Ashley Wood
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi! Me again! :D So I have a slight issue in various of my books. I try making characters in some that have a "Keefe" personality. I just get so stumped with what to write when the character(s) talk. The saddest part is that I relate to Keefe the most and I can't write that witty personality. What do you usually do to get your inner prankster/joker going?
Shannon Messenger
Honestly, it feels like the less I try to "think" or "plan" Keefe's jokes, the easier they come to me. Humor's not really something you can force. So my guess is, maybe you're trying to get the jokes perfect the very first time you write the dialogue? If so, that might be putting too much pressure on yourself. Just write the story until you get to the end, and then work on sharpening up the character's jokes and dialogue in revision. I'm betting once you've gone on a whole journey with them, and know them way better, you'll find their sense of humor pours out of you much easier.
More Answered Questions
Tuesday Pil
asked
Shannon Messenger:
So, I don't like to read classic books -- I don't even like them, in fact. (gasp, I'm a shame to society! :D ) Anyway, my friend has been telling me that if I don't read those classic books (like The Great Gatsby, The Scarlet Letter, etc . . .) then I'm not a good writer. But do I really HAVE to read classic books to be a good writer?
Evan
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi, me and my friends have recently started to read your Keepers of the Lost Cities books and we love them! I went on your web site and saw that you’re going on a tour for the sires and was really excited. We live in Orlando FL so when we saw you were not coming to Florida we were disappointed. I would like to suggest that you visit Orlando Florida someday?!?!?!
Tuesday Pil
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Don't you ever just doubt yourself or your writing? Aren't you ever afraid that what you write isn't what people like? Because I find myself questioning my skills a lot and I wonder if other authors feel that way sometimes. (Even though there's literally no reason for you to doubt yourself because your skills are AMAAAAZING :D )
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