The Director's Cut
There is no great thrill for a writer than sitting in an auditorium listening to an audience roar with laughter. Talk about satisfying!
One of the most “laughable” moments in my history as a director came during the production of Little Women, back in the ’90s. My oldest daughter (Randi) played the role of Aunt March, a cranky old soul. She did such a great job that a couple of audience members in the front row got tickled. They laughed. . .and laughed. . .and laughed. Before long, we were all laughing, (including Randi, who had a hard time containing herself and carrying on).
The whole thing reminded me of one of those old Carol Burnett skits, where Harvey Korman and Tim Conway couldn’t keep a straight face.
What does this have to do with The Director’s Cut? Everything! Tia (the Stars Collide director) doesn’t have much of a funny bone. . .at first. It takes awhile for her to get started. But once she does. . .watch out! Turns out the girl has a sense of humor, after all!
That’s kind of how I view my books, folks. Some readers chuckle out-loud from cover to cover. Others shrug and say, “What’s so funny about that?” I do my best to MAKE those folks laugh before the story is up!
You can do that too, you know. The next time you’re in an awkward situation, do your best to lighten the moment by throwing in a joke or a light-hearted comment. Before long everyone will be smiling again!
Ah, laughter! It truly is like medicine, isn’t it?!
