Brookings Book Signing … or Just Say “Hi!”

Years ago I was on stage as Theseus in a Midsummer Night’s Dream at Prairie Rep, and I’m now headed back to Brookings … to The Nook! If you’re in town this Thursday evening, swing by to say hi . . . and browse this cute bookstore on Main Street for some great books! (It’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas!)

Unfortunately, my talented teen daughter and co-author won’t be able to join me for this one, but I’m looking forward to re-connecting with some South Dakota friends!

About the Nook: For all of us that are trying to do too many things at once, the Nook offers you an opportunity to escape and channel your energy into activities that re-energize the mind and body. We offer a chill environment that makes you feel warm + cozy where you can peruse + relax. Join us on a weekend or a break from work and classes; we promise you will want to come back again and again! Whether you’re a reader, writer, coffee connoisseur, or all of the above – if you like the idea of snuggling in with a good book and a sweet treat while the aroma of coffee wafts through the air – this event is for you! Find us at 314 Main Ave in Brookings, SD. Our talented Nook team is here to help you with gift giving and reading recommendations.

Here’s more info: https://www.thenookonmain.com/

Hope to see you there!

Suddenly Rural Girl is available lots of places, including dannhurlbert.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Christianbook, and it’s an easy add for libraries and bookstores because it’s also available on Ingram and Bookshop! (ISBN 978-1-959681-33-5). And after you read it . . . don’t forget to write a review!

Writing Funny: Startled into laughter.

You’ve probably stood behind a corner, smiling, waiting to jump out and scare the daylights out of your wife, friend, or maybe your dog. That anticipation, the quiet-laugh-while-you-wait for something to happen is one of the “causes of laughter.” It’s because you anticipate the shock they’ll experience (knowing it won’t REALLY hurt them). Shock can come in lots of different forms, but it means the writer often needs to take things a step too far.

Scott Dikkers, author of How to Write Funny, says it this way:

“Sex, swearing, violence, or any overtly gross-out are the go-to tools of shock…anything that would be inappropriate to mention in mixed company. Shock startles people into laughter.”

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers is correct, his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

Writing Funny: Traits of Comedic Characters

Stereotypes are real. We’ve all carry them. If we’re wise or well-disciplined, we don’t take action on them–moving from stereotyping to discriminating. Stereotypes are often ignorant and unfair, but they can be funny. Playing off them–or creating them–effectively can help you get some laughs. You’ve seen it a thousand times: “Dumb Blonde” jokes, “What do you call a Lawyer,” jokes, and for those of us in Minnesota, the “Sven and Ole” jokes. The simple character descriptions make the characters simple-minded, removes their humanity, and makes them easy and funny targets.

Scott Dikkers says your comedic characters should be limited to just a couple traits. Well-developed characters can be funny, too, but it’s easier to get a light-hearted laugh if the audience isn’t also processing the character’s life-long baggage. Heavy stuff isn’t funny–except Chris Farley, James Belushi, and John Candy. They were heavy and HILARIOUS.

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers smartly chose the quote–recognizing that his book isn’t actually funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

Writing Funny: Comfort & Affliction

No one wants to see the innocent child beaten down, but most of us do like too see the tables turned on the bully, so he or finally gets his or her comeuppance. The general population also has some common, shared, arch-enemies: violent criminals, corrupt government officials, the dictator, “boss,” and more; they’ve become too comfortable with their position or privilage. There are also cultural stereotypes that certain demographics may see as overly “comfortable” antagonists: members of the opposing political party, of a certain race, gender, or religion, or of the rival school or sports team or gang.

Your first step is often to establish the two characters. What makes Mr. Green unfairly Comfortable and Ms. Pink unfairly Afflicted. Having taken that important step, you’ve positioned yourself to get some laughs by lifting the Ms. Pink while Mr. Green becomes more afflicted. It’s not the affliction or the reversal that gets the laughs, but by using some of the other causes of laughter effectively with these character, you’re more likely to get those grins and chuckles.

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers is correct that his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

Rosemount, MN: Meet the Authors on Oct. 17!

The Rosemount Area Arts Council hosts a “Meet the Authors” Series, and Kennedy and I thrilled to be the featured authors this month! We’d love to see friends, family, and avid YA readers and writers at the Robert Trail Library on October 17th at 6:30pm.

  • Learn about our father-daughter writing process
  • Listen as we read our favorite passages from Suddenly Rural Girl
  • Dive into your own story with our character and location writing exercise!
  • Ask questions!

For more about the RAAC Meet the Authors Series, visit their website: https://www.rosemountarts.com/meet-the-author

We hope to see you there!

Suddenly Rural Girl is available lots of places, including dannhurlbert.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Christianbook, and it’s an easy add for libraries and bookstores because it’s also available on Ingram and Bookshop! (ISBN 978-1-959681-33-5). And after you read it . . . don’t forget to write a review!

Brookings, SD Book Signing!

The Nook is a cute bookstore on Main Street in Brookings, SD, and they’ve invited Kennedy and me in for a book signing event on October 24, from 5:30-7pm! (Kennedy is a busy teen and won’t make the trip, but I’d still love to have you swing by to say hi, and to check out this cozy indie bookstore!)

About the Nook: For all of us that are trying to do too many things at once, the Nook offers you an opportunity to escape and channel your energy into activities that re-energize the mind and body. We offer a chill environment that makes you feel warm + cozy where you can peruse + relax. Join us on a weekend or a break from work and classes; we promise you will want to come back again and again!

