Adding humor to your work is important — funny things can happen even in a serious novel, and people can make witty comments even in the most desperate of times.

But writing a story whose point is to be funny? A lot harder than it sounds. “Funny” is subjective, and not everyone finds the same things humorous.

And there are decisions to be made. Are you writing satire? Are you attempting for Wodehouse wit or Mel Brooks slapstick? And, more importantly, can you carry it off?

Our experts will discuss writing humor — what works, what doesn’t, what to avoid. Questions are welcome!

EDIT: This was recorded and is now available in our “expert advice” section.

Jody Lynn Nye is the author of more than fifty books and 165 short stories. She has collaborated with many SF/fantasy greats including Anne McCaffrey, Piers Anthony, and Robert Asprin, with whom she wrote eight books, and took over the Myth-Adventures and Dragons series after his passing. Her own books are mostly of a humorous bent, such as the Imperium series (Baen). Her website is JodyLynNye.com.

Alex Shvartsman is a writer and editor known primarily for humorous short stories, such as the award-winning Explaining Cthulhu to Grandma. His latest novel is The Middling Affliction, which joins previous novels like H. G. Wells, Secret Agent and Eridani’s Crown. He has been editing the Unidentified Funny Objects anthologies, with the 9th edition coming later this year. His web page is www.alexshvartsman.com/

Pocono Liar Michael A. Ventrella is hosting. He has five humorous adventure novels published so far, including Terin Ostler and the Axes of Evil and Big Stick. He’s edited a dozen or so anthologies, including Release the Virgins!, Baker Street Irregulars, and the recent Three Time Travelers Walk Into … His web page is www.MichaelAVentrella.com.