, through dialogue, actions, or internal monologues. They become funnier when they’re put in situations that expose their weaknesses and you can explore the consequences of their reactions. 
  
  Have your characters make fools of themselves in ways that are relatable, such as trying too hard to impress or overestimating their abilities. Characters who fail miserably, especially when they think they’re succeeding, makes them human and endearing. Readers can often see themselves in these moments.
  
  For example, Bridget Jones is insecure, full of self-doubt, clumsy, has low self control and is an obsessive overthinker – but she’s one of the most popular comedy heroines of all time! 

• Dialogue

  A great way to showcase your characters is through dialogue. Play with characters who speak in distinctive ways that reflect their background and personality. A good way to create comic tension is to have dialogue between two characters with opposing viewpoints, communication styles or agendas. 
  
  Fast-paced back-and-forth dialogue creates energy and often heightens the humour. Equally, well-placed pauses, interruptions, or one-word replies can amplify the punchline of a joke. Pair dialogue with funny actions or reactions like eye rolls, sighs, or exaggerated gestures. Trust your readers’ imagination and don’t labour the point. Sometimes less is more. 

• Timing and Pace
  
  A sudden shift from a slow, detailed build up to a quick, unexpected outcome can amplify humour. Or try switching gears abruptly, changing from calm to chaotic, or from intense to mellow.
  
  Also, pauses and silences can be just as funny as spoken words, especially in dialogue. Leave an uncomfortable gap after an inappropriate comment or failed joke – let the moment breathe. Maybe describe the characters’ awkward fidgets or facial expressions.
  
  Create cliffhangers by dropping a bombshell at the end of a scene, then cut away before the reaction, so that your readers are eager to see the fallout.
  Occasionally break the comedy with a well-timed moment of realism or genuine emotion to offer contrast and balance. 
   
• Fine-tune your work
  
  Test your work by reading it aloud – it’ll help catch awkward phrasing, missed beats, or moments where a joke falls flat. You can then fine-tune the pacing and delivery, making it feel more conversational and natural. 
  
  Sharing your work with friends or writing groups can be useful. Notice what makes people laugh and what doesn’t land, then use that feedback to refine your approach. Don’t be afraid to fail – humour is subjective, and not every joke will work for everyone. 
  
  If you get to the stage where you’re offered constructive feedback from an agent or publisher, see it as a gift! Your work is not set in stone, go back to it with fresh eyes and rework it – editing is a creative journey in itself. Deciding what you can lose and what you want to hold onto helps you figure out exactly what you’re trying to say.
   

• Follow your joy

  As writers, we all feel an urgent need to express a deep truth drawn from our life experiences. That creative spark, combined with the practice of writing, offers many benefits for our wellbeing. Writing is a form of self-expression and helps us process what’s happening in our hearts and minds. If you enjoy yourself while you’re writing, it’ll shine through your work. Follow your joy and your readers will follow you!
   

Sophie Tanner is a creative storyteller with a mischievous edge. She lives next to Brighton beach with her bumptious labrador, Ella. As a self love advocate, yoga teacher and published author, she is passionate about encouraging community and connection. Her first novel, Reader, I Married Me, was published by Trapeze in 2019 and is loosely based on her own experiences of marrying herself. She is currently writing her second novel, Ordinary Folk, alongside working as a Senior Copywriter at the UK’s oldest and largest animal charity, the RSPCA. When she’s not writing, Sophie loves frolicking in nature and has just started teaching dog yoga at the weekends! An avid reader, Sophie is a strong believer in the transformative power of fiction.