by Alison Marcotte
I’ve always been a quiet comedy fan. I wasn’t in school plays and wasn’t a known jokester, but I loved reading “Zits” in the Comics section of the Sunday newspaper. In college, I continued to admire comedy writing from afar. For our student newspaper The Daily Illini, I got the chance to interview Seth Meyers on the phone (ahh! Still fangirling over that).
My Journey Toward Trying to Write Funny
In 2015, I finally put something out in the universe showing my sense of humor. I created a webcomic on Tumblr called “The Adventures of Andie Mae.”
After some positive feedback, I mustered the courage to take Second City’s course “Writing with The Onion” in Chicago after graduating college. That led to an opportunity to submit a packet to become a contributor to The Onion’s now-defunct celebrity parody site StarWipe, which I wrote for in 2016.
After this experience, I felt confident enough to keep chugging along with writing things that tried to make other people laugh. In 2016, I joined SCBWI, and in 2017, I joined my first SCBWI Illinois critique group, which I’m still part of today.
Tips on Generating Funny Picture Book Ideas
1. Mine Ideas From Your Childhood and Daily Life
I try to think back on funny things that happened during my childhood and how that could become a picture book. One idea I wrote during Storystorm 2019 was “worst birthday.”
This story idea was based on how my brother, then 7 years old, ruined my 5th carnival-themed birthday party. He kept winning all the games and revealing all the tricks, and I was not having it.
In this Brightly article by Tom Burns, Tom writes about the insane energy and chaos of a child’s birthday party and how there’s a thin line between birthday triumph and tragedy: “Everything is heightened—the parties, the presents, the expectations.” I agree! Birthday parties are full of funny story possibilities.
Think of a memorable birthday party you hosted or went to as a kid, and how that could be turned into a funny story.
Another idea I wrote during Storystorm 2019 was “Ichiro’s dinosaur egg from Christmas.” My 5-year-old cousin Ichiro had told my mom and I that he got a dinosaur egg for Christmas and it was sitting in a cup of water, getting ready to hatch. My mom and I said, “How exciting! ”and he said, “I’m scared.” I thought that was such a funny and honest reaction. He was afraid that a dinosaur would pop out of that egg and gobble up his family, destroy the house, etc. I haven’t written a story about this yet, but I feel like there’s some potential there!
What’s a funny conversation you had this week? Or, what’s something funny you overheard this week? Write it down and see how you can turn that into a story idea.
2. Read Widely and Take Notes About What Makes You Laugh
Check out a variety of picture books from your local library (I usually look at Chicago Public Library’s staff recommendation list). After reading them, mull over why specific books made you laugh. Here are some questions to consider:
- Why does this book resonate with me?
- Why do I find it funny?
- Why does it stick with me long after reading it?
- How can I apply this to my own writing?
One funny picture book I enjoyed in 2021 was TOASTY by Sarah Hwang.
TOASTY is about a piece of bread, named Toasty, who wants to be a dog. The absurd premise immediately makes me laugh. Publishers Weekly writes, “Newcomer Hwang’s quirky plot has the meandering joy of a small child’s storytelling logic.” From reading TOASTY, I realized that I want to incorporate more absurd humor in my writing.
Toasty loves dogs-–so much so that he’d like to be one. He knows there are some differences-–most dogs have four legs, but Toasty has two arms and two legs. Some dogs sleep in dog houses, but Toasty sleeps in a toaster. All dogs have hair and fur, but Toasty has neither because he’s made of bread. In spite of these differences, he decides to go to the park to play with the dogs but runs into trouble when they want to eat him. Lucky for Toasty, he is rescued by a little girl who has always wanted a dog but can’t have one because she is allergic. Toasty is the perfect dog for her.
Sarah Hwang’s inspiration for Toasty came from her childhood experience as an immigrant and her discovery that you find your best friends when you’re willing to just be yourself. Her playful art for Toasty came to mind when she saw a piece of toast that reminded her of the way she used to draw dogs as a child.
3. Write Down Your Ideas and Don’t Edit Yourself
I use the free notetaking app Evernote to write down ideas that pop into mind throughout the day. The app syncs with my computer, so I can just open my laptop later to see all my notes. When writing down funny story ideas, trust your gut and believe in yourself! You have a point of view, taste, and a comedic voice waiting to be heard.
4. Share Your Story Ideas with Trusted Family/Friends and Critique Members
When I’m still working on a story idea, I usually informally talk about it with my older sister or friends to see if they think there’s potential in the idea. When I have a full draft ready, I share it with my critique group.
One Last Quote to Leave You With
One of my critique members, Rebecca Kraft Rector (author of SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED), recently shared this quote with our group that really resonated with her (and with me!). It’s from editorial director Meredith Mundy in her interview with funny kidlit author Tammi Sauer.
“My reason for saying yes to all of the titles above is pretty simple: each one of them came to me with a real emotional center. Yes, these books also have big doses of humor and silliness, but at their hearts is a child-centered concern that gets resolved in the art and the storytelling.” ~ Meredith Mundy
As much as I try to add humor and hijinks into my stories, I make sure that it has a child-centered concern at the heart of it.
Thanks for reading! And thank you, Tara, for letting me write a Storystorm blog post alongside kidlit extraordinaires.
Happy Storystorming, everyone!
Alison Marcotte is a Chicago-based picture book writer. She’s passionate about writing stories that are authentic, funny, hopeful, and filled with heart. She’s a member of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, SCBWI, Chicago Writers Association, and Off Campus Writers’ Workshop, and a freelance writer for American Library Association’s American Libraries magazine.
Her debut picture book, SEEKING BEST FRIEND, illustrated by Diane Ewen, published by Beaming Books, comes out today! Visit her online at alisonmarcotte.com, on Twitter @akmarcotte, and Instagram @alisonmarcottewrites.
Alison is giving away a copy of SEEKING BEST FRIEND.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
599 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 25, 2022 at 8:08 am
Rebecca Ralfe
Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 8:12 am
thecrowsmap
Alison, congratulations on your book. I’m using your post as a blueprint—I love funny picture books:)
Gail Hartman
January 25, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Beth Holladay
Thanks for your inspiring post, Alison! I am soaking it all in and embracing my inner comedian today as I story storm:) The parts where you mention embracing the absurd and trusting yourself really resonated with me. Congrats on your book!
January 25, 2022 at 8:13 am
kiwijenny
I love this toast post. Thanks especially about the heart…
January 25, 2022 at 8:13 am
michelemeleen
Thanks for the great nuggets of wisdom!
January 25, 2022 at 8:14 am
Kathy Kelly
I love funny picture books, but so far I have not had any success in writing them. Lyrical? Yes. Heartwarming? Yes. Funny? Not even close. But, I will give your ideas a try.
January 25, 2022 at 8:17 am
Mary Zychowicz
I enjoyed your comics. Thank you for sharing that, your process and insights and the helpful links! I love heart and humor paired. TOASTY is such a cute story. I look forward to reading SEEKING BEST FRIEND. Thanks again.
January 25, 2022 at 8:17 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Congratulations on your book–it looks adorable! I love Meredith Munday’s quote, will be putting it on my desk. Thanks for sharing it and your ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 8:17 am
annier1996
Thanks for the tips, Alison. And happy debut book birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 8:18 am
rebeccacolby
Great tips and thank you for the mention of Evernote. I’ve never used it before but am going to investigate. It might just be where I write down today’s idea… Cheers!
January 25, 2022 at 8:20 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you for sharing your story and these suggestions! Looking forward to reading SEEKING BEST FRIEND.
January 25, 2022 at 8:20 am
Andrea Mack
Great strategies for finding the funny!
January 25, 2022 at 8:20 am
stiefelchana
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! Fantastic post! Love your cartoons & your humor strategies.
January 25, 2022 at 8:25 am
Alice Fulgione
I love humorous books & I agree that the best ones have a child centered concern that gets resolved. Thanks for all of your helpful hints! One of my goals is to write a humorous book that kids can relate to.
January 25, 2022 at 8:25 am
Catherine
Congratulations Alison, on your book coming out today! Thank you for the advice on brainstorming ideas for humor.
January 25, 2022 at 8:26 am
romontanaro
So good! We need more funny! Thank you Tara and Alison. Thank you for sharing, Alison and congratulations on your success. I’m commenting only – I’m Canadian. Thank you so much! Rosanna Montanaro
January 25, 2022 at 8:27 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Alison, I love your ambition and your sense of humor. And I hope Ichiro gets to tell his story. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 8:28 am
Evelyn Dietz
Thanks for sharing your observations and humor. Sharing a smile and laugh while reading with your kids is priceless.
January 25, 2022 at 8:35 am
reluctantspy
Best wishes for your dinosaur story.
January 25, 2022 at 8:35 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
Thank you for sharing some of your inspiration! I think funny is all around us if we’re paying attention.
January 25, 2022 at 8:36 am
Brandy Dixon
All great ideas! Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 8:44 am
melissamiles1
Congrats on the book! I love silliness in picture books and a dose or two every day in life as well! 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 8:48 am
Lynne Marie
Love this! Thanks for the inspiration. I am mining away! Best of luck to you on your book! LM
January 25, 2022 at 8:51 am
kimpfenn
Love all the inspiration in today’s post and the back story of humor! And I’ll definitely be putting the quote by Meredith Mundy on my desk!
January 25, 2022 at 8:52 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Congratulations on your new book! Thanks for the laugh this morning–and I saved that very same quote from Meredith Mundy when I read that interview, too. :>D
January 25, 2022 at 8:53 am
Laura Rackham
Never tire of looking for the humor!
January 25, 2022 at 8:54 am
mdk45
Your tips are fabulous. Practical. Absolutely doable. Thanks so much. The point about heart is well taken, Alison.
January 25, 2022 at 8:56 am
Writer on the run
Thank you Alison! Your post has me thinking about funny ideas, but also showing the heart of the story.
January 25, 2022 at 9:02 am
Jennifer Phillips
What a great account of your journey to today and how you mine those funny childhood moments. Congratulations on your new book!
January 25, 2022 at 9:03 am
Linda Kay Chavez
I can sooo relate! In fact while reading this I came up with 2 new story ideas. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 9:11 am
kurtzmom548513
I had already planned to read Alison’s book seeking Best Friend as I have been working on a manuscript based on a similar idea. After reading this post, I can’t wait! Her ideas for coming up with funny picture book material are great! Thanks so much!
January 25, 2022 at 9:08 am
Angela De Groot
Thanks for the finding funny ideas tips and for also sharing the interview with Tammi Sauer and Meredith Mundy. Congrats on your debut – Seeking
Best Friend, can’t wait to read it.
January 25, 2022 at 9:09 am
heidikyates
Thank you for sharing, Alison. I love funny books too. Congratulations on your debut, SEEKING BEST FRIEND!
