Wednesday, May 1, 2019
WRITER 2 WRITER: 3 TIPS FOR WRITING FUNNY
Funny books. Kids love ’em. My kids have been avid fans of Captain Underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid for years, and they’re not alone. Dav Pilkey’s hit sensation has sold more than 70 million copies, and the latest addition to the series has been on the New York Times Best-seller List for 86 weeks. Even more astonishing is Jeff Kinney’s series, which has sold over 150 million copies! Hard Luck has been on the list for 446 weeks, while the author’s newest title, Dog Man, currently dominates the list’s top spot. So, there’s no doubt writing funny is worthwhile.
When I first started writing, I wanted to make kids laugh. Not all the time (I’d leave the gut-busting chortles to Pilkey), but an occasional chuckle was fine by me. Unfortunately, writing funny requires a certain flare that doesn’t come naturally to me. So, to infuse humor into my books, I turn to the masters for advice.
Remember Fonzi from the hit 70’s sitcom, Happy Days? He’s a best-selling author now and as funny as ever. He and Lin Oliver, founder and President of The Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators co-write the hilarious Ghost Buddy and Hank Zipzer series.
One thing about Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver is that being funny comes second nature to them. Everything that comes out of their mouths is funny, so of course their writing is funny too. But comedians, actors, and best-selling authors do not have the corner market on humor. Here are some ideas from Henry and Lin that any author can use.
1. EXAGGERATE
When writing dialog, write over the top. Instead of saying, “That candy bar cost me two whole dollars!” say “That freakin’ candy bar cost as much as Fort Knox!” Or instead of writing, “Johnny, I called you three times! Didn’t you hear me?” try “I called your name a gazillion times! Are there marbles in your ears?”
Characterizations and descriptions can be over the top too, like a bald super hero who wears whitey tidies and window curtains for a cape.
2. ADD THE STRAIGHT MAN
Abbot and Costello, Lucy and Ricky, Pinky and the Brain! Every great comedy duo has the funny man and the straight man. Jokes are funnier when played off the serious guy who either doesn’t find it comical or just doesn’t get it. Winkler and Oliver’s characters Billy Broccoli and The Hoove from their Ghost Buddy series are great examples of this. The Hoove’s hilarious jokes are often lost on Billy, but readers laugh every time.
3. ACT IT OUT
Once you write a scene that needs to be funny, try acting it out with a partner. Humor comes more naturally during conversation. So, read the scene aloud, encourage improvisation, and see where it leads. Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver do this while writing their books, and the results are uproarious!
Still lacking confidence to craft a laugh-out-loud scene in your book? Check out Writers Digest’s How to Write Funny for more great tips!
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
$100 GIVEAWAY - THE FRIGHTS OF FIJI by Sunayna Prasad
The
Frights of Fiji
Alyssa
McCarthy's Magical Missions: Book 1
by
Sunayna Prasad
Genre:
Middle Grade Fantasy
A
world of magic and adventure awaits…
Sent
to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents
are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy
longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love.
Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the
window that will change everything.
"Your
life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."
Before
long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a
mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by
weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with
fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest
imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get
home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using
Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.
Originally
titled "From Frights to Flaws", this story is the exciting
and enchanting first book in the "Magical Missions" series.
**Only
99 cents**
The
Uncontrollable Curse
Alyssa
McCarthy's Magical Missions: Book 2
History,
like magic, has a habit of repeating itself
It’s
been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic
behind for good. Or so she thought…
Then
the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton
named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her
in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous
effects, and if Alyssa can’t learn to control the magic, she will
lose everything she holds dear.
In
order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost
her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But
every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to
getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to
achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s
happiness.
Originally
published in 2016 as "Wizardry Gone Wild", "The
Uncontrollable Curse" is book two in the exciting and
suspenseful paranormal Magical Missions series.
Sunayna
Prasad has been writing stories for over several years, starting at
the age of six. Now twenty-four, she is done with college and will
pursue a career in art and design as well as continue to write for
children. Aside from that, Sunayna also likes to cook, watch movies,
and draw. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her family.
Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
Monday, April 29, 2019
$50 GIVEAWAY - THE GREAT DEVIL WAR by Kenneth B. Andersen
The
Devil's Apprentice
The
Great Devil War I
by
Kenneth B. Andersen
Genre:
YA Dark Fantasy
Multi-award
winning series, published in more than 10 countries, movie rights
optioned!
Welcome
to a world like no other!
Philip
is a good boy, a really good boy, who accidentally gets sent to Hell
to become the Devil’s heir. The Devil, Lucifer, is dying and
desperately in need of a successor, but there’s been a mistake and
Philip is the wrong boy.
Lucifer
has no other choice than to begin the difficult task of training
Philip in the ways of evil. Philip is terrible at being bad, but when
he falls in love with the she-devil Satina and experiences the
powerful forces of love and jealousy, the task becomes much
easier.
Philip
finds both friends and enemies in this odd, gloomy underworld—but
who can he trust, when he discovers an evil-minded plot against the
dark throne?
The
Great Devil War is a gripping and humorous tale about good and evil
seen from a different perspective, making the reader laugh and think.
It’s filled with biblical and historical characters and set in a
world beyond your wildest dreams. Or nightmares
…
__________________________________
”Reminded
me of the Harry Potter series, as the plot is complex enough to
satisfy teenagers and adults (of all ages) … I found it highly
compelling and raced through it.” - LoveReading
”A
great adventure … The book is a page-turner.” ***** Rosie’s
Book Review
”Like
no other Young Adult book I’ve read … It’s going to attract a
huge following.” – Mike Finn’s Fiction
Over
2000 worldwide 5 star reviews of the series!
If
you’re a Harry Potter or Percy Jackson fan, you don’t want to
miss the ride!
**FREE
April 14th- 18th!!**
The
Die of Death
The
Great Devil War II
Multi-award
winning series, published in 10 countries, movie rights
optioned!
Continuing
the dark and humorous adventure that begins with The
Devil's Apprentice
Philip's
adventures as the Devil's apprentice have changed him—in a good
way. Although he misses his friends in Hell, he has made new friends
in life.
But
when the future of the underworld is threatened once again, Philip’s
help is needed. Death's Die has been stolen and immortality is
spreading across the globe.
Philip
throws himself into the search—and discovers a horrible truth about
his own life along the way.
Buy
now and enter a world like no other!
The
Great Devil War is a gripping and humorous tale about good and evil
seen from a different perspective, making the reader laugh and think.
It’s filled with biblical and historical characters and set in a
world beyond your wildest dreams. Or nightmares
…
__________________________
Readers
on The Die of Death:
"Even
darker, scarier, and more amusing adventure for all ages … A wild
ride.” *****
“Just
as good as the first book!” *****
“EVEN
MORE MINDBLOWING!” *****
Over
2000 worldwide 5 star reviews of the series!
If
you’re a Harry Potter or Percy Jackson fan, you don’t want to
miss the ride!
The
Wrongful Death
The
Great Devil War III
Multi-award
winning series, published in 10 countries, movie rights
optioned!
Continuing
the dark adventure that begins with The
Devil's Apprentice and The
Die of Death.
An
unfortunate chain of events makes Philip responsible for the untimely
death of the school bully Sam—the Devil’s original choice for an
heir.
Philip
must return to Hell to find Sam and bring him back to life, so that
fate can be restored. But trouble is stirring in Lucifer’s kingdom
and not even Philip can imagine the strange and dark journey that
awaits him.
A
journey that will take him through ancient underworlds and all the
way to Paradise.
Buy
now and enter a world like no other!
The
Great Devil War is a gripping and humorous tale about good and evil
seen from a different perspective, making the reader laugh and think.
