Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy

(Hardback)

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Description

What makes funny FUNNY An esteemed anthologist interviews thirteen favorite childrens authors and asks them to share their trade secrets.

Do you ever make yourself laugh while you are writing

"A joke isnt a joke if you need to explain it," notes Leonard S. Marcus. "Even so, the hidden clockwork of comedy . . . has long been considered one of the great riddles of life." There are many kinds of humor, but capturing their essence on paper is a remarkably difficult (and often undervalued) skill. So how do authors create books that not only stand the tests of time but also make us laugh In thirteen fascinating interviews, well-loved writers of humorous books for children discuss an array of topics, from their sources of inspiration to the ways they began writing, from their revision processes to childhood anecdotes to the value they place on comedy in their work and lives. Beautifully designed and thoughtfully edited, this collection is bound to tickle the fancy of children and adults alike.
Back matter includes an index.

Reviews

Warm, revealing, and, yes, often-funny profiles that make essential reading for aspiring writers and childrens literature enthusiasts of all ages.
Booklist (starred review)

Author Bio

Leonard S. Marcusis one of the worlds most respected writers about childrens literature. His essays, interviews, and reviews appear in theNew York Times Book Reviewand many other publications, and he has a regular column forParentingmagazine. Among his numerous booksareThe Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of FantasyandMinders of Make-Believe: Idealists, Entrepreneurs, and the Shaping of American Children's Literature.He lives in Brooklyn.