Humour in writing doesn’t have to be a series of one-liners. It can be a subtle view of the lighter side of an otherwise serious scene. Authors who weave this kind of “humour” into their writing usually capture the reader’s interest more than if they had stuck to the dry sequence of events they had planned in their storyline. The use of this kind of light humour also makes the scenes more real. How many times have you been in a serious situation and said, “Someday we’ll look back on this and laugh.” THAT is one of the kinds of humour I’m talking about in this series.
My guest today is Mandy Baggot of the UK. She writes romantic novels that often have a funny side to them. Her sense of humour makes these “love stories” fun to read. Find out about all Mandy’s novels at her amazon.co.uk link here.
Here is an excerpt from Mandy Baggot’s novel, “Knowing Me, Knowing You.“
‘I don’t think you should have any more of those,’ Joel said, putting the glass back down on the bar.
‘I’m sorry, I didn’t realise I was paying you to do impersonations of my mother,’ Kate snapped.
‘I just think it might be better if you didn’t have too much more, that’s all.’ He took hold of the glass as Kate reached for it.
‘Give me my drink back!’
‘No.’
‘Give it to me!’ She made a lunge for the glass.
Joel dodged out of the way and Kate fell, bashing her elbow hard on the bar.
She hurriedly stood upright, straightening her dress.
Joel spoke. ‘All we have to do is answer a few questions. It’s no big deal. It’ll keep your client sweet and it will backfire on Miranda, who obviously nominated you to make you feel uncomfortable.’
‘She spends her life finding new ways to make me feel uncomfortable,’ Kate mumbled in reply.
‘So show her you don’t mind stepping into the breach and entering the contest. Rise above her.’
‘There are bloody TV cameras out there!’ Kate exclaimed, still looking longingly at the drink Joel was shielding.
‘I don’t see the problem. It’s one little quiz. You must have done quizzes before.’
‘Yes. In pubs. With friends. About music and films not about someone I’ve only just met! We know nothing about each other! How is that going to look?!’ Kate shrieked.
‘You’re overreacting. Come on, we’re going back in.’ Joel took hold of Kate’s arm and led her towards the door of the function room.
‘This is madness! And what sort of escort agency do you work for? You’re bullying me and you’re hurting my arm,’ Kate hissed as he propelled her through the doors and back towards the table.
‘It will be over in an hour or so. We’ll probably only be on stage for ten minutes. Think how many brownie points this will earn you with Frank,’ Joel whispered as Miranda approached.
‘They said the questions were intimate. What side of the bed do you sleep on? What underwear do you prefer?’ Kate asked.
‘Kate, we don’t have to win.’
‘No, but they have to at least believe we’re a couple.’
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