January 25, 2022 at 9:10 am
Janice Woods
Great post! Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 9:11 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Alison for inspiring me to take notes when I laugh!!!
January 25, 2022 at 9:12 am
Annie Guerra
So much good advice in this 1 post. I like how she still reminds us at the end the importance of the emotional center of a child’s story. Annie Guerra
January 25, 2022 at 9:12 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thank you for the laughs and ideas, Alison! I’m excited to check out SEEKING BEST FRIEND.
January 25, 2022 at 9:14 am
Janie Reinart
Alison,
Toasty is one of my favorites. Thank for the tip about an emotional center in your humorous story.
January 25, 2022 at 9:15 am
Midge Smith
I write funny picture books and this resonated with me. Thanks for sharing your process, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 9:17 am
Heidi Chupp
I love the idea of embracing the absurd ideas that come my way. Thank you! And congratulations on your debut picture book!
January 25, 2022 at 9:20 am
kathalsey
Writing funny is harder than it looks. Thanks for these great tips and congrats on your debut, Alison.
January 25, 2022 at 9:20 am
Sara Ackerman
I love a post highlighting humor! Congratulations on your debut!
January 25, 2022 at 9:22 am
anchance
Congratulations on your book release today! Great idea. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 9:23 am
Brian Burak
Humorous books are basically all I try to write so this was awesome. Thank you, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 9:23 am
hansenjc13
I love the story about Ichiro! Great advice about having humor and silliness but keeping it child centered with emotion.
January 25, 2022 at 9:26 am
rnewman504
Great post!
January 25, 2022 at 9:30 am
greengirlblueplanet
Love the story ideas and I am going to try to keep better daily notes of funny things
January 25, 2022 at 9:34 am
Jessica Coupé
Great tips, thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 9:35 am
leslieevatayloe
Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 9:35 am
jbbower
Making people laugh and being silly is such a great thing to do! Thanks for your inspiring post!
January 25, 2022 at 9:36 am
andreesantini
Thanks for your post chock full of ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 9:37 am
Steena Hernandez
Alison! Congratulations on your book! How exciting that it’s out today! Thank you for sharing your *funny* experiences. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 9:38 am
Jennifer Weisse
Thank you for sharing these great tips. I really enjoyed your comic strips…they made laugh! Congratulations on your book coming out today…so exciting! I will be looking for it.
January 25, 2022 at 9:40 am
Cathy Lentes
Child-centered is the key. And your post reminds me that what adults find funny, may not be funny to a child, and vice versa.
January 25, 2022 at 9:41 am
nrompella
Hi Alison! Congrats on your new book. You have to write the dinosaur book. I absolutely love that!
January 25, 2022 at 9:41 am
pathaap
Fantastic blog, Alison. I love humorous stories. Yours sound wonderful!
January 25, 2022 at 9:46 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Love what Meredith says about finding the emotional center of your story. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 9:47 am
Joan Swanson
Toasty looks a lot like the way I drew a dog too! Thank you also for reminding us that each story comes from a child-centered concern.
January 25, 2022 at 9:47 am
beckylevine
I love this post. Wonderful examples of how think about funny.
January 25, 2022 at 9:50 am
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for your tips, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 9:50 am
Laura Bower
Thank you Alison! I am a big comedy fan myself (very cool that you got to interview Seth Meyers!). I am looking forward to getting back to seeing comedy shows live this year. I love the idea of not editing yourself/finding the absurd! Congratulations on Seeking Best Friend! Can’t wait to check it out!
January 25, 2022 at 9:51 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great post Alison! I love getting story ideas from conversations and listening to people say things mixed up sometimes (that’s the best!). I do want to read up on my picture books even more but I’m not sure how people do it when I can’t afford to buy every book that comes out! Lol
January 25, 2022 at 9:55 am
Charlotte Offsay
Great post and love the sound of your hilarious book!
January 25, 2022 at 9:55 am
savoringeverymoment
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing your inspiration.
January 25, 2022 at 9:55 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love these ideas. Thanks for challenging me to try funny! Congrats on your success.
January 25, 2022 at 9:56 am
Kevin Treaccar
Thank you. Nice comic.
January 25, 2022 at 9:57 am
Debbie Austin
Happy Book Birthday! Thank you for sharing ways to find funny ideas. Great post!
January 25, 2022 at 9:58 am
Ann Harrell
Oh my gosh, I needed this today! Lately, it seems my picture book drafts have taken a more serious turn (maybe it’s the pandemic). I love the suggestion to mine childhood events like birthday parties for ideas. I already have a couple story sparks! Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 9:59 am
conlombardo
Alison, this post is so perfect for me, thank you!! I’m all about humor (my PB is Everybody Says Meow.) And I’m always looking for funny ideas. Thanks for these great tips!!
January 25, 2022 at 10:01 am
Catherine Friess
Congratulations on your debut Alison :o)
Remembering the things that make me laugh has inspired two ideas already – thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 10:01 am
Megan Whitaker
Congrats on your book release TODAY! So exciting!
January 25, 2022 at 10:05 am
maureenegan
Thanks for the Toasty tip!
January 25, 2022 at 10:06 am
Joyce Uglow
Congratulations on this and future book birthdays! look forward to reading Seeking Best Friend.
January 25, 2022 at 10:07 am
Emily Bertholf
I am humorously challenged, so I admire the courage and ingenuity in this post. I love funny books though and always wish I could write them. This gives me hope. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 10:08 am
Rachelle Burk
Excellent post! We need more funny books.
January 25, 2022 at 10:08 am
kskeesling
Congratulations on SEEKING BEST FRIEND. I love the idea of the worst birthday ever. Thanks for the tips.
January 25, 2022 at 10:10 am
writeremmcbride
Alison, such good ideas! Thank you so much! And Congratulations on your book! As a former “Room Mom” in my childrens’ classrooms, there should be a few parties-gone-wrong ideas to mine!
January 25, 2022 at 10:11 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Great ideas! Can’t wait to start brainstorming. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 10:13 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Thank you for highlighting some comedic techniques! I love comedy – a story with giggles with my kids before bed is the best.
January 25, 2022 at 10:14 am
lmconnors
A fun and thoughtful post. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 10:15 am
Andrea Denish
Congrats on your new book! Can’t wait to read it and LAUGH!
January 25, 2022 at 10:16 am
Brittney
Love that story about the dinosaur egg! Inspires me to be aware of all of the everyday funny moments that happen with my kids. Such good writing material there!
January 25, 2022 at 10:16 am
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Toasty sounds so cute, need to check it out. Thank you so much for the humorous inspiration.
January 25, 2022 at 10:19 am
KATHY Z. PRICE
The story about the dinosaur egg is hysterical!
January 25, 2022 at 10:20 am
polly renner
Thank you Alison for sharing your creative process, and congrats on your Book Birthday!!
January 25, 2022 at 10:21 am
Janet Krauthamer
Congrats on the release of SEEKING BEST FRIEND! Can’t wait to read it!
January 25, 2022 at 10:23 am
Jasmine Ann Smith
I love that comic, especially the first one! We’ve all done that with something. That’s what makes so many things funny too, if it’s something we really see in ourselves. Thanks for the advice!
January 25, 2022 at 10:26 am
Sally McClure
What fun ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 10:26 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
Please, write the dinosaur egg story! Funny.
January 25, 2022 at 10:36 am
Kris Tarantino
Excellent post. I love humor too!
January 25, 2022 at 10:36 am
Kris Tarantino
Excellent post
January 25, 2022 at 10:37 am
Lynn McCracken
Thank you, Alison, for sharing your creative ideas. Congratulations on your book debut!
January 25, 2022 at 10:38 am
Nancy Ramsey
This was great- Thanks for all your suggestions! I look forward to reading your book! Congratulations!!
January 25, 2022 at 10:38 am
Kris Tarantino
Excellent post. I love humor too!
January 25, 2022 at 10:39 am
Donna Rossman
Happy Book Birthday! Great interview with Seth Meyers – What Fun! Thank you for the great techniques!
January 25, 2022 at 10:41 am
Joan Longstaff
Loved hearing about finding inspiration for humour! On your prompting, I have mined a particular birthday that did not go to plan for potential story! Whoop! Thank you and job done … on the idea front of course, not the actual writing of the full story! First draft here I come!
January 25, 2022 at 10:42 am
susan contreras
Thank you for the encouragement to look at comedy in writing.
January 25, 2022 at 10:42 am
Barbara Senenman
Great post! Usually, when I allow my off-the-wall humor out, my family rolls their eyes and then I stifle it. I have to let it out! Let it be free and see what comes of it.
January 25, 2022 at 10:43 am
Rochelle Y Melander
Great advice!
January 25, 2022 at 10:46 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you for your great ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 10:48 am
Susan Jobsky
Thank you for sharing your ideas. I love silly and quirky books as well as the quiet and contemplative books. I’m going to write “child-centered concern” and hang it above my work space.
January 25, 2022 at 10:49 am
paulajbecker
Thank you for sharing & your advise, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 10:50 am
lizricewrites
Thanks for the tips &. HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!
January 25, 2022 at 10:51 am
Maria
Happy Pub Day Alison! Thanks for the great humor ideas. I have a hard time writing funny stories. I will definitely try to write everything down without editing!
January 25, 2022 at 10:53 am
rosecappelli
Congratulations on your debut book, Alison! And thanks for the great tips.
January 25, 2022 at 10:55 am
Sue Heavenrich
Keeping note of funny things – definitely adding that to my bag of tricks.
January 25, 2022 at 10:57 am
kbottagaro
An interview with Seth Meyers and a debut picture book – nicely done! 🙂 Fun post – I love a picture book with humor, and heart certainly elevates a picture book’s impact.
January 25, 2022 at 10:57 am
Antoinette Truglio Martin
Congrats Alison. Enjoy the ride. And thanks a bunch for the humor tips. I believe adding humor to most any work is an essential ingredient.
January 25, 2022 at 10:57 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks for the wonderful examples of humor you shared, and congratulations on your book birthday, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 11:00 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing your story, insights and suggestions, Alison. Congratulations on your PB debut! I’m looking forward to reading it.
January 25, 2022 at 11:01 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you for the insight, Alison. And happy book birthday! 📘🎂🎉
January 25, 2022 at 11:01 am
arndt4writing
Great post. I’m going to go look through all of my humorous stories to see where I can add some absurd humor. Thanks so much!
January 25, 2022 at 11:03 am
Ellie Langford
Humor doesn’t easily flow from me, but I enjoy true to life humor. You gave me an idea, when you mentioned note taking, about a kid who wants to be a writer. Thanks Alison.
January 25, 2022 at 11:06 am
Melissa Stoller
Humor and heart – a jackpot! Looking forward to your debut!
