by Zoe M. McCarthy | Jun 14, 2018 | Writing
You want to write humor into your story, but it’s funny only in your head. Keep trying, because all genres benefit from some humor. Sometimes humor isn’t well done and poor reviews are valid. But other times, the problem is some readers don’t have funny bones. Ignore...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Jun 1, 2017 | Writing
Malapropism Malapropism is using a word that sounds similar to the right word the writer intended to use. The word comes from the French expression mal a propos, which means inappropriate. Malapropism can be unintentional or intentional. To add humor to a story,...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Nov 3, 2016 | Writing
Definition of Hyperbole Combining my research: Figurative language technique with visual impact that deliberately uses an extreme, fanciful, humorous, or ridiculous exaggeration (possibly applies a simile or metaphor) that makes a point about a real circumstance....
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Jan 21, 2016 | Speaking
“Your goal should not be to ‘deliver a presentation.’ It should be to inspire your audience, to move them, and to encourage them to dream bigger.” —Amy Carmine GalloIf I’m going to put my trembling body before an audience, I want to rivet the members with what I...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | May 30, 2013 | Creating
“The secret to humor is surprise. ” — Aristotle We know humor adds much to engaging an audience. This is true whether our works are art pieces, presentations, dramas, novels, short stories or non-fiction. But we also know humor, unlike other elements in our creative...