I believe that humor is important
in life itself. Humor is something that brings joy and laughter not only to our
lives but also to those around us. Humor
is something that is universal and has tons of versatility to it, based on the
personality of the person showing humor. Humor has been a huge part of my own
life as I am usually caught goofing off in class, telling jokes to the person next to me, and I have even been part of Improv shows in the past. I tend to be the jokester among my classmates
and friends. I can usually zip out a few one-liners that
will leave your abs hurting and the tears rolling.
Though there are times where my humor was the talk of the night, there have been just as many where it failed miserably. Execution is key, and sometimes my jokes haven’t always been executed at the most appropriate times. I can remember one time in
high school my best friend’s grandfather was having surgery to amputate one of
his legs. She was worried about him and
had been sad and gloomy all day. I
thought this was the perfect time to cheer her up. I told her to look on the bright side; "one
pair of socks will last twice as long!" Though we laugh about it now, she was
not very happy with me that day.
` So
is humor important to travel writing? Does a bear poop in the woods? As I have
mention before I think humor is essential to everything, even travel writing. I think that when humor is delivered properly
it can make things ten times more enjoyable. I think that not all people are funny. They should probably stay away from humor.
The purpose of travel writing is to give vivid details about your
experience while traveling. I would much rather write, and read for that matter, something that has slight
humor than a research article. As a
travel writer, you are writing to share an experience, not simply throw out
information at your reader. You want your reader to experience every living detail you experience while on your trip. (Even if that means the funny comments that are rolling through your mind) Now, as much as I love humor, it isn’t appropriate at all times (as I have shown in the previous paragraph) Some travelers are searching for those 'research article' types of blogs to inform them. These types of travelers are looking for a more knowledge-based environment to learn about an area rather than relive the adventures of a fellow traveler.
Maybe your travel writing experience went extremely well with little humor. I think that is fantastic. There are many ways to execute an excellent travel writing piece. However, I think that a good balance of vivid detail, slight humor, and a good story is the best combination to an excellent travel writing piece.
Maybe your travel writing experience went extremely well with little humor. I think that is fantastic. There are many ways to execute an excellent travel writing piece. However, I think that a good balance of vivid detail, slight humor, and a good story is the best combination to an excellent travel writing piece.
I love how you said that not all people are funny and that they should refrain from using humor! I laughed. I agree that not all people succeed in pulling off the punchline, but I just smile and let them go about their harmless way. But who am I to judge their degree of humor? There are times and places for jokes as well. I too, fell victim to making light of a situation that desperately needed sincerity. I have learned, to say the least. Loved your blog!
ReplyDeleteHumor is very important writing, especially in travel writing. It can make a story so much better, and it also helps who you travel to make the trip better. Certain people you can travel with and the humor will just naturally flow but when forced it doesnt make it that funny. It goes along with writing it too. You cannot for humor on your readers, its just something that has to flow together to make it work.
ReplyDeleteJess,
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree more that humor has a time and a place. I am like you with sarcastic remarks or one-liner jokes that can either be hilarious or fail miserably. You mention how some readers look for blogs that are more research based while planning a trip, while others just want a good read. I think it depends on the situation that a reader is in, and how well an author conveys the humor. I also think it is important for there to be a balance between detail and humor when a writer choses to incorporate humor.
Knowing the right time to be funny is very important, and you seem to understand that well. I agree that certain amounts of humor are necessary in everything we do. Especially writing, because humor is a great way to hook your readers.
ReplyDeleteJess,
ReplyDeleteAs I am not one to read those "research article" blogs, I agree with you when you say that a little humor is important to travel writing. I like that you talked about how sometimes you are the center of attention with your humor while at other times you claim to "fail miserably". I think as a writer, it is essential to realize your own imperfections and be able to embrace that fact that not everyone will get your humor all the time. Lastly, I like that you said to share your feelings, funny or not, with your readers at the time of an experience. Not only does it help them see things through your eyes but it also helps your remember your travels more vividly.
Jess,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading how you use humor in everyday and how sometimes it can be inappropriate at times. I agree with you because I think that humor makes everything so much more interesting. I do think there is a time and place for humor and sometimes traveling and telling a story about those travels in a humorous way is not necessary. I often struggle on when and where to use my humor because I love to joke with my family and friends about everything. It is difficult sometimes to bite my tongue and not say what is on my mind. I think that's the same way with travel writing.
Your observation that timing is critical is spot-on, and thanks for being honest and sharing a perhaps not-so-shining moment...
ReplyDelete