January 25, 2022 at 11:08 am
Renee Carter Hall
Great post, thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 11:10 am
Kim A Larson
Congratulations, Alison! Can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for the fun-ny tips!
January 25, 2022 at 11:11 am
karen Rafeedie
I love your humor-writing advice! I look forward to reading SEEKING BEST FRIEND.
January 25, 2022 at 11:11 am
Andrea MacDonald
Congratulations on your book and thanks for introducing us to Toasty! Can’t wait to read both. The ‘child-centred’ comment also makes perfect sense.
January 25, 2022 at 11:12 am
Ellen Slanczka
I can’t wait to read “Toasty” and “Seeking Best Friend.”
Congrats!
January 25, 2022 at 11:12 am
Meg Miller
The book looks great! And I love the quote about the “child-centered concern.” Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 11:12 am
joanapastro
Great post, Alison! I love writing and understanding how and why funny stories work. Happy Book Birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 11:12 am
mbtgroupcb
Congratulations on your new book! I look forward to reading it! Thanks for the great tips! Very fun ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 11:13 am
Phyllis Mignard
I love humorous stories but am not successful at creating my own —YET! Can’t wait to try out your tips. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 11:13 am
allyenz
Hi Alison! Congratulations on your book debut! How exciting. I just loved reading this blog post. You had me at the mention of your webcomic. (Hmmm…I wonder if you have a graphic novel for kids in you too?) I really love absurd humor myself, and I thank you for reminding me of that. I heard an editor describe her love of “thoughtful, slightly off-kilter, deep but silly picture books,” and ever since, that is what I aspire to write! Remembering to start with the child-centered problem and heart is SUPER helpful. Wonderful post. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 11:15 am
Phyllis Mignard
I love your tips and can’t wait to try them out. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 11:15 am
Beverly Smith
Thank you, Alison for helping us see that the child-centered heart is what really makes a picture book resonate with the child in all of us. Congrats on your new book!
January 25, 2022 at 11:15 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Great ideas and yay to Evernote! One step closer to getting my ideas on “paper”!
January 25, 2022 at 11:15 am
thedayswehold
I loved reading about your ideas to find the funny!
January 25, 2022 at 11:17 am
Phyllis Mignard
Love your suggestions—thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 11:18 am
Leila Boukarim
I so enjoyed reading this. Thank you. I’m a huge fan of funny PBs and reading and writing them brings me so much joy!
January 25, 2022 at 11:25 am
Jennie H
Love always having a child- centered concern at the heart of your stories. Great reminder! Thank you for your valuable insight.
January 25, 2022 at 11:26 am
Juliana Jones
Thanks for all the great suggestions, questions to ask ourselves, and links. I need all the above to get a handle on humor writing!
January 25, 2022 at 11:30 am
Aimee Satterlee
I think that’s important to have a child-centered concern present in stories. Thanks for that reminder, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 11:31 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Thanks. I look forward to reading you book. I love the different ways to come up with ideas, especially from childhood and other wonders.
January 25, 2022 at 11:31 am
hfr2006
Writing humour is so hard!! You’re right – I just need to keep reading and studying PBs and other things that make me laugh and hope that others find it funny as well!
January 25, 2022 at 11:32 am
Peggy Dobbs
I love humorous and silly picture books. But what also resonates with me in your post is the reminder to keep the story child-centered. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 11:34 am
Elena Horne
Great post and some great books discussed.
January 25, 2022 at 11:35 am
Jessica Potts
Great post!
January 25, 2022 at 11:40 am
Cristina Chan
Thank you and congrats on your book!
January 25, 2022 at 11:44 am
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 25, 2022 at 11:46 am
marsha weiner
Humor is a funny thing…. No; really!
Congratulations on your book!!
January 25, 2022 at 11:48 am
Angel Gantnier
Thanks for the great post.
January 25, 2022 at 11:49 am
Suzanne Lewis
I love your post, Alison! It inspired several ideas (Yay!) that cartwheeled right out onto my laptop Storystorm 2022 Ideas page! Thanks for all the silliness and fun you’re bringing into the kid lit world! Congratulations on your debut book!
January 25, 2022 at 11:55 am
AC Perry
Thanks for the reminder of an awkward, but now funny, birthday memory. And congrats on your book birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 11:55 am
Maria Altizer
Happy book birthday! Thanks for all the ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 11:58 am
libbydemmon
Happy book birthday!!!
January 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm
allthingscreativeequal
Congrats on your new book. And thanks for inspiring some funny ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Marla Yablon
Happy book birthday! I’ll be laughing all the way to my list!
January 25, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Helen Lys
Thanks for this funny post and idea tips.
January 25, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Clement, Laura
Turning off the inner critic is key! Great post,congratulations on your book!
January 25, 2022 at 12:08 pm
susaninez0905
Congratulations on your book! And, thank you for the great advice. As kids, we laugh at such absurd stuff all the time, but as adults, we tend to ignore it. It’s time to get back to the absurdity and embrace it! 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 12:09 pm
lynjekowsky
Happy book birthday. Humor is not my writing forte. Thank you for this inspiration.
January 25, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Bethanny Parker
Congrats on “Seeking Best Friend.” I hope it flies off the shelves!
January 25, 2022 at 12:12 pm
jhall2018
This reeeeeally resonated with me. Last year I wrote the more serious stories of my heart. This year, my goal is to lighten things — to lean into the sketch comedy actor/writer side of me. What a great reminder that the comedy still needs to have an emotional center. THANK YOU!
January 25, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for sharing how you get to the funny in an idea and what to brainstorm about a child’s concerns. I have already thought back through my children’s birthday parties that went awry and how to write about funny comments children make about things they don’t understand.
January 25, 2022 at 12:14 pm
Ellen Leventhal
I can’t wait to read SEEKING BEST FRIEND. Congrats! Thanks for sharing these great tips. I just finished a serious story, now it’s time to lighten up!
January 25, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Bea Brown
Laugher is one of my favorite things. Time to get those ideas down on paper.
Congratulations on SEEKING BEST FRIEND. I look forward to sharing it with my grands.
January 25, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Amanda
Thinking about childhood birthday parties definitely lit my brain up with some ideas! It also made me remember a long lost friend whom I’m now curious about and wonder if I can track down. Side benefit of storystorming!
January 25, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
I love humor in PBs! Thanks for the tips, and Happy Book Birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Alison, Happy book birthday!! Thanks for your words of wisdom and tips.
January 25, 2022 at 12:24 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Alison, for sharing your idea and writing process with us. A good laugh is always welcome.
January 25, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Shannon Fossett
I love Rebecca’s quote! Thanks for sharing these ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Thank you for the inspiring post and congratulations on your book!!
January 25, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Gabi Snyder
Congrats on your debut, Alison! And thanks for sharing these fabulous suggestions for finding the funny.
January 25, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Poupette
Generous post, thank you, and congrats on your PB!
January 25, 2022 at 12:31 pm
8catpaws
What I want to know is–DID your cousin Ichiro’s family get eaten by the dinosaur?
January 25, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Mary
Congratulations, Alison on “birthing” your debut picture book! You gave me some GREAT ideas that I’m saving on “Evernote!”
January 25, 2022 at 12:34 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
I have always shied away from writing humorous stories. Thanks for sparking some memories from my childhood!
January 25, 2022 at 12:35 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Lots of tips here to ponder! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Shanna Silva
Congrats on your debut book!
January 25, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Jeanette
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 25, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
I love Humor but I struggle to write it. Great tips! Happy Book Birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 12:41 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Great suggestions. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Kelly Vavala
What a wealth of inspiration here! The chaotic birthday party resonates with me particularly as well as the dinosaur egg! Very funny indeed! Congratulations on your book! I wish you much success on your future endeavors. Thank you for this wonderful inspirational post!
January 25, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Meldaarts
I like to think of myself as a funny person, although if I try to be funny it usually falls flat. I’ve been using Twitter to practise being funny. I didn’t know there were courses on this though!
January 25, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Congrats on your success in putting your best humor foot forward! Thanks for the tips. Conquering a child-centered concern with humor is the best!
January 25, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Hannah Roy LaGrone
Congrats on the book!
January 25, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for the inspiration. I’m excited to read your book!
January 25, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Kimberly Wilson
So many wonderful tools in this post––thank you! And happy book birthday––I look forward to reading SEEKING BEST FRIEND!
January 25, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Congratulations on your new book! I love humor, but I’ve never writing it. Now you’ve got me thinking! : )
January 25, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
Thank you for the wonderful tips on finding funny ideas! And for reminding us that we need heart under the humour!
January 25, 2022 at 12:47 pm
sue macartney
Thanks for sharing a wealth of great ideas and for sharing your journey. Congratulations on your new book!
January 25, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
This is great advice, Alison. Congratulations and thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Jen Arena
I was stuck and falling behind but this got the creativity flowing again. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Alison McGauley
What a funny and helpful post! Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Daryl Gottier
Such a great post, thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Sarah Skolfield
Happy Book Birthday! Thanks for the tips for finding the funny!
January 25, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Stephanie S
Thanks for the wonderful post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Paul Brassard
Alison: Wonderful post and congratulations on your first published picture book! I loved your comic strip “The Adventures of Andie Mae.” If I had your gifts, I’d be turning TAAM into a picture book series. Your humor is smart (so are kids) and your illustrations are straightforward and fun.
January 25, 2022 at 1:10 pm
M. P. McCune
What a fun post! Congrats on your book! I’d love a copy…Really looking forward to a book about the dinosaur egg…
January 25, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Jojo Kasala
First of all, hello fellow Chicagoan! Love these ideas for inspiration.
January 25, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Marie Chan
Such great insights connecting humor and the heart of a child! Thank you for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Mary McClellan
I never buy a book based on the cover, except for TOASTY! It just cracked me up! Love humor and loved your post. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 1:18 pm
storycatcherpublishing
While my own stories are not often filled with humor, I admire the writer who can infuse that element into their stories!
Great post!
Donna L Martin
January 25, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for your post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
Great ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Humor is something I’m actively trying to add to my manuscript. I always enjoy more laughter in my life. I’m reading picture books to find how the author centered the book with the heart of the story and added humor to delight the reader.
January 25, 2022 at 1:23 pm
danielledufayet
Humor and heart -a winning combination! Thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 25, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Thanks for the inspiration! Can’t wait to read your new book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Judy Y
Congratulations, Alison! Happy book birthday, and thank you for your inspiring post! 🥳🥸
January 25, 2022 at 1:28 pm
claudia sloan
Congratulations on your book arriving shelves today!!! I love humor in PBs and in life. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 1:31 pm
amckelle
This post was super helpful! I had one instant idea and copied your questions to my running list of tips on how to use reading to improve my writing. Loved this and so excited to read your book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:31 pm
dedra davis
I love that quote! Thank you for all these tips and ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 1:33 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for the helpful and inspiring post. Meredith Mundy’s quote is particularly helpful to me. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 1:33 pm
Jo Raderstorf
Thank you for this well organized tips on generating funny picture books! Yes to heart-centered, child-centered books that make us laugh out loud!
