by Jenny Burr
A few years ago I signed up for a correspondence writing course. I started the assignments but I realized that my heart wasn’t in it. I really had signed up for the “wrong” writing course. As it turned out, I ended up going from being a mom at home to working fulltime. I withdrew from the course and I was given a partial refund.
Three years ago, I found myself at home again. I signed up for another correspondence writing course but this time, I signed up for the right course. With just a few assignments left, I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
What made the difference? First time around, I signed up for a general creative writing course. Second time around, I signed up for writing for children, my passion.
You see, I am a teacher and I love children’s books and magazines. I am always on the “hunt” for good reading material in my classroom. If you were to look for me in a book store you would only need to go to the children’s section because I will always be there.
Here’s the funny part. Have I successfully published anything for children? No, not yet. I have been published in print and online as a writer of personal stories or anecdotes. So even though I did not enjoy the first course that I enrolled in, I am writing more in that genre than in the one that I am presently studying.
Is there anything wrong with this? No! Sometime I will be published as a children’s writer but for now I’m enjoying the writing that I am doing. I have also discovered another passion in my writing.
I love humor. The funnier and more absurd the better. I love writing about the funny things that happen to me or my family and friends. (I hope that they don’t mind.) Most people enjoy humor. Humor is such a good stress reliever. As adults we need to laugh at ourselves more, relax more and enjoy more of life.
Here’s my “plug” for FWJ. This site has helped me in my freelance writing career: through its job listings, its posts and comments. Thank you Deb, Jodee, and members of FWJ!
http://healthyyoubyjen.blogspot.com/
http://shewritesbyjen.blogspot.com/
http://www.fitchristian.com/current.html “Miss Communication” page 20
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?AuthorID=55329&id=18785
I am one of the 15 chapter contributors to Susan Carter’s “How I Got The Gig”.
I find writing humor really difficult. If it comes easy to you, Jenny, that’s great. Humor injected into a piece can really make it enjoyable to read.
Hi Robin
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
I never thought of myself as funny until I joined Toastmasters and people told me how much they loved the humor in my speeches. Now if I knew I had to write something funny, I wouldn’t be able to, but if I write about things that have happened to me or just my take on things, I can definitely bring out the humor in a situation.
@ Jenny: I really enjoy family events when people start swapping stories…there is a lot of memorable and funny stuff that gets handed down like that, so I can see how you can incorporate that into your writing.
Thanks for the plug, BTW!
I, too, enjoy humor, but like, Robin, sometimes find it difficult to write,; as in I am not sure if someone else will see the humor I intended. I am also in Toastmasters and that gives some opportunity to try out humorous pieces, although I often think the timing, tone of voice, and delivery supplement my actual writing so it’s hard to tell if my words would be just as funny if someone read them alone.
@Fionna I think that it would come back to you quickly. Thanks for your comment.
@Jodee it’s so true about stories that get passed around when you’re with family. Lot’s of funny situations to share. I share mishaps about myself too. It’s only fair. Thank you for your comment.
@Morgan thanks for sharing. Everyone enjoys a laugh. I’m certain that if you found a situation funny that others probably would too.