Could you tell us about your short story in one sentence, for the readers who haven’t read it (yet!)?
SORRY, DELIVERY features Kayla Reilly, a fifty-something, biscuit-loving, narcoleptic delivery driver, who’s possibly responsible for a dead body on her route.
Have you always been interested in (comic) writing, or did you fall into it unexpectedly?
All of my stories have an element of humour in them, but SORRY, DELIVERY was the first story that I set about infusing with humour. In the earliest version it was a straight murder mystery with a few one-liners thrown in. It sat in the short stories folder on my computer (with many others) for over a year. When I spotted the CWIP competition call for entries, I retrieved the story and set about re-writing it, expanding the scenes to allow Kayla to make many more amusing observations.
We’d love to hear about where you get ideas for your wondrous wit? Do you have any tips you could impart to aspiring witty writers?
My inspiration comes from many sources. I particularly enjoy listening to old time radio murder mysteries like Suspense and the CBS Radio Mystery Theatre, and luckily there are hundreds of episodes online. The writers were quite irreverent and extremely witty, while the actors were brilliant at delivery…even in the middle of murdering other characters. My advice to writers would be to note down any witty lines that resonate with you, whether from radio, TV or internet sources (I’ve typed up thirty pages, so far) and practice writing your own lines based on the world today.
Speaking of which, where does your writing magic happen?
Most of my writing takes place at my desk which faces a wall. It’s close to the windows with a quite distracting view of sky, hills and sea. When I’m in ‘the zone’ though, nothing will make me glance left.
What is the best piece of content by a witty woman you’ve read/watched/listened to/experienced recently?
Best witty woman comedy I’ve watched recently was on the Laugh Society’s YouTube page called ‘Only Women Can Do This: Gina Yashere.’ At just under four minutes, every word Gina says is funny and true.
Finally, what does being published by CWIP mean to you? Do you have any advice for other witty writers?
I still remember opening Twitter to check the shortlist and screaming when I saw the CWIP announcement. I’ve always wanted to appear in an anthology so was absolutely delighted the judges deemed my story fit for publication in an actual book with pages! My advice to other witty writers is don’t let imposter-syndrome lead you to self-censor. Not everyone will get your humour, but your witty tales deserve an audience. Hit that send button, share the fun.
Paula's short story "Sorry, Delivery" appears in The Book of Witty Women available to purchase now.
If you could offer support we would love you to press the button below - so we can keep going!
Σχόλια