January 25, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
HAPPY FIRST BOOK B-DAY, ALISON!!! “Seeking Best Friend” looks ADORABLE!!! I CAN’T WAIT to read it! THANK YOU for sharing your SPECIAL day with us! And THANK YOU for INSPIRING us to ALWAYS use humor in a heart-felt way. CONGRATS!!!
January 25, 2022 at 1:35 pm
donnacangelosi
Thanks for your wonderful tips for finding fun ideas and incorporating heart. I’m looking forward to reading your book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Jennifer Rathe
I can’t wait to read your book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Kathryn Powell
Oh I loved your post. Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 1:38 pm
marty bellis
Thanks for giving us ways to mine humor and for the reminder there must still be ‘heart’ at the center of it all. Can’t wait to read your book. Love the title!! Congrats.
January 25, 2022 at 1:38 pm
sareenmclay
Thank you. Really enjoyed reading your post and I love the reminder to keep it ‘child-centred’. Congratulations on your book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Christine Graham
I love what you said about heart in addition to humor.
January 25, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Dianne Borowski
Laughter is the best medicine! Thanks for all the tips! Congrats on your brand new book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:39 pm
bevbaird
Such a great post. Loved the advice to be sure to have “child-centered concern at the heart of it”. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Congratulations on your book birthday, Alison! And thank you for these idea-generating tips.
January 25, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Lisa Billa
Great advice, and I like the quote about heart that kids connect with. Congratulations on your new book!
January 25, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Carol Kim
One of my goals–to be able to write humor! Thanks for this great post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Amy Center Cory
Thank you, Alison! So many great insights and ideas here.
January 25, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Abraham Schroeder
Great tips, and Happy Book Birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 1:48 pm
N. Alison Colle
Such a great post! Lots to think about here. Thank you!!!
January 25, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Tamisha Williams
I really enjoyed your comic strip examples. Humor in the simple things of life.
January 25, 2022 at 1:53 pm
K. Yin
Thanks for the thoughtful and funny post!
January 25, 2022 at 2:01 pm
jillburns7
Happy Book Birthday, Alison! I can’t wait to read your book. I hope you write the dinosaur egg story one day. You’ve reminded me that humor and heart make the world go round! Thank you for all the great tips, and for such a helpful post!!!
January 25, 2022 at 2:17 pm
brontebrown2
And get up in the middle of the night and write down that great ending or transition because you definitely as in my case won’t remember it later. So sad! But I thought of it once, it come back even better!
January 25, 2022 at 2:18 pm
KeelyWrites
The hatching dinosaur fear is so real and so sweet. I hope to read your story on it someday!
January 25, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Penelope McNally
Thanks for this post with so many great tips for writing with humor. I will definitely try them out. Happy book birthday today, congratulations!
January 25, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Cheryl Simon
Thanks Alison. Lots of great ideas here. Congrats on your book debut today!!!
January 25, 2022 at 2:22 pm
serenagingoldallen
Thanks for sharing your journey! I feel like I have a funny picture book inside me but it’s intimidating to write one because what if no one else thinks it’s funny?
January 25, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Leah Moser
Congrats on your book! Thank you for this post.
January 25, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Finding humor in everyday life is what makes life interesting! Using it as inspiration for a picture book, brilliant! Thanks for the reminder. Congratulations on your book release!
January 25, 2022 at 2:24 pm
annaluntbooks
“I wasn’t supposed to see you today!” I love that! I’m excited to try on your ideas for incorporating humor. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 2:27 pm
aidantalkin
Heart and humour, a magical combination!
January 25, 2022 at 2:28 pm
PATRICIA OPPENHEIM
I find humor very hard to write, but I will try your idea of combining two things, like toast and dogs which seem absurd.
Thanks for the tip.
January 25, 2022 at 2:30 pm
mona861
Thank you and happy book birthday! Back to the rest of the post…I love your own comics and illustrations. I’ll be looking for “the” book in just a few years.
January 25, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Liesl Couperthwaite
It is really hard being funny enough that others think you are funny too. Thanks fir the great ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 2:33 pm
mona861
Try again….Happy book birthday. And, I love your personal cartoons. I hope to see them in a book in a few years.
January 25, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for the laughs, Alison! Best line-“All dogs have hair and fur, but Toasty has neither because he’s made of bread.” This made me crack up! LOL!
January 25, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Eileen Mayo
I loved your post! It really got me thinking and inspired a new idea – thanks!! Congratulations on your book.
January 25, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Mom and I have never read Toasty, but reading your description of it cracked us up. I hope some toast comes to the dog park near my house to “play” with me. *slurp slurp gulp*. Oh yeah.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 25, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Fern Glazer
Congrats on your debut PB! Very inspiring post. And now I’m craving some toast while I mine my brain for funny stories … mmmm.
January 25, 2022 at 2:47 pm
SCody
Comic relief is so needed and I love how you show how it’s best when you start not thinking too hard about it! Congrats on your first published book!
January 25, 2022 at 2:50 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks for the reminder to “go down to the well” of childhood.
January 25, 2022 at 2:53 pm
amievc
What fun stories you tell in your post! Looking forward to reading your book–congrats!
January 25, 2022 at 2:53 pm
karenlee
Needed your uplifting and silly ideas today–thanks! And I love the wisdom that reminds us that the silliest things have heart, too.
January 25, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Jessica Milo
Wonderful tips on generating new ideas! Also, I love that quote at the end! A great reminder to have a child-centered concern at the heart of your humourous story. I need to work on that! Thanks, Allison and congrats on your picture book!
January 25, 2022 at 2:58 pm
marty
Congratulations, Alison! Today’s your day to beam! I’m so happy for you. I have opened a new doc on my computer to take notes from now on whenever a picture book makes me laugh. Bob Shea’s WHO WET MY PANTS? had a title that made me laugh out loud. A kid-centered concern and hilarious premise. I can’t wait to read TOAST! Thank you for posting! Tara. thanks so much for having Alison during Storystorm 2022!
January 25, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was such a great post! I loved every word. Thank you for sharing. I love the idea of looking into our childhood to find the funny things that could become story ideas. Thank you for just the inspiration I needed today.
January 25, 2022 at 3:00 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you, Alison, for sharing your humor with us and giving us great ways to find PB ideas. Congratulations on your book’s birthday! SEEKING NEW FRIENDS. I look forward to reading it.
January 25, 2022 at 3:01 pm
staceygustafson
I definitely plan on weaving humor into story ideas. Thanks.
January 25, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Happy book birthday! Can’t wait to read Seeking Best Friend. Thanks for this post on seeking humor.
January 25, 2022 at 3:18 pm
marshaelyn
Alison, your picture book Seeking Best Friend sounds like the perfect gift to give children. Everyone–whatever age–wants a BFF. I connect to your idea of offering stories with heart, hope, and silliness. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success….
January 25, 2022 at 3:25 pm
Abigail Perry
I can’t wait to read your books!
January 25, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Natasha Garnett
Seeking Best Friend!!! I love it already. Congratulations, Alison. I am not seeking a bf myself but I know why someone would want one! Thanks for the post.
January 25, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
It’s always good to keep in mind that picture books should be child-centered and have heart!
January 25, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Louann Brown
Great post. I thought of several ideas while reading it. Thanks. And Happy Book Birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Kimberly Marcus
a thank you for your wonderful ideas 💡!
January 25, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Kimberly Marcus
a thank you for your wonderful ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 3:40 pm
Armineh Manookian
Thank you for sharing your author journey with us and reminding us what’s most important: staying child-centered!
January 25, 2022 at 3:42 pm
ruthwilson48
Love these ideas and your sense of humor!
January 25, 2022 at 3:48 pm
Debra Collins
Having fun as we learn is vital. I hope to take an Improv course.
January 25, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Cassie Bentley
I love Toasty and what a great solution for both Toasty and the girl who wanted a dog but was allergic. I loved the comic section of the paper and now watch comedians on Netflix. Guess it’s time to write a funny picture book. Thank you for the encouragement.
January 25, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Aimee Jenkins
Can’t wait to read “Seeking Best Friend”! Wonderful ideas and post today. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 4:03 pm
susanzonca
Alison, thank you for all the suggestions and for sharing the Meredith Mundy quote. Excellent!
January 25, 2022 at 4:07 pm
David McMullin
Fantastic, Alison. Thank you for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 4:08 pm
cathystenquist
Thank you Alison for making me laugh with your comics and stories. My granddaughters often do and say the funniest things. I guess I need to pay closer attention!
January 25, 2022 at 4:13 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
I followed every single link down some amazing rabbit holes. So much to learn! Andie Mae is a hoot. And Seth Meyers…WHAT. WHAT? Congrats on your life!
January 25, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Megan S
Writing a funny book seems so intimidating, thank your for sharing these tips!
January 25, 2022 at 4:18 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Alison! Thank you for these terrific tips about writing humor. I’ve pasted Meredith Mundy”s quote on my computer!
January 25, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Robyn McGrath
What great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 4:22 pm
Stephanie Owen
Thank you for sharing such great examples of stories with humor and heart.
January 25, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
I have never been good at writing humor (and I envy those who are!). But I love your point about looking to humor for ideas and finding that strong emotional center. That needs to be present in every children’s book!
January 25, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Jay
Thank you for sharing your ideas and congratulations on your debut.
January 25, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Kaela Parkhouse
Your comics are adorable! I really enjoyed your post.
January 25, 2022 at 4:38 pm
geigerlin
Thank you for providing ways to approach humor!
January 25, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Tara Cerven
Daily life really does give you ideas if you just pay attention. Thank you for this great read.
January 25, 2022 at 4:43 pm
brittanypomales
Great post, Alison. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Gabriella Aldeman
I love funny stories, but it’s a challenge to write them. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 4:55 pm
Cinzia
“A child-centered concern that gets resolved in the art and the storytelling” is good to always keep front and center. Thank you for today’s inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Cindy S
Congrats on your debut picture book!
January 25, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Deslie English
You packed a post-full of ideas in this, Alison. I can’t wait to read TOASTY, (and SEEKING BEST FRIEND), but my favorite tip from you- taking notes about what makes me laugh and why, and keeping the child-centered concern at the heart of the story. Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 5:08 pm
rozanark
Excellent post, love this! Thank you for sharing these gems 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Diane M
Congrats on your book – funny is hard, but when done well, kids (and grown-ups) love it. Thanks for the tips.
