Happy International Joke Day (July 1st)! There’s no better moment to talk about humor in writing.
We all love a good laugh—whether it’s a sitcom that has us in stitches, a movie with perfectly delivered one-liners, or even a meme that catches us off guard. Humor is everywhere in our culture because it connects us. It relieves stress, bonds people together, and gives us a shared moment of lightness in an often heavy world.
But let’s be real: adding humor to books? That’s a whole other challenge.
Unlike TV or movies, where timing, delivery, and the actor’s expressions sell the joke, writing humor requires you to paint that moment in the reader’s mind. Your words have to land with the right timing and rhythm, making the reader “hear” the punchline the way you intended.
It’s not just about being funny—it’s about being precise.
Humor in books has to fit the scene, the character, and the genre. You can’t just drop a slapstick moment into a tense thriller scene without ruining the mood (unless your goal is to break the tension intentionally). The trick is knowing when and where to add levity—and how to make it feel real and earned.
Writing Humor: Timing Is Everything
Just like in film or stand-up comedy (which I happen to be obsessed with!), timing is critical. In dialogue, it’s about the back-and-forth rhythm that makes the banter snap. In narration, it’s about setting up expectations and then subverting them just enough to surprise the reader.
As bestselling author Neil Gaiman says: “The humor has to come out of character and situation. If it’s imposed from the outside, it’s not going to work.” (Source: “Neil Gaiman’s Advice to Authors on Writing Humor” – MasterClass, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/neil-gaiman-writing-humor)
Think about the best books you’ve read that made you laugh—it wasn’t random. It was about understanding the moment and knowing the characters well enough to land the joke.
Why Bother? Laughter Is Good for You (and Your Readers!)
We all know life can be overwhelming. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter isn’t just fun—it’s good for us. It:
- Reduces stress by soothing tension
- Stimulates organs with oxygen-rich air
- Improves immune function
- Triggers endorphins to reduce pain
- Boosts mood to help fight anxiety and depression
- Enhances social connection
(Source: Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456)
Adding those moments of humor to your story can offer your reader a much-needed breath. It makes characters more relatable and gives the story emotional depth.
Tips for Writing Humor in Your Book:
- ✅ Know Your Characters: Let humor come naturally from who they are—their quirks, reactions, and voice.
- ✅ Balance the Tone: Humor can break tension, but don’t let it undermine drama that matters. Use it with intention.
- ✅ Think Like a Screenwriter: Imagine the scene playing out—who says what, when, and how. Read it aloud to hear the timing.
- ✅ Revise for Rhythm: Editing is where humor shines. Cut the extra words. Polish the setup and punchline.
- ✅ Test It: Share the scene with a trusted reader. Did they smile or laugh? Or did it fall flat?
Final Thought:
Humor is one of the most powerful tools a writer has—but also one of the trickiest. Used well, it can elevate your book, deepen your characters, and give your readers a joyful experience they’ll remember. Check out our Author Services site for additional support with your writing.
And let’s be honest—in these times, who doesn’t need a little more laughter in their life? Looking to discuss where you are in your writing journey and where you need assistance. 📅 Book Self-Publishing Discovery Call Until next time…
About the Author
Cheryl Bannerman is a prolific and versatile author with a portfolio of ten published works across various genres including mystery novels and a children’s book. In 2018, she received the prestigious 2018 Book Excellence Award for her poetry collection, Words Never Spoken. In 2020, Bannerman’s book, Black Child to Black Woman: An African-American Woman Coming-of-Age Story, garnered acclaim, winning the Best Books Award in African American fiction and the Reader’s Favorite International Book Award Contest in Urban Fiction in 2021.
Readers can connect with Bannerman, purchase signed copies of her books, and subscribe to her newsletter through her website, www.bannermanbooks.com. When she is not writing for her next book, Bannerman is running her 29-year-old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida home.