I did. They loved it - but thought it was more a vehicle for linked sketches rather than a book.
It seemed I spent too much time being funny and not enough on the story.
It's not an easy balance to strike, but both elements are critical.
Markets for Comedy Novels Page 2
Did they get put off when you showed them the photo you wanted to use for the back of the book?
Don't be silly. I provided a diff pic; one where I'm pulling a 'funny' face
Quote: Stephen Birch @ August 4 2011, 9:00 AM BSTIt seemed I spent too much time being funny and not enough on the story.
It never stopped P. G. Wodehouse for one, did it?
Quote: Tim Azure @ August 5 2011, 7:07 PM BSTIt never stopped P. G. Wodehouse for one, did it?
I disagree. Read pretty much any Wodehouse (certainly all the good ones - anyone who wrote as many books as him is allowed an off day) and there is always loads of narrative drive. Lots happens and there is always a problem to be solved or "what happens next?" to keep you reading.
He is also brilliantly funny at the same time. That's the trick.
All you have to do is write a book that is gripping, hilarious and full of loveable memrable characters... Easy...
Quote: David Salisbury @ August 10 2011, 12:07 PM BSTI disagree. Read pretty much any Wodehouse (certainly all the good ones - anyone who wrote as many books as him is allowed an off day) and there is always loads of narrative drive. Lots happens and there is always a problem to be solved or "what happens next?" to keep you reading.
He is also brilliantly funny at the same time. That's the trick.
All you have to do is write a book that is gripping, hilarious and full of loveable memrable characters... Easy...
Certainly he had plot, but it was repetitive, it was always about stealing a particular object, getting out an engagement.
In fact I think most comedy novels (at least good ones) are more about being funny than a plot line-what was Cold Comfort Farm really about, for example? I think only George MacDonald Frasier really combines plot with humour.
Reviving an old thread because I was wondering how anybody had got on with this
If anyone happens to have written a funny book for kids or young adults, there's this contest currently going. http://greenhouseliterary.com/index.php/site/funny_prize