January 25, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Thanks, Alison! Great tips for writing humor. I soooooo want to take a comedy writing class now.
January 25, 2022 at 5:23 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Alison and Congratulations on your books birthday 🥳
January 25, 2022 at 5:27 pm
Judy Sobanski
Your comedic writing gigs sound so fun! Thanks for the tips on writing funny stories that kids can relate to.
January 25, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Julia Lyon
I think we all need more funny in our lives! Will be reading and re-reading this blog and tips after I finish the serious nonfiction on my computer!
January 25, 2022 at 5:35 pm
Ann M Page
Happy book birthday! Congrats on your debut. I love funny picture books (or humor in anything, for that matter), so I will definitely follow your advice and start jotting down ideas for future stories.
January 25, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Laurie Seaford
Today is your debut?! Happy book birthday! And thank you for so many good ideas. Your tip about honing in on a conversation you overheard has me thinking. And I love the reminder to keep a child-centered concern at the heart.
January 25, 2022 at 5:45 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great post. Thank you! Love your ideas on writing funny stories, and the reminder to make sure the heart stays in!
January 25, 2022 at 5:45 pm
Kaye Baillie
I love this post! I feel like jotting down all my silly ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 5:46 pm
marty bellis
Love the title of your book. Congrats! And thanks for the tips on mining humor and the reminder that ‘heart’ is needed, too.
January 25, 2022 at 5:48 pm
lsheroan
Congratulations! I look forward to reading your book and sharing it with my students.
January 25, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Susan Twiggs
I loved Toasty too so quirky. I’m not a funny writer but I’ll look for opportunities
January 25, 2022 at 5:54 pm
claireannette1
Congratulations on your picture book debut!
I would love to get more humor into my stories and I appreciate your suggestions.
January 25, 2022 at 5:55 pm
tinefg
Thank You Alison, and a big congratulations on your book release today! I absolutely LOVE quirky humor, thank you for the inspiration to give the absurd a go.
January 25, 2022 at 5:59 pm
Heather Stigall
I’m always jotting down funny things my kids say, so I’ll take a look at those and see what kind of story idea I can come up with. Thanks for the tips and congrats on your book release!
January 25, 2022 at 6:08 pm
chrisynthia
This book is adorable. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Great lost today. It sparks 6 fresh ideas. Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Happy book birthday! And thanks for sharing your thoughts. I haven’t read TOASTY yet, but it’s in my queue now. And, yes, critique partners are the best.
January 25, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Mandy Yokim
Thanks, Alison! I look forward to reading your book (and also that toast one – how funny!) It’s good medicine to laugh. 😊
January 25, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Lisa P
We can all use some more funny in our daily lives! Thanks for a great post, and best wishes for ‘Seeking Best Friend!’
January 25, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Leigh Anne Carter
These were great, thanks for sharing, Alison! And happy book birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 6:25 pm
Susan Schade
It’s always fun to read the daily post and get to work on new ideas. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Congrats, Alison! I can’t wait to read SEEKING BEST FRIEND. and I love the webcomics you did. So cool that you got to interview Seth Meyers. He’d probably love a signed copy of your book!
January 25, 2022 at 6:44 pm
Becky Wentworth
I’ve been working on writing down my ideas without editing myself. Sometimes it’s hard to write down ideas I don’t think are good, but I realize they can lead to better ones or if modifiable little, can be good.
January 25, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Stephen S. Martin
a funny thing happened to me on the way to the FORUM ( Farm Of Ridiculous Unusual Marsupials)
January 25, 2022 at 7:02 pm
DaNeil A Olson
Congratulations on your debut picture book and thank you for the suggestion of Evernote.
January 25, 2022 at 7:11 pm
Molly Ippolito
Love these ideas for generating humorous ideas! Can’t wait to give them a try. Thanks so much!
January 25, 2022 at 7:11 pm
awritersdream41
Congratulations Alison! I always love hearing ways to add humor to a story. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 7:15 pm
readmybook2002
I love the quote about “the childhood concern.”
January 25, 2022 at 7:18 pm
Julie Reich
Congrats on your book birthday! And thank you for the quote; it hit a nerve with me.
January 25, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Congrats on your book birthday for SEEKING BEST FRIEND, Alison! And thanks for your advice. I just downloaded Evernote to my phone.
January 25, 2022 at 7:35 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
I’m not comedic but I did jot down some funny incidents as I read your blog. I may have an idea or two. Can’t wait to read Seeking Best Friend.
January 25, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Karin Larson
Love the quote and this wonderful post. Thank you for sharing! I will check out Evernote to see how it compares to what I’m using. Appreciate the suggestion.
January 25, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Chelle Martin
I really enjoy humor in books. Thanks for posting. Good luck with your book.
January 25, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Such a great tip! Write down whatever he hear something funny.
January 25, 2022 at 7:39 pm
Joy Wieder
Thanks for the post on finding the humor. It’s come as a surprise to me how humorous my stories are as I don’t consider myself a humorist.
January 25, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Sue Cottrill (@secottrill)
Congrats on your book birthday! And I love the Dinosaur egg story…and the humor of your cousins reaction. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 7:48 pm
bookfish1
Good Stuff, amazing journey.
January 25, 2022 at 7:52 pm
René Bartos
Congrats on the book and thanks for the great advice!
January 25, 2022 at 8:00 pm
imeldauk
It’s a dream of mine to write a funny picture book
January 25, 2022 at 8:02 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you for your post. You have a lot of amazing things ahead of you. Loved your “Adventures of Andie Mae” comics. Would love to see more… a 365 day flip calendar, T-shirts, a hard cover coffee table book etc… You can write great humor for adults and kids. Well done 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Susan Eyerman
Great tips today!! Love TOASTY. Looking forward to reading it.
January 25, 2022 at 8:07 pm
rosihollinbeck
Thanks for featuring me in your first cartoon! And thanks for all the good ideas for finding story ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Julie Murphy
Thanks for this thought provoking post.
January 25, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Linda Sakai
Thanks for advice on seeking humor and reading all types of kid lit.
January 25, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Rebecca McMurdie
That Meredith Mundy quote really nails it, wow!
January 25, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Alison, for your ideas to help me generate funny story ideas. My grandson has been asking for picture books from the library that make him laugh so I have lots to learn from. Now I need to use your questions to help me analyze them. I am also looking forward to reading, “Seeking Best Friends”.
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 25, 2022 at 8:50 pm
sharonkdal
oh my gosh I just dashed out 5 ideas while reading your post! Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 8:53 pm
avayeechinn
I really enjoyed reading your journey to get to PB publication! Congratulations on your debut book! Can’t wait to read it!
January 25, 2022 at 8:53 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Your post made me happy! And full of ideas… I love that book, Toasty! Thank you for sharing, and can’t wait to read your book :).
January 25, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Charles Burress
Thank you Alison for this inspiring post and also for making me aware of the gentle, creative humor in Sarah Hwang’s charming TOASTY.
January 25, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Lonna Hill
Congrats on your upcoming book!
January 25, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Wonderful post, Alison Marcotte! Your incredible generation of ideas had me writing feverishly in my notebook. Thanks so much for inspiring me!
January 25, 2022 at 9:13 pm
shirley301
Congrats on your picture book. Kids love humor and so do publishers. Great post.
January 25, 2022 at 9:19 pm
srkckass
Great suggestions! Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Aundra Tomlins
Thank you for the great suggestions! Really got the juices flowing
January 25, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Yvette Pais
Thank you Alison, great post! Pretty cool that you interviewed Seth Meyers on the phone. All the ideas and suggestions that you shared with us are super cool. I specially love the cartoons that you made through Tumblr. They are indeed very funny! 🙂 Regards.
January 25, 2022 at 9:27 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you for the inspiration, Alison.
Suzy Leopold
January 25, 2022 at 9:43 pm
Michelle Losardo
Thank you, Alison, for writing on this topic. Inspiring!
January 25, 2022 at 9:48 pm
Amy Mucci
I love the book Toasty! And I loved this post. I have many funny memories as a child.
January 25, 2022 at 9:54 pm
Buffy Silverman
Congratulations on your book birthday!
January 25, 2022 at 9:56 pm
Monica Acker
Congratulations on your brand new book!
January 25, 2022 at 10:07 pm
EmmieRWerner
❤️❤️❤️
January 25, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Wow, Alison! Thank you for such an amazing post and for all the extra links you provided! I got ideas from each one of them. I spent the morning going down a rabbit hole of hilarious picture books and had a great time! Thank you! Congratulations on your debut book! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 10:17 pm
Becki Kidd
well……now, I’m hungry for Toast! Thanks for sharing your inspiration, Alison.
January 25, 2022 at 10:20 pm
yangmommy
I can’t stop thinking about birthday parties now–thank you!!
January 25, 2022 at 10:20 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Congrats on the publication, Alison!
January 25, 2022 at 10:26 pm
TheHugBooks (@Hug_Books)
Only my kids think I’m funny! But love the challenge. Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 10:26 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Congratulations and Thank You Alison. I’ve had loads of fun remembering birthday party mess-ups. Mostly related to pin the tail on the donkey or pinata’s that wouldn’t break or cakes that were sampled first by retriever tongues….
January 25, 2022 at 10:29 pm
nicolesalterbraun
You definitely need to write Ichiro’s story! LOL
January 25, 2022 at 10:34 pm
seschipper
Congratulations, Alison, looking forward to reading SEEKING BEST FRIENDS! I love your tips on generating funny PB ideas! Thanks! 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 10:36 pm
kirstenbockblog
Great post! Congrats on your debut, it looks adorable!
January 25, 2022 at 10:50 pm
jesseannabornemann
Happy book birthday, Alison! With two young children in my house, there’s plenty of humor happening on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Thanks for the reminder to pay attention. Thanks, too, for the introduction to Toasty—so absurd…I love it.
January 25, 2022 at 10:52 pm
Diana Marie Linton
Happy Book Birthday! And thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have always felt like my humor is a bit off center, but this inspires me to go for what I find funny.
January 25, 2022 at 11:06 pm
Lindsey Aduskevich
Alison, this was great! Thank you for all your fun ideas on how to come up with stories. I really loved the quote you shared by Meredith. I am going to copy that down in my notebook and look at it every time I write. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 11:10 pm
Mary Warth
Thank you Alison for the tips!
January 25, 2022 at 11:12 pm
littleseedsread
Thanks for sharing these great tips, Alison. I’m still laughing about Ichiro being afraid of his hatching egg. So adorable.
January 25, 2022 at 11:24 pm
roberta abussi
Congrats on your book! And thank you for this post!
January 25, 2022 at 11:25 pm
Shannon LaPuma
Thank you for helping us “find the funny!”