It’s filled with biblical and historical characters and set in a
world beyond your wildest dreams. Or nightmares
…
______________________
Readers
on The
Wrongful Death:
“One
of the things I really like about these books is that you never
really know where Kenneth will go with the story … Humorous and
clever at the same time.” *****
“I
like how the world in the story keeps expanding. *****
“I
love that this book has a trip to other underworlds. Very much worth
the read.” *****
Over
2000 worldwide 5 star reviews of the series!
If
you’re a Harry Potter or Percy Jackson fan, you don’t want to
miss the ride!
**Only
.99 cents April 12th-18th!!**
I
was born in Denmark on a dark and stormy night in November 1976. I
began writing when I was a teenager. My first book was a really awful
horror novel titled Nidhug's Slaves. It didn't get published.
Luckily.
During
the next 7 years, I wrote nearly 20 novels--all of which were
rejected--while working as a school teacher. The rest of the time I
spent writing.
In
2000 I published my debut fantasy book, The Battle of Caïssa, and
that's when things really took off. Since then I've published more
than thirty-five books for children and young adults in genres
ranging from fantasy to horror and science fiction.
My
books have been translated into more than 15 languages and my series
about the superhero Antboy has been adapted for film, which is
available on Netflix. An animated tv series is currently in
development.
A
musical of The Devil's Apprentice opened in the fall 2018 and the
movie rights for the series have also been optioned.
I
live in Copenhagen with my wife, two boys, a dog named Milo and
spiders in the basement.
Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
Saturday, April 27, 2019
$25 GIVEAWAY - DYING ON EDISTO by C. Hope Clark
I have to say that Clarks Edisto Myseries series is currently my favorite book series!!! I've published several raving reviews about the other titles. -- Laurisa
Dying
on Edisto
The
Edisto Island Mysteries Book 5
by
C. Hope Clark
Genre:
Cozy Mystery
One
death. Two detectives. And unexpected backup.
A
Callie Morgan and Carolina Slade crossover! (A standalone mystery)
When a renowned—and
now dead—travel blogger washes ashore on the banks of Indigo
Plantation, Police Chief Callie Morgan of Edisto Beach agrees to head
the investigation as a favor to the county sheriff, whose reasons are
as questionable as the death itself.
When death turns to
murder and a watchdog from the county makes her investigation
difficult, Callie reluctantly turns to Carolina Slade and Wayne
Largo, vacationing agents with the Department of Agriculture. Because
poison is growing on this plantation, and someone knows how to use it
well.
"Page-turning...[and]
edge-of-your-seat action...crisp writing and compelling storytelling.
This is one you don't want to miss!" —Carolyn Haines, USA
Today bestselling author
"Her beloved
protagonist, Callie, continues to delight readers as a strong, savvy,
and a wee-bit-snarky police chief.”—Julie Cantrell, NY
Times and USA Today bestselling author
C.
HOPE CLARK has a fascination with the mystery genre and is author of
the Carolina Slade Mystery Series as well as the Edisto Island
Mysteries, both set in her home state of South Carolina. In her
previous federal life, she performed administrative investigations
and married the agent she met on a bribery investigation. She enjoys
nothing more than editing her books on the back porch with him,
overlooking the lake, with bourbons in hand. She can be found either
on the banks of Lake Murray or Edisto Beach with one or two
dachshunds in her lap. Hope is also editor of the award-winning
FundsforWriters.com.
Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Friday, April 26, 2019
$10 GIVEAWAY - DARKNESS FALLS by A.E. Faulkner
Darkness
Falls
Nature's
Fury #1
by
AE Faulkner
Genre:
YA Dystopian
As
nature tires of human destruction, two sisters must face a changing
environment that stands between them and survival.
When
Quinn and Riley set out on a family vacation with their parents, the
trip ends before it begins. Mother Nature interferes with their
plans, setting off a sequence of events that thrusts the teens into a
hostile landscape.
Stranded,
with limited supplies, struggling to figure out who they can trust
along the way, they must determine how to survive nature's evolving
fury.
