These are great. As a standup comedian currently writing a novel, I'd add a few more:
1. Absurd conclusion: if X is true, then surely it would lead to a world where Y is also true. Can be used in 1st person for the narrator to show the audience why a situation is farcical.
2. Pull back and reveal: start with a close up observation, then reveal the wider context that makes it funny. E.g. a character kneels to tie their shoelaces, then onlookers start screaming because they're in the middle of a tightrope at the time.
3. Non-sequitur: something completely unexpected comes out of nowhere. Good at the end of a chapter as a cliff-hanger. E.g. "it was at that moment that the penguin hit the windscreen."
4. Rhyme: like alliteration, this can also make a sentence inexplicably funny. It gives a sing-song feeling which can be especially funny when that's contrasted with a dark or serious situation.
These are great. As a standup comedian currently writing a novel, I'd add a few more:
1. Absurd conclusion: if X is true, then surely it would lead to a world where Y is also true. Can be used in 1st person for the narrator to show the audience why a situation is farcical.
2. Pull back and reveal: start with a close up observation, then reveal the wider context that makes it funny. E.g. a character kneels to tie their shoelaces, then onlookers start screaming because they're in the middle of a tightrope at the time.
3. Non-sequitur: something completely unexpected comes out of nowhere. Good at the end of a chapter as a cliff-hanger. E.g. "it was at that moment that the penguin hit the windscreen."
4. Rhyme: like alliteration, this can also make a sentence inexplicably funny. It gives a sing-song feeling which can be especially funny when that's contrasted with a dark or serious situation.
Love all of these! Adding them to my reference list :)
I had no idea Boom Chicago had a writing course—sounds amazing!! These tips are gold
It's so, so good. I loved it. I think they're currently running a special on courses, so it's a good time to sign up!