January 25, 2022 at 11:26 pm
Samantha Rosa
Love this! Great ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 11:43 pm
tinamcho
Congrats on your book! Thanks for sharing your writing journey with us!
January 26, 2022 at 12:00 am
Christine Pinto
“A child-centered concern at the heart of it” – great advice to keep in mind always. Thanks for the great post!
January 26, 2022 at 12:23 am
Janet Smart
Congratulations on your debut PB! And thanks for the advice. I love funny books.
January 26, 2022 at 12:24 am
Charles Richardson
Thanks for the blog. Humor is a great way to make an emotional connection with a kid.
January 26, 2022 at 12:31 am
cbcole
Great suggestions for finding ideas. I also love humorous books and that’s what I write.
January 26, 2022 at 12:34 am
JEN Garrett
Yep, it’s important to hush that editor (for now) during StoryStorm… wonderful post!
January 26, 2022 at 12:36 am
A.D. Kemp
Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely going to use your tips!
January 26, 2022 at 12:45 am
Christine M Irvin
You’ve given us some great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2022 at 1:00 am
writersideup
Great post, Alison! Humor in PBs comes from finding what tickles MANY funny bones, right? 😀 Not the easiest things, for sure! Meredith is the best, and can’t wait to read SEEKING BEST FRIEND 🙂
January 26, 2022 at 1:26 am
Mary Nelson
The comment that resonates most with me is “Write down your ideas and don’t edit yourself.” That’s hard for me, and I always block myself trying to be perfect. Never happens.
January 26, 2022 at 1:31 am
viviankirkfield
LOVE the advice from editor Meredith…thank you so much for sharing it, Alison! And for sharing your great advice to mine ideas from our childhood. Congrats on the new book…it looks amazing!!!
January 26, 2022 at 1:34 am
ivankadimitrova
What a lovely post! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and the fantastic quotes. I am about to read it again and take some serious notes. Congratulations on the birthday of “Seeking Best Friends”. Can’t wait to read it 😊
January 26, 2022 at 1:38 am
kdgwrites
Thank you for your words of writer’s wisdom. I like the idea that I need to make sure no matter the story, speak to a child’s heart.
January 26, 2022 at 1:39 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 1:40 am
Dena Davis
Congratulations on your debut!! These are great suggestions! I think I need a critique group just for brainstorming and ideas!
January 26, 2022 at 1:55 am
wyszguy
Congratulations on your book birthday! What an exciting day!
January 26, 2022 at 2:35 am
steveheron
Very cool to read
January 26, 2022 at 2:43 am
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Alison, for your sound advice and inspiration. I look forward to putting your idea-generating techniques into practice. I, too, feel a strong pull to write stories with child-centered concerns that empathize and encourage – and also entertain and make children laugh! Congratulations on your debut – TODAY!!! ❤
Xox Jen
January 26, 2022 at 2:47 am
Rita Jane
Happy Book Birthday, Alison!
I love your comics – They’re far too relatable!
January 26, 2022 at 2:57 am
CB Jarapa
I think from now on I will try to view my stories with that child-centered lens. I think most of my pbs might be a bit too grown up. Then again, kids these days do mature fast! Still, I will keep your advice 🙂 Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 2:59 am
Dannielle Viera
Great advice! Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 3:03 am
Daniella Kaufman
Congratulations!! Thank you for the inspiration. Love stories with humor and heart. Needed tips on how to write them 🙂
January 26, 2022 at 3:20 am
Colleen Dabney
Congratulations on your new book!
January 26, 2022 at 3:49 am
sharongiltrow
Happy book birthday. I love reading and writing funny books too :-).
January 26, 2022 at 5:06 am
Tamara Rittershaus
Congrats on your debut! Humor is probably my weakness as a writer. I love your ideas and will work through them with some older and hopefully new manuscripts. Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 6:45 am
Kim Gutierrez
The onion! Ah that was a throw back moment (thank you!). I’m a teacher….there’s a lot of funny that comes my way. I’ll have to start writing that down!
January 26, 2022 at 8:31 am
yangmommy
Ahhh, the drama of a kid’s birthday party!! Great tip!
January 26, 2022 at 8:55 am
ramonapersaudwrites
Thanks for the reminder on keeping things/topics focused on the child. It’s so easy to focus on the “learning” part.
January 26, 2022 at 9:39 am
Jennifer Kennedy
Thanks so much for sharing! I especially love the reminder to make sure even humorous books have heart
January 26, 2022 at 9:41 am
Meghan Downs
Yes to humorous books!! And Toasty sounds great!
January 26, 2022 at 9:43 am
debbiearnn
Congrats on your book debut today AND thanks for the tips on humor!
January 26, 2022 at 10:01 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Such great tips – thanks!
January 26, 2022 at 10:07 am
Genevieve Gorback
I loved this post! Everyone could use more humor! 🙂 Thank you, Alison and Tara!
January 26, 2022 at 10:10 am
Leah Marks
Your post made me smile! Thanks
January 26, 2022 at 10:24 am
Susan Lorene
I like your emphasis on funny! Thank you. Also, like Rebecca Kraft Rector’s quote!
January 26, 2022 at 10:47 am
ranessadoucet
Thanks for all the wonderful tips and inspiration! I can’t wait to read “seeking Best Friend”!
January 26, 2022 at 10:59 am
cravevsworld
A delightful post indeed. Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 11:27 am
Darcee Freier
Yay for humorous stories! I think the world, and kids, need more humorous stories. Thanks for the tips.
January 26, 2022 at 11:40 am
Robin Martin
Great ideas. I’m thinking of trying some humorous writing
January 26, 2022 at 11:55 am
Elizabeth W Saba
I love funny picture books. Laughing is so important!
January 26, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Viviane Elbee
Thanks for sharing how you look for funny ideas!
January 26, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
Happy book birthday!! I love funny books, too. My goal is to make milk shoot out the noses of my readers.
(Which, financially speaking, is a good goal to have, since those snotty/milky books will need to be replaced.)
January 26, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Jennifer Roman
Great article! Thanks
January 26, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Annelouise Mahoney
Hi Alison. Thank you for taking the time to write such a great post! You shared so much wisdom and helpful tips for storytelling. Congratulations on your debut, SEEKING BEST FRIEND, I’m looking forward to reading it!
January 26, 2022 at 12:51 pm
mariearden
At the heart of a funny, even absurd, story is heart, the real emotions and concerns of a child. Excellent observation!
January 26, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Sarah Meade
I love the idea of always coming back to a “child-centered concern.” This was an excellent post. Thanks so much!
January 26, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Judith Snyder
I loved the reminder of the need for the child-centered issue as the core of the story. Thanks.
January 26, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Chayala Nachum
Love this and the web comic is amazing! Hope you plan on making a book compilation of them all!
January 26, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Brandon
Children’s book authors should always write with the child-centered concerns. Having a child’s POV of their concerns is great for assisting children in knowing they all have similar issues, then adding humor to it can help them build empathy and coping strategies for their own lives. THanks for your contribution
January 26, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Carol Porter
Thank you for sharing the fun. I agree with the idea that a great book has to have real heart.
January 26, 2022 at 1:59 pm
michelerietz
I love funny picture books, and I love your ideas on how to generate funny picture book ideas! I love the quote by Meredith Mundy and appreciate the link to her interview. Thanks so much, and congratulations on your book!
January 26, 2022 at 2:10 pm
tasha woodson
congrats on your debut! I love the combo of silliness with an emotional center, thanks for sharing this!
January 26, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Holly
I have always admired humor, but i feel like I’m not a funny writer. This gives me hope that I can get there. 🙂
January 26, 2022 at 2:25 pm
allisonrozo
Thank you! Wonderful insights and inspiration!!!
January 26, 2022 at 2:38 pm
kbrandyberry
Can’t wait to read your new story! Great article – thanks for sharing the tips with us!
January 26, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Erin Cleary (ClearyWriter)
Thanks for sharing these great ideas.
January 26, 2022 at 2:52 pm
hannahannkrueger
Cheers!
January 26, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Micki Ginsberg
That’s something to remember—make sure your book has a child-centered concern at its heart.
January 26, 2022 at 3:40 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Congrats on your book and thank you for the quote you ended with – truly a valuable reminder.
January 26, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Hélène Sabourin
It is such a joy to make a child laugh
January 26, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Sandy Perlic
Wonderful tips! And I love your supporting examples. Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 4:52 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Thank you for this & kudos for sharing your funny!! Congrats on your book!
January 26, 2022 at 5:28 pm
calepage
Absurd?
Joy?
Storytelling?
YES!!
January 26, 2022 at 6:18 pm
Elizabeth
Thank you, Alison, for the tips on funny picture books. I’ve only written a few funny books and didn’t think I was that good at humor, but now maybe I can come up with a few things from childhood, those of my own kids or in the other places you mentioned. Great Post!
January 26, 2022 at 6:35 pm
Shirley fadden
Great post and please write that Dino egg story!
January 26, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Kristin Sawyer
Congratulations on your book’s debut day! And thank you for the tips on humor writing. Let’s hope writing with humor goes better than my joke telling, lol.
January 26, 2022 at 7:19 pm
stephaniemstories
Congrats on your book! Thanks you for sharing. You made me think of an old bday party with a hiccup that could be turned into funny somehow.
January 26, 2022 at 8:22 pm
supermario6
Congratulations on your debut book!
January 26, 2022 at 8:25 pm
Angie
Lots of great ideas! Thank you for sharing with us! LOVE the quote from Meredith.
January 26, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Elayne
Congrats on your debut book (yay!) from another big-time Evernote fan! 🙂
January 26, 2022 at 9:08 pm
steveheron
That was a fun read. Toast🤪🤣
January 26, 2022 at 9:27 pm
Afsheen
Wow
What a masterclass! I never think of writing down things that I find funny. This is genious.
I love it.
January 26, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Beth Elliott
This was chock full of advice and examples. Thank you, Alison!
January 26, 2022 at 10:22 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for the inspiration! Now I’m thinking of a birthday party story that I want to try 🙂 Thanks!!
January 26, 2022 at 10:28 pm
Wilma Krause Brucker
I would love to read your story about friendship. I have written and illustrated one as well.
January 26, 2022 at 10:52 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Suggestion #3 is the hardest for me. I edit myself way too soon because I’m afraid my ideas are, well, stupid. But some of my all-time favorite books have plots that sound pretty ridiculous on the surface. Execution is everything.
January 26, 2022 at 10:57 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
Congratulations on your new book. Thanks for sharing your tips!
January 26, 2022 at 11:20 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Such great advice! Thanks for sharing all these great idea-generating ideas! Congrats on your new book. Looks awesome and can’t wait to read it!
January 26, 2022 at 11:44 pm
Liz Godfrey
Thanks, Alison! Ahh – take notes on what you think is funny! Brilliant! Your piece is chock full of useful nuggets!