Whether you’re a reader, writer, coffee connoisseur, or all of the above – if you like the idea of snuggling in with a good book and a sweet treat while the aroma of coffee wafts through the air – this event is for you! Find us at 314 Main Ave in Brookings, SD. Our talented Nook team is here to help you with gift giving and reading recommendations.

Here’s more info: https://www.thenookonmain.com/

Hope to see you there!

Suddenly Rural Girl is available lots of places, including dannhurlbert.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Christianbook, and it’s an easy add for libraries and bookstores because it’s also available on Ingram and Bookshop! (ISBN 978-1-959681-33-5). And after you read it . . . don’t forget to write a review!

Writing Funny: Surprise People

Twists and Reversals are great ways to get laughs–and to scare the daylights out of folks. For the grin, let the underdog overcome the Goliath or make the cute and cuddly pull off the caper. Even a sudden scare can often lead to a laugh, especially if the audience knows it hasn’t truly harmed their favorite character. It includes things like a goofy side-kick jumping out of a closet or a confetti cannon birthday surprise.

Surprise is a great tool in your “How to Write Funny” toolbox. Just remember that if like the likable character is hurt, the humor is often lost.

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers used a smart quote: his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

Writing Funny: Humor in Any Situation

Years ago, I taught an acting and film unit called “The Seven Causes of Laughter” and it covered things like Exaggeration, Incongruity, Protection Factor, Relief of Pressure, and more. Relief of Pressure is an important concept when trying to find humor in difficult situations. When tension builds or emotions are already high, a well-timed quip can create a burst of laughter like a pressure valve letting off steam. Those who understand it, who can find humor in even the toughest situation, can get a lighten the mood and deescalate tensions . . . because they can get a laugh. And people like to laugh.

Scott Dikkers reminds us of that in his book, How to Write Funny. What I would add is that this kind of humor must be even more sensitive with the audience–or those within ear shot. For example, a paramedic’s lighthearted quip in close-proximity of a victim’s family can be seen as insensitive and professionally problematic. (On the bright side, it may be an excellent way to initiate a career change.)

Keep looking for humor…in any situation. Then, use some of the other tips in Dikkers’ book to learn how it can be written…funny.

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers chose a smart quote; his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

Writing Funny: It’s all about the…

… timing. Truly, I think this this is what makes writing funny more difficult than performing funny. In a performance, you can hold for a split-second to be sure the audience is following before hitting them with the punchline. Then, you can stop, start, speed up, slow-down, repeat, change your inflection, or pull the escape hatch with your joke based on the immediate feedback you’re audience gives you. With prose in print, you’ve given up that control–leaving you only two weapons: word choice and punctuation . . . and you have almost no control over when or how it will hit your reader.

Scott Dikkers acknowledges that in How to Write Funny, and offered a few tips. Don’t be afraid to PUSH or stress for emphasis. It’s OK to break. things. up. with punctuation. Offer

  • Bullet Points
  • for
  • Clarity
  • or Emphasis.

Because timing . . . is everything. And you’ve got a limited weapons cache with prose.

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, and it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” It was a good choice: his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

Deep Valley Book Festival in Mankato!

If you’re in the Mankato Area on October 5, swing by the Deep Valley Book Festival and say hi! I’ll be manning a table from 10am to 3pm!

The DVBF provides readers the chance to interact with their favorite authors and meet new ones. This FREE family event features authors, illustrators, publishers, book sales and signings, a full day of programs, panel discussions, and drawings for books! 

Here’s more information: https://www.deepvalleybookfestival.com

Hope to see you there!

Suddenly Rural Girl is available lots of places, including dannhurlbert.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Christianbook, and it’s an easy add for libraries and bookstores because it’s also available on Ingram and Bookshop! (ISBN 978-1-959681-33-5). And after you read it . . . don’t forget to write a review!

Writing Funny: Rewrite your Joke

Your clever line may be hilarious–but if you or tweak it (or twerk it, depending on your audience), it could be funnier.

First, and always, consider your audience. Catholics tend to think Olympic Ceremonies co-mingling drag queens and the Last Supper is unfunny. Liberals rarely appreciate jokes referencing Global Cooling, Global Warming, or Climate Change . . . or whatever the trillion-dollar-grift is called now. Teen boys think “your mom” jokes are hilarious; your mom doesn’t.

Next, play with your word choice and sentence structure. Barf is a funnier dog name than Spot. Noob is funnier sounding than inexperienced. And if your rambling complaint can be summed up with eat my shorts you’re on the right track–even Bart Simpson knows that.

In his book, How to Write Funny, Scott Dikkers suggests practicing your verbal pratfalls. A comma here or a word swap there–especially with your audience in mind–can be the difference between a knee-slapper and a sigh. And, as you write, worry less. Just write and rewrite. Your audience–maybe your mom–will let you know.

I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers is correct, his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!

To keep up on more of what I’m reading and writing, subscribe below!

SRG is now available at a cute little store in cute little Marion, Iowa!

A HUGE thank you to Swamp Fox Bookstore in Marion, Iowa for adding Suddenly Rural Girl to their collection! (Just outside Cedar Rapids.) If you live in the area or know folks who do, please stop by this great little Indie Bookstore! (We gotta support all local businesses–including those cute little Indie Bookstores!)

For more information on Swamp Fox, you can visit their site: https://swampfoxbookstore.com/

Suddenly Rural Girl is available lots of places, including dannhurlbert.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Christianbook, and it’s an easy add for libraries and bookstores because it’s also available on Ingram and Bookshop! (ISBN 978-1-959681-33-5). And after you read it . . . don’t forget to write a review!