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Can Nonfiction Be Funny? by Linda Skeers

5/8/2019

8 Comments

 
Picture
Many people are surprised to learn that I love writing nonfiction. A frequent comment is, “But you aren’t a serious person!”
 
Yes, writing nonfiction is serious business… but it can also be funny! Here are five tips (and mentor texts) to keep in mind if you want to add a touch of humor to your nonfiction.
​Choose a fun narrator.
Instead of just presenting information in the typical manner, let your subject take over and share their own story!
One Proud Penny – Randy Siegel
PENNY proudly explains how it’s made and offers lots of fun details about money – in his own voice.
 
Gross is good.
Dig deep for the most fascinating, gross, unusual, weird and amazing facts. Your readers will thank you for it!
Ick! Yuck! Eew! Our Gross American History – Lois Miner Huey
This book contains lots of fun historical facts and doesn’t shy away from the gross stuff!
 
Add a fun sidebar.
Even if your subject is fairly serious, if you do find a fun fact or light-hearted example, put it in a side bar. This can be a breath of fresh air or some comic relief.
Hot Diggity Dog:  The History of the Hot Dog – Adrienne Sylver
Its sidebars are full of extra facts and anecdotes relating to the humble hot dog. Really stretch and think outside the box to come up with tidbits that will surprise and delight readers.
 
New angle or twist.
Look for a unique way to present your information. Turn your topic upside down and inside out and shake it all about! Love geography? Want to introduce readers to the Arctic? Instead of presenting facts and figures, make the reader feel as if they are there.
You Wouldn’t Want to Be…A Polar Explorer – Jen Green
This series focuses on the nasty and negative aspects of jobs, lifestyles, and places throughout history. Written in second person, it helps the reader get up close and personal with the subject.
 
Language, puns, inside jokes.
Use words and phrases that match your topic. And remember that kids LOVE puns and fun word-play!
I Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are – Bridget Heos
Get it? BUZZ? Cracks me up every time!
 
No matter how serious you are, or how serious your subject is, a touch of humor can coax a smile, and maybe a giggle out of your reader. Go forth and be funny!
8 Comments
Pamela Harrison
5/9/2019 07:22:16 am

These are wonderful examples of how to use humor in writing nonfiction. Thank you for these tips and the mentor texts that use them.

Reply
Linda Skeers
5/9/2019 08:23:59 am

Thanks, Pamela! I think adding a touch of humor can really help you catch an editor's eye. And it shows that nonfiction can be FUN!

Reply
JoAnn Early Macken link
5/11/2019 03:02:11 pm

Excellent suggestions! Thank you!

Reply
Mona Pease
5/14/2019 07:15:10 am

This is fun! I love the amazing, warm hearted, Linda Skeers!

Reply
Linda Skeers
6/4/2019 02:07:46 pm

I hope we meet again at some conference or retreat in the future!

Reply
Carmela McCain Simmons
5/14/2019 08:17:57 am

Thanks for the tips on adding humor. I am a serious person, but I do love humor. I am seriously working on adding its sparkle to my nonfiction writing.

Reply
Linda Skeers
6/4/2019 02:09:40 pm

Even just a light-hearted moment or comment can add sparkle to nonfiction! And a fun title can grab a reader's attention and pull them in. I agree, adding humor can be serious business!

Reply
Susie link
5/14/2019 06:49:39 pm

Great post. I love the examples and the mentor texts. You are so wise, Linda Skeers!

Reply



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  • Home
  • Meet the Ninjas
    • Lisa Amstutz
    • Stephanie Bearce
    • Nancy Churnin
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    • Pat Miller
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    • Linda Skeers
    • Peggy Thomas
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