January 27, 2022 at 12:04 am
bgonsar
I feel funnier already 😊
January 27, 2022 at 1:21 am
Margot Williams
Funny ideas!
January 27, 2022 at 2:09 am
Maria Marshall
Thank you for these fun ways to capture the funny. I’m keeping Meredith’s quote by my computer.
January 27, 2022 at 3:17 am
Rena Joy
Love it. Yes, embrace that humour!
January 27, 2022 at 6:49 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Wow! I love these ideas. Thank you.
January 27, 2022 at 7:37 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Love these ideas! I notice, I edit myself too early and tend to stick to the straight and narrow. By doing this I don’t let my mind wander into the absurd….thanks for the great reminders!
January 27, 2022 at 7:44 am
Marzieh Abbas
Wow! lovely ideas
January 27, 2022 at 8:01 am
sandiesvaisnoras
Love your writing journey and all your suggestions.
January 27, 2022 at 8:41 am
wordwritermo
Funny is MY heart. You’re speaking my love language! Thanks for the encouragement and reading recs.
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 27, 2022 at 9:54 am
topangamaria
Winning formula = humor + hijinks w) heart. Yes!
January 27, 2022 at 10:24 am
Hanna Geshelin
Amazing! Reading this, I remembered the worst birthday party I ever went to, and realized I can use it as the basis of a book that resonates with both Christmas and Hanukkah while respecting the uniqueness and importance of both.
January 27, 2022 at 10:28 am
Deb McGarvey
Happy book birthday! Fellow Chicagoan here. Thanks for these great ideas. I love writing humor and this post will help me open that up more.
January 27, 2022 at 10:36 am
Anita M Banks
Thank you!
January 27, 2022 at 11:13 am
Julie Durr
I love that last thought/question-seeking the child-centered concerned. Something for me to ponder. Thank you!
January 27, 2022 at 11:38 am
Audrey Perrott
Happy book birthday week! I love funny books and TOASTY is brilliant. Thank you for your post!
January 27, 2022 at 11:55 am
chaunceyelephant
The term “emotional center” resonates with me – all my favotite books have that.
January 27, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Tammi Beck
Thank you for your time and ideas! ☺️ Best
January 27, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Sydnie Kleinhenz
Great ideas. I like writing with humor, too.
January 27, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Judy Bradbury
Such wise advice to pair humor with emotion about a child-centered concern. Yes! Thank you, and best wishes for continued success.
January 27, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Tanya Konerman
You had me at “the Onion”! Fun brainstorming ideas..thanks!
January 27, 2022 at 2:45 pm
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
Outright humor is not how my brain works, so I like that you said quiet comedy. It comes up for me in a character’s conversation or way of thinking now and then. But I have never outright tried to find a funny situation for a story, or pivoted one around a funny moment. Your share is at the very least making me focus on ways to do this. I am also very visual in my thinking, and most definitely see the face in the doorknob or faucet, the car with a big “grill” on its wide face and bright or angry eyes. Thinking about the toast, the dog, how I prefer animals to objects, and a pancake have somehow triggered a possible story idea, Guess I need to draft it and see if it’s one of the bad or good ones.
January 27, 2022 at 3:25 pm
debbiemoeller
Thanks for the tips. Great post!
January 27, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Your web comic is adorable! And congrats on your new book!
January 27, 2022 at 7:04 pm
Debbie Meneses
Alison,
Congratulations on your new book. Humor seems to be what children look for first. My 10 year old twin nephew go straight for the humor books. Graphic novels with humor are their favorite. I thought of a couple of funny happenings during childhood that could be a story. Thank you for that idea.
January 27, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Heather Lee
Humor is my favorite, although my taste is not everyone’s. Thanks for the idea that being true to my gut will pay off!
January 27, 2022 at 7:19 pm
https://katiewalsh.blog/
What a great post! Thanks for the ideas!
January 27, 2022 at 7:56 pm
kathryn hagen
Funny with child-centered heart. Great writing goal! Thank you.
January 27, 2022 at 8:25 pm
Deborah Foster
I will never forget my 13 birthday! We moved on that day and everyone seemed to have forgotten my birthday! We didn’t celebrate at all! I’m still trying to figure out how to make that into a picture book!
January 27, 2022 at 9:32 pm
Karen Lawler
Funny for one is not funny for another.. Thank you for reminding me to make it child-like and quiet. 🙂
January 27, 2022 at 10:27 pm
Connie Van Horn
Thank you for the tips and ideas!! Love adding picture books to my list of must reads!!
January 27, 2022 at 11:05 pm
Heila Rogers
That book looks so cute! ☺️
January 27, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Joannie Duris
Congratulations, Alison, on your debut picture book, SEEKING BEST FRIEND! And thank you for a post focusing on humor. Adding a few more quirky mentor texts to my list to study, and exploring child-centered concerns to match up with all the silliness.
January 27, 2022 at 11:23 pm
Charlotte Glaze
Thank you!
January 28, 2022 at 12:38 am
Trine Grillo
These are great idea-generating tips.
January 28, 2022 at 1:24 am
Amanda
Great post and congrats on the picture book debut!
January 28, 2022 at 7:01 am
Jane Martin
Conversations with kids are sometimes hilarious. I need to start taking notes!
January 28, 2022 at 8:48 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing these great ideas. I hadn’t heard of Toasty before but the end twist is a great way to work with the strange character.
January 28, 2022 at 10:03 am
audiencedog
Child-centered concern + humor = great post. Thank you.
January 28, 2022 at 10:15 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
Congratulations on your book release! Can’t wait to read it!
January 28, 2022 at 10:26 am
Nicole Loos Miller
Congratulations from a fellow Illini alum who then went on to take classes at Second City!! So glad you’re words are getting out into the world!
January 28, 2022 at 10:30 am
girlscout72091
I love the quote too! This article really resonated with me. Thanks for helping me remember true childhood emotions.
January 28, 2022 at 10:39 am
Jan Milusich
Thank you for sharing, Alison!
January 28, 2022 at 11:18 am
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
Awesome suggestions! Thanks!
January 28, 2022 at 11:38 am
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for your post and sharing Meredith Mundy’s quote.
January 28, 2022 at 12:50 pm
triciacandy
Oh, this is a great post! Thank you!
January 28, 2022 at 1:22 pm
syorkeviney
Alison, I love all of these ideas…. It is a joy to bring joy and laughter to children! I’ve copied your final quote, it is inspiring! Thank you!
January 28, 2022 at 2:08 pm
jensubra
Thanks for this great advice, Alison!
January 28, 2022 at 2:24 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 28, 2022 at 2:32 pm
colleenrkosinski
Great tips!
January 28, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Meena
What a grounding advice to keep looking for that child-centered concern in the art and storytelling. Thank you for inspiring to find your funny in everyday life!
January 28, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Joanne Roberts
It took me several days to read through this post because I had to keep stopping to write ideas—thanks for the huge dose of inspiration. Sincerely, a formerly-unfunny writer
January 28, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Janet Halfmann
Wow! So many ways to come up with story ideas. Thanks for all the inspiration!
January 28, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Marilyn Wolpin (@MNW51)
Alison, thanks for your post. You actually gave me a couple of ideas. Evernote looks interesting as well. I just use the notes feature on my phone, but I like that Evernote is so interconnected. Looking forward to reading your book. Thanks again.
January 28, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Wendy
This post is timely! I’ve been working on revising a funny (I think!) story to articulate the heart/universal concern better. Still working . . .
January 28, 2022 at 4:49 pm
TL Fales
I love the advice to think about what struck you as funny through the day. Even if the things you think of don’t becomes stories, at least you’ve given yourself a laugh.
January 28, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Marlena Leach
Yes, finding the child-centered heart of the story makes it relatable to cildren. That is a question I ask myself each time I do a draft:”What is at the heart of this story.” Each time I ask myself that question, I find I have written a manscript worthy of its purpose. Thank you.
January 28, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Michele Helsel
So much great advice. Child centered concern, don’t edit yourself (I would never have written the toast story because I would assume no one else would get me, but someone got her), and I’d advise you write your dinosaur book, it sounds great!
January 28, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Lauri Meyers
Love your comic!
January 28, 2022 at 5:51 pm
Stephanie D Jones
A great emotional center at the heart of the humor — I’m going to be reflecting on that…:)
January 28, 2022 at 5:51 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for all the advice in your post! And a big congrats on your new book.
January 28, 2022 at 6:02 pm
kmajor2013
I also try to incorporate humor in my writing. Thanks for sharing this interesting post.
January 28, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Tamara Ann Alba
Lol! I’m in love with toasty!
January 28, 2022 at 7:48 pm
Lucy Staugler
Alison, congrats on your book and gracing us with these four key points on finding the funny.
We all need more humor in our lives right now, especially our children!
Thank you,
Lucy Staugler
January 28, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Saba Negash
Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2022 at 12:20 am
marybeningo
I laugh all the time and I definitely am trying to incorporate more funny and silliness into my writing. Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 2:15 am
Pauline Cleary
This is a great post Alison. It resonated with me! I love your points to note and especially your final comments about the emotional center in funny books. Thank you:)
January 29, 2022 at 7:08 am
Mina
Thank you for the great advice and tips 🙂
January 29, 2022 at 8:39 am
Nadine Poper
Alison, your advice is helpful. Thank you. And congratulations on your book birthday!
January 29, 2022 at 10:48 am
Annette Martin
Congratulations on your book release! Appreciate your points on finding kid-centered humor. Thank you!!
January 29, 2022 at 10:57 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
OMG I want more of Andie Mae! Fabulous drawings.
January 29, 2022 at 11:22 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
I’m primarily a nonfiction pb writer, so letting myself explore silly stories is something I often forget to do. Thanks for the nudge.
January 29, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Andrea
Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 1:13 pm
NC Karuzis
Great tips for bringing humor to our stories. I thought Meredith Mundy’s comment about resolving child-centered concerns with art and story-telling. That is a good goal.
January 29, 2022 at 1:47 pm
Brinton Culp
Silliness side by side with child-centered concern is a recipe for a great book. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2022 at 2:20 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
My favorite picture books are ones that make me laugh! Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2022 at 2:44 pm
writeknit
You have sparked my imagination that will be coupled with humor and heart. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
January 29, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Lindsay Moretti
Great post! Thank you for your ideas!
January 29, 2022 at 3:42 pm
mimisheawrites
Great ideas, thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2022 at 3:58 pm
jimchaize1
I enjoyed reading your post and will utilize your ideas for writing funny. Thanks, Allison.
January 29, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Amy Newbold
Thanks for sharing your insights about writing humor, and for the reminder that child-centered concerns need to anchor stories for kids.
