It's evident people rarely, if ever, buy fictional comedy. When was the last time you saw a comedy aisle in a bookstore that wasn't simply full of biographies? And yet comedies are some of the highest grossing movies ever and most watched shows on TV.
For the most part, this is because of trailers. Comedy is subjective. With trailers, you get to try the comedy before you buy or even play the first few scenes on a streaming service. This is all about getting a feel for the style of comedy. If you laugh, you'll keep watching. If you don't, you'll move on. For non-fictional comedy, the trailer is the comedian who wrote it. You already know their style of comedy.
It's not so easy with fictional comedy in books. I know. I've been trying to sell fictional comedy for ten years and can still count the number of reviews listed on my books on the one hand. Selling fictional comedy is a Catch 22. People only read fictional comedy if others have read it first, but no one reads it first to review it so that others will follow.
But - Good Lord, people! - you're missing out on laughter! So, let's dive into the vibrant world of fictional humour and discover the unique ways it can enrich your life.
The Depth of Character Development
One of the greatest advantages of reading fictional comedy is the depth of character development. Authors have the space to create intricate personalities, giving readers a connection that movies and shows often miss due to time constraints. This connection to quirky characters makes you feel invested in their adventures, misadventures and hilarious moments.
Consider Bertie Wooster from P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster series. His bumbling nature and comedic escapades invite readers into a world of privilege and folly. Similarly, in Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur Dent’s bewilderment in the face of absurd cosmic humour allows readers to relate to his frantic attempts to understand a strange universe. With each page, you uncover new layers of their personalities, making them friends you look forward to revisiting.
Consider Beth Mac by yours truly. She's a war veteran back from deployment, studies at university in the US, plays Aussie rules footy, is only the vice-captain, vows to kill off the captain for the sake of her team... and slaughters a lot of people more than she expected. You can't be serious, you'd say. Well, that's what comedies are for. While creating the absurd, Elizabeth Mackenzie can run wild with purpose and deeply love her man, her college and her country. Complex and unpredictable. What more could you want?
Imagination is Your Best Friend
When watching comedy on screen, visuals are presented to you. In contrast, reading fictional comedy allows your imagination to soar. Each word paints a picture, and how you interpret that can transform your experience into something uniquely yours.
Every reader visualises scenes differently, creating a personal connection with the story. This freedom to imagine enhances your involvement as you engage with the humour crafted by the author. In a witty novel like Good Omens, the chaotic interplay between angels and demons comes to life in your mind, allowing you to define the madness in your own way.
Consider Dating Men by yours truly. There is no way there would be a budget for this show if it were on TV. It'd be expensive up the wazoo to light fires, smash a yacht out a window, fly helicopters while stealing Rembrandts from galleries. Every episode is chaos galore! You'll never see it on the big or little screen, but in your imagination, you'll see the whole schemozzle!
Unpredictable Adventures Await
Fictional comedy often leads you through unexpected adventures filled with surprising twists. Being engrossed in a narrative makes each turn feel fresh and exciting. The element of surprise fosters laughter that structured television formats may not achieve.
Books often explore absurd situations and whimsical storytelling. In Bossypants by Tina Fey, unexpected anecdotes about her rise in the comedy world leave readers chuckling and pondering the unpredictable nature of life. Such twists make every page a delightful surprise, showcasing how humour can arise in various absurdities.
In Beth Mac, there is a lot of blood. Kills here, there and everywhere. Sometimes funny, sometimes scary. The unpredictable nature of the horror-comedy genre is that you'll never know if you're about to laugh or scream. The anticipation itself keeps you flicking pages faster and faster.
The Joy of Wordplay and Wit
Written comedy shines with clever language and wit. Reading exposes you to puns, punchlines and linguistic play that can sometimes lose their punch when delivered verbally. Authors like David Sedaris or Terry Pratchett have a remarkable knack for crafting humour that makes you laugh, thanks to their clever use of language.
Engaging with text allows readers to savour the nuances of comedy. The joy of realising a subtle pun or a witty twist encourages you to revisit sentences, enhancing your appreciation for the craft of storytelling. Books like The Discworld Novels showcase how playful language can create layers of humour, enriching your sense of what makes you laugh.
Dating Men often gives you the jokes you didn't expect because I know you can't see anything. It's easy to have you imagining one thing and before I pull the rug out from beneath you to reveal what a character is actually doing, or where they are, or who they're with. Punchlines are frequent!
Discover New Perspectives
Reading fictional comedy also opens fresh perspectives on life, silly situations and social norms. Authors often tackle serious issues through a comedic lens, helping readers see complex topics from a lighter viewpoint.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion follows a genetics professor who approaches dating with scientific rigour, highlighting social awkwardness and the unpredictability of love with humour. This unique approach can illuminate insights you might not otherwise consider, making you contemplate life's quirks while also enjoying a hearty laugh.
Dating Men uses satire to explore the modern world of people trying to be politically correct yet failing. Or people not trying to be politically correct and watching the absurdity unfold.
One of the main characters, Audrey, realises she's failing the Bechdel Test - which requires two women to have a conversation not about men - so she tracks down other women to talk with... but they only want to talk about the tasks given to them by their male boss and not waste work time shooting the breeze.
A Call to Action
While films and television offer their own joy, diving into fictional comedy through books unlocks a world of delightful experiences. With rich character development, imaginative narratives, unpredictable adventures and delightful wordplay, reading gives you deeper laughs that echo long after you've closed the book.
Next time you're in the mood for a good laugh, consider picking up a comedic novel.
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Happy reading!
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