I'm not known as a wild and crazy fashionista. Classic outfits that remain in style for years are more to my taste.
Every now and then, I break out of the mold. How? Socks. It all started when I won two pairs of flashy footwear in a blog contest. I was hooked.
This alter ego thrives in the summer. I'll pair a tame shirt and pants with patterned socks. The first time I did this, the Women's Ministries' participants went into a fit of giggles. I may not look like I stepped off the pages of a magazine, but I made people laugh.
My wardrobe includes Christmas socks, heart socks, striped socks, and...drum roll please...cow socks! It's a modest, but effective assortment. I don't make wearing them a habit, but when I do, they have the desired effect.
All this frivolity made me think. Why not use the principle of the unexpected in my writing? A dash of humor in an otherwise serious piece lightens it and gives the reader a breather.
A word of caution here: not all publications are open to the chuckle factor. Get sample copies to discern whether or not they have a funny bone.
What are some ways you jazz up your writing?
I'm working a scene like that into my WIP now...bringing the funny.
ReplyDeleteLately I keep contemplating getting a second ear piercing. What's with that?
~ Wendy
I love socks. And Wendy. I've already done the second piercing. Which is hysterical because I came close to passing out with the first--when I was 30. I've actually thought about a third. Or maybe a little tasteful tattoo. That would really freak my kids out.
ReplyDeleteOne summer my sister and niece and I got those spray-on tattoos, and I sent photos to my daughter--including one of me outside a real tattoo shop looking really scared. That was fun!
I love that you love fun socks! I have a few pairs of colorful ones but I find I don't wear them often--don't know why. I think it's because they're not as comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI try to add fun into my stories for light moments, especially because my stories are supposed to be on the light side in the first place. Now I need to work on adding that light side to my own life :) (I DO have a second ear piercing :D)
Great reminder to throw in some unexpected! Thanks Susan!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy -
ReplyDeleteLOL! Maybe we're going through our second childhood.
I'm not brave enough to go for a second ear piercing. I was 27 before I could get up the courage to get my ears pierced.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Sandra -
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny. What a practical joker!
No tattoos for me. That's way too wild and crazy for this girl.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Cindy -
ReplyDeleteA little goes a long way with these touches - both in socks and in our writing.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Katie -
ReplyDeleteThe socks make me smile, and a bit of humor in my writing takes the edge off a serious piece.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I love the unexpected. If I'm trying to develop a nasty character, I try to give him/her some surprising quirk, such as a desire to become an expert at cooking or knitting or fashion (for the guys) or an evil woman who loves to volunteer her time to the Special Olympics. Or a GQ handsome guy who's so shy he falls all over himself when he talks to a pretty woman. Kojak's lollypop comes to mind here.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me giggle and smile, I hope that was the desired effect. Oh, and it made me think, which often isn't good, but this time it was.
ReplyDeletenewbie writer
I love to use dialogue, especially with a sarcastic character, to liven the scene!
ReplyDeleteHi Dena -
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I remember a villain, who loved small dogs.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Shopgirl -
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog! I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I'm glad the post made you smile and think.
You said you're a "newbie writer." There are many excellent blogs on my blogroll that can help you learn.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Gina -
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting.
Oh, your character sounds like fun! It reminds me of the Rosie O'Donnell character in Sleepless in Seattle.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I'd love to see the cow socks! What a fun way to liven up an outfit! I love adding a dash of suspense to my devotionals to keep the reader guessing. Humor is a great option too. Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteWhat, you're not a fashionista? Hmm. I'm slightly disappointed, for I was hoping you'd help me with a new spring wardrobe...:P
ReplyDeleteGreat point! Why not make things interesting when you have the right fit.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Maria -
ReplyDeleteI never thought of using suspense in my devotionals. Great idea!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'm learning what colors are good on me (soft autumn according to Crystal Laine Miller). You might want to read her posts on the subject. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Oh yes! Life goes better with color & laughter. It certainly requires discernment, but a well placed splash of vibrant, or a well timed chuckle makes the medicine go down.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff!
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen -
ReplyDeleteLOL! I always liked that song. A little sugar added in the right places helps us digest truth. :)
Blessings,
Susan
I LOVE putting the unexpected "chuckle factor" into a piece. Love this!
ReplyDeleteNow every time I see funky socks, I'm going to think of you!
ReplyDeleteI just wrote a devotional, actually, that I tried to put a dash of humor in. It's interesting that I have a very serious writer's voice, yet in real life I'm crazy and light hearted.
I love the socks!
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a nonfiction book with a "heavy" theme. I like to use well-placed anecdotes to lighten things up a bit.
Blessings,
Jean
Hi Rhonda -
ReplyDeleteSo do I, but it's a little harder for me to pull it off. You're a natural. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Alisa -
ReplyDeleteLOL! It's one of those silly things few people know about me.
We all have a unique writing voice. The subjects you tackle are usually serious, and you do a great job.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Jean -
ReplyDeleteAnecdotes are a great way to lighten a serious piece.
When Beloved was going through chemo, I tried to put a bit of humor into his hospital esccapades. It wasn't difficult since he was quite a character. :)
Blessings,
Susan