How did your upbringing, particularly being exposed to storytelling from your mother and comedy from films like those featuring Steve Martin and John Candy, shape your approach to writing?
My mum has an interesting way of telling any story and when she starts you are in for a journey – what starts off in one direction often leads to many more and before you know it, you can’t remember where the story began. But she is always intriguing, and you are captivated by her enthusiasm. I learnt early on that to keep a listener interested you need to be enthusiastic about what you are saying and always have a touch of humour.
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a beloved classic. How has this film, or other comedies you've enjoyed, influenced your narrative style and humor in your writing?
This movie and so many others of its time had such relatable scenarios, every day menial moments that are often overlooked are highlighted. Like the scene where the characters are sitting at the back of open Ute and the temperature outside is so cold that they have icicles hanging off their faces, just saying this seems bland but add to this the actor’s facial expressions and suddenly there is the humour. The teachable moment for me is to look for the humour in everyday moments and how to make them relatable.
Can you share a memorable anecdote from your childhood that highlights the influence of storytelling in your life?
Weekends were often shared with cousins, spending hours on end watching these iconic movies. We would all cram into a tiny lounge room and with people fighting for a comfy couch position while others would sprawl out on the floor, limbs would inevitably spill out into adjoining rooms. Hours would be spent together, laughing, eating and copious amounts of coffee. I don’t believe anyone had a mobile phone – so we just spent time together, told stories and laughed. Great memories.
How do you balance crafting engaging narratives with injecting humour into your stories?
Being able to laugh at myself and not take things so seriously.
What elements from classic comedies do you intentionally incorporate into your writing, and why?
Great writing, executed perfectly by the actors delivering the lines. The actor is the where the magic happens – they bring the character to life. On paper however, bringing a character to life is a little more challenging. They need to be larger than life so the reader can imagine the character as the story unfolds.
Do you find that your sense of humor evolves over time, and if so, how does it manifest in your writing?
It does evolve – it must. Times have changed and obviously for the better.
Which authors or humorists do you admire, and how have they influenced your work?
I have been influenced by legendary actors, family members and friends. It is just sewn into the fabric of who you are.
In what ways do you ensure that your humor resonates with readers across different generations?
I do not believe that this is something that I can ensure as humour is very much subjective. My only hope is that any reader of any generation can relate to the story being told and that they can see some humour in it. And if not, that’s ok too.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a humorous scene or dialogue in your writing?
Each chapter is a different character. The stories unfolded in my mind as I had created Characters that were larger than life based on everyday behaviours. Such as the Smiley Spider. A creature with such charm and a lovely smile. As she portrays this smokescreen of a façade she is trapping her victims into her strategically placed web.
Have you ever faced challenges in infusing humor into your stories, and if so, how did you overcome them?
At times. But I just keep in mind that humour really is subjective.
How do you approach character development, particularly when it comes to creating memorable and comedic characters?
Create characters that are larger than life. Try to make them relatable and infuse some humour where you can.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your storytelling, alongside your humor?
Yes, too much time can be wasted on worrying about people who behave badly. Their behaviour is not on you. Thankfully, we also have some incredible people in our lives who are our rocks. Take all the lessons learnt from each experience and never lose sight of who you are . We are all uniquely different.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to incorporate humor into their work effectively?
Advice that was given to me – start writing! Back yourself! And have a supportive Publishing house that challenges you with extensive rounds of editing.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as an author, especially in terms of continuing to write engaging stories with timeless humor?
I am currently writing the story of my father’s migration journey from Italy to Australia in the 1950’s and all the discrimination and hardships he encountered over the years. This is not a story with intentional humour but some of the experiences do have humour in them. I hope this story infuses a myriad of emotions. Humorous at times, anger and sadness at others.
When did you join AllAuthor? What has your experience been like?
I joined AllAuthor over a year ago now and it has been a great experience. It has opened my world of writing to a community of Authors and readers. An opportunity to connect with other Authors and participate in many competitions, like the cover of the month. And it is always exciting to see the next post of your book on Socials.