AE
Faulkner is a young adult dystopian author. Her debut novel, Darkness
Falls, is the first book in the Nature's Fury series, which explores
the Earth’s response to humans poisoning her streams, abusing her
animals and destroying her beauty.
She
has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Millersville University
and a master’s degree in advertising, public relations &
journalism from Temple University.
Although
she escaped in books as a child, college textbooks sucked the fun out
of reading. Years later, The Hunger Games trilogy became the spark
that rekindled her love of books. After devouring that series, she
quickly became captivated by dystopian novels.
After
several years of reading them, she decided to take a stab at writing
one that combined her love for nature with her fear of human
destruction
Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
Mini Quinn Backpack!
Mini Riley Backpack!
Thursday, April 25, 2019
$20 GIVEAWAY - THE DRAGON SEA CHRONICLES by Brian Ference & Chris Turner
The
Dragon Sea Chronicles Box Set
by
Brian Ference & Chris Turner
Genre:
Epic Fantasy
Wizards.
Sea Serpents. Pirates. Dragons.
Follow
Darek of the Red Claw Clan through this three book box set, a young
sailor crossing blades with ruthless pirates and warring clans. As
his hidden powers grow, first in his natural ability to commune with
sea dragons, so too does his uncanny dragon-riding skill and sudden
bursts of psi power.
Yet
a foul wind blows across the serpent deeps, bringing with it a former
apprentice, Cyrus, a forsaken sorcerer who wields terror and death.
The Dragonclaw Islands are thrust into the brink of war as Darek
struggles to find his path, unlock his skills, though alienated from
his sister and parents. Is he destined to become the Mage Reborn?
Ever more does he realize he must stop the tides of war, bring order
to clan and family while the rising menace of Cyrus lurks
unseen.
Taken
under the wing of the ailing Dragon Mage Agrippa, Darek uses his
powers to unite the Dragon Riders against the growing swarm of sea
serpents controlled by Cyrus’s forbidden magic. The fires of
rebellion, stoked by a Pirate Queen, plunge the Islanders into an
all-out war among dragons, sea serpents, and monsters of the deep.
But are Darek’s powers enough to combat these foes, especially when
he is linked to the pirates by blood bond and their beautiful
queen?
Dive
into this world of adventure, imagination, and danger that fans of
Dragonriders of Pern, Eragon, Dragonlance, Dragon Blood, Dragonvein,
Temeraire, and Dragon School will love.
Scroll
up and one-click to buy this box set today while the introductory
price lasts!
**only
99 cents**
“In
order to be happy you must create something meaningful in this world
and not just be a consumer of life. It is also important to share
your love freely with friends and family. I believe in confronting
your fears and experiencing new things, places, and people. Lastly,
everyone needs something to believe in whether it be religion, a
cause, or even themselves.” –
Brian
S. Ference
Brian
S. Ference lives
in Cave Creek, Arizona with his wife Rachel and three children
Nathan, Lena, and Victoria. He has always had a passion for reading
and writing from a young age. Brian loves new experiences,
which has included operating his own company, traveling the world,
working as a project manager, diving with sharks, and anything
creative or fun. He is always up for a new adventure such as
writing or other artistic pursuits.
Chris
Turner is
a prolific author of fantasy, adventure and science fiction. His
books include: The Dragon Sea Chronicles, Starhustler, Icarus, The
Timelost, The Dim Zone, Avenger : a swords and skulls fantasy, Dragon
Lords, The Relic Hunter series, Beastslayer : Rise of the Rgnadon,
the Rogues of Bindar series, Future Destinies, Fantastic Realms and
Denibus Ar.
Chris
is also a prolific painter, with nearly a thousand oil art works to
his name. He has also been involved in extensive studio recording.
After graduating from University of Waterloo in Honours Mathematics
and Computer Science in the ‘90s he backpacked and biked throughout
Europe and Asia before teaching computer programming courses in
Ottawa, Canada.
Chris’s
other interests are guitar, cycling, meditation, canoeing and tennis.
Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
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