January 29, 2022 at 6:13 pm
deniseaengle
Seeking Best Friend! What a great book to send out into the world!!
January 29, 2022 at 6:35 pm
susan gruidel
i need to be reminded about humor. i tend to write lyrical, and don’t always get the dose of humor it might need. thank you for this.
January 29, 2022 at 7:01 pm
Tracy Schuldt Helixon
Thank you for these fantastic ideas and examples! The premise for Toasty made me laugh out loud, too.
January 29, 2022 at 8:18 pm
Helen Taylor
Love these tips for mining the funny moments of everyday life. Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 9:30 pm
ejessmurray
Congrats on your book release!
January 29, 2022 at 11:12 pm
Meredith Fraser
What a brilliant idea… TOASTY! I agree. No idea is too silly to go on paper.
The fun is taking that silly idea and making it into an adventure!
Thank you
January 29, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Yaa
Aww Toasty wants to be a dog.
January 30, 2022 at 4:39 am
rosainkpen
Thank you! Would love to read your book. Looks great!
January 30, 2022 at 4:58 am
linafeli
Looks really funny! Thank you!
January 30, 2022 at 8:31 am
Linda Hofke
Thanks for the great ideas and examples. I especially liked the story about the dinosaur egg. 🙂
January 30, 2022 at 8:31 am
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
Awesome post.I dabble in the humorous too. Thanks for this.
January 30, 2022 at 8:55 am
Jane Baskwill
Thanks for taking me back to childhood funny events I had forgot.
January 30, 2022 at 10:52 am
adavis6385
Love seeing another 21 For The Books member here and LOVED seeing your web comic! So fun! Congrats again on SEEKING BEST FRIEND and thanks for all the writing tips!
January 30, 2022 at 11:18 am
Joyce Schriebman
Why does a book stay with me long after I’ve read it? I’ve thought about this vis a vis movies but never with a PB. Something to chew on. Thanks.
January 30, 2022 at 11:59 am
Sondra Zalewski
Fab ideas! Congrats on your debut PB. Can’t wait to read it!
January 30, 2022 at 1:14 pm
georgeandjohanna
Love this – especially your ending quote. Thank you.
Johanna Peyton
January 30, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Congrats on your new book! And also—the story about the dinosaur definitely has potential. That made me laugh!
January 30, 2022 at 1:24 pm
LaurenKerstein
This was a terrific post. I will have to ready TOASTY and I loved the quote from Meredith Mundy. Thank you.
January 30, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Jolie Stekly
Such a great quote. Thank you for sharing it as well as your tips.
January 30, 2022 at 2:17 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I love hearing your ideas and thought processes. And thank you for sharing the quote – I wrote it in my ideas book.
January 30, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Eva NMN Felder
Thank you so much for sharing your process to funny books.
Your tips are so practical including using Evernote.
Are you aware that there are seven Alison Marcotte? You are the only one with one l in Alison.
To think that it all started when you were looking for a roommate and it all ended in a book titled Seeking Best Friend.
I like your idea that writing is a marathon with many highs and lows.
I hope that one day I will write a Picture Book that will make kids crack-up and laugh, rolling all over the floor.
Good luck with your book and many more to follow!
January 30, 2022 at 5:02 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Great ideas, thank you! Love the birthday party concept, I will definitely be thinking about that.
January 30, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
Thanks for the reminder that humor wins – and congrats on your book!
January 30, 2022 at 5:23 pm
Susan Cabael
Mining for humorous childhood situations will certainly generate some authentic characters and storylines.
January 30, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Hi Alison, Thank you – this was fun to read and thank you for sharing your journey!
January 30, 2022 at 5:59 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
Awesome suggestions, Alison! I can’t wait to read your picture book! 🙂
January 30, 2022 at 6:09 pm
Penny Schneider
This was great! Got multiple story ideas sparked from this post! Love humor mixed with heart, in my opinion the best combination.
January 30, 2022 at 6:26 pm
Elizabeth Metz
High five to a fellow quiet humor fan– we may not have been bombastic class clowns as kids, but we’re funny, too, dangit. Can’t wait to check out your book, Alison.
January 30, 2022 at 7:15 pm
riverwoods21
Congratulations on your Debut Picture Book.
January 30, 2022 at 8:17 pm
lee77094
Thank you for your reminder that everyday life is funny!
January 30, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Dani Duck
HI Alison, great post. I bookmarked this one because I love creating humor. Anything that helps me with that is great and your post is a great help, thanks!
January 30, 2022 at 8:47 pm
goodreadswithronna
Congrats on your debut SEEKING BEST FRIEND. You’ve offered some great advice here especially that sometimes the quietest comedy fans can have a lot of funny stories up their sleeves.
January 30, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for reminding us to find the fun in writing.
January 30, 2022 at 9:26 pm
claudine108
I have so many funny stories from teaching. I can’t wait to infuse some humor into a story! Congratulations on your success!
January 30, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Funny with heart; that’s amazing! Thanks, Alison.
January 31, 2022 at 9:45 am
Melissa Hastings
Having fun while discovering the heart is what it’s all about. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:13 am
Kristy Nuttall
Thanks for all of these fun tips! I’m a huge fan of Evernote for capturing ideas as well.
January 31, 2022 at 11:23 am
Ana Archi
I like the idea not to edit your Ideas when writing them down.
January 31, 2022 at 12:47 pm
tarashiroff
THIS! I loved all of the wisdom here, thank you Alison!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:04 pm
annettepimentel
“Take Notes About What Makes You Laugh”: your post!
January 31, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Terri Sabol
Lots of great ideas. I especially love “As much as I try to add humor and hijinks into my stories, I make sure that it has a child-centered concern at the heart of it.” Thanks for sharing, Alison!
January 31, 2022 at 3:28 pm
flinn321
Can’t wait to read your book. I’m a Beaming Books author as well:)
January 31, 2022 at 4:27 pm
ritaborg
Beaming Books are really publishing beautiful books. Well done and good luck
January 31, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Angela H. Dale
Thanks for sharing your process, and that great insight from Meredith Mundy as well.
January 31, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Judy Bryan
Going to pay more attention to what made me laugh then and what makes me laugh now. Great idea! Congrats on SEEKING BEST FRIEND!!
January 31, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Renata Wurster
Humour is definitely such a great hook! Thanks for some ideas on where to find it:)
January 31, 2022 at 6:48 pm
matike2209
Amazing tips!Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 7:35 pm
rindabeach
I’ll be back in Munchkin land tomorrow – AKA 2nd grade. I’ll keep my eyes open for ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Lorraine Marwood
I haven’t thought a lot about humour, it seems to turn up in my writing of its own will, but not enough humour, so I will consciously seek it from now on, thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 9:38 pm
Nazanin Ford
I can totally relate to the idea of being “quietly” into comedy. It takes a lot of guts to put your sense of humor out there. Sometimes it falls flat. These are all great ideas to study and apply comedy with a great final takeaway that puts the purpose back in the story.
January 31, 2022 at 9:38 pm
ingridboydston
Thank you for the terrific tips! Also, I think the title of your book is fantastic, I look forward to reading it!
January 31, 2022 at 10:06 pm
angelapadron
Great tips. Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 10:56 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for all of these great tips!
February 1, 2022 at 12:21 am
Jocelyn Rish
That’s such a key point about having a child-centered concern amongst all the humor. Thanks for the reminder!
February 1, 2022 at 12:47 am
Anna Brooks
Thank you for sharing your story and for the wonderful tips on getting to the funny in your writing!
February 1, 2022 at 12:59 am
Megan McNamara
Thanks for the story about Ichiro! It made me laugh.
February 1, 2022 at 1:39 am
Jennifer Broedel
I need to make more of an effort to take notes on the books that I find special- I always think I’ll remember them, and then my recall goes out the window. Thanks for the tip!
February 1, 2022 at 2:03 am
Mary Malhotra
Getting into the habit of taking notes as funny things occur to me is going to really help, i can tell. Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 4:13 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Thanks for the tip! It would be fun to come up with a funny picture book idea!
February 1, 2022 at 8:18 am
nycbgriffin
Hoo boy…. I’ve never taken the time to interrogate my own sense of humor. Let the search for patterns in it begin!
February 1, 2022 at 11:48 am
Sheri Dillard
Thanks for the great post, Alison! I took several notes, checked out the Toasty book, and got the Evernote app! Congrats on your debut! 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Susie Sawyer
Good stuff, Alison! Thanks so much – I LOVE writing humor, but there’s always a fear that it’s only funny to me! This helps a lot!
February 1, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Thanks for the tips to find the funny. 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 1:42 pm
lorisherritt
Off to chat to my 6 year old friends to find out what makes them giggle. Thanks for the tips!
February 1, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Dianne
Congratulations on your just-released book! Some real gems of ideas here. Love the quote – very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
February 1, 2022 at 11:25 pm
Charlene Avery
Oodles of joy contemplating your tips and exploring these books! Best wishes with your debut & future projects Alison!!
February 2, 2022 at 12:41 am
Azra Rahim
I generally don’t think I am funny… and don’t incorporate that aspect of myself into my writing…but I love to laugh, and I love things that make me laugh. You have given me a good deal to mull over. Thank you.
February 2, 2022 at 12:42 am
Shan
One of my childhood concerns was that bullies were blocking the toilets at school. Any child who was too fearful to stand up to them was in distress. (Don’t ask me where the teachers were.) I became the self-appointed guardian of the doors. I just couldn’t bear the idea of being barred from the facilities!
February 2, 2022 at 7:28 am
Kellie
Thank you for all the tips above. Loved these.
February 2, 2022 at 5:58 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Great post, especially the reminder to combine humor with a child-centered concern.
February 2, 2022 at 9:57 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
This is great! I love absurd humor. Thanks for the tip on Evernote!
Cheers!
February 2, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I definitely need to check-out Toasty. 🙂
February 3, 2022 at 1:26 am
angiecal76
Your book premise for Toasty sounds hysterical. Congrats!
February 3, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Karan Greene
All great tips! Thanks!
February 4, 2022 at 12:27 am
S. K. Wenger
Thanks, Alison! I love these tips and that quote resonates with me as well. Even humor needs an emotional hook with child-centric understandings. Congratulations on your new book!
February 4, 2022 at 2:45 am
Sylvia Chen
Love all these tips, thank you!
February 5, 2022 at 2:37 am
Huyen
What a great point of inspiration! Humor hooks and often passes along meaningful messages. Thank you for highlighting it and giving pointers on how to harness humor in our stories.
February 6, 2022 at 12:28 am
Nadia Salomon
Love this share Alison, thank you!
February 7, 2022 at 10:46 am
Anne Young
It’s interesting that, even in absurdity, there is logic.
February 7, 2022 at 11:27 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
Thanks for such great ideas! And congratulations on your debut!