This week: The Art of Parody (or a spoof) Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
There are times when fantasy and science fiction can be funny. A look at parodies and spoofs in the speculative fiction realm with a few tips for how to get started. |
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Why does writing have to be so serious? The answer is well, it doesn't have to be serious. In fact, it can be downright funny or silly and that includes any of the speculative fiction genres. One such example is that of a spoof or parody. Ru Paul's drag race uses a science fiction spoof approach for an episode every few seasons. One year it was about space and trips to Uranus. This year, the queens were challenged to make a spoof on "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" by creating a parody called "Henny, I Shrunk the Drag Queen." It was funny and brought to mind the option for creating a spoof or a parody even though humor is not something I tend towards in writing fiction. I probably won't write one but you might.
So, first off let's take the broad approach. What is a parody? Usually, this is a comical imitation of an already created work. Some examples include: Scary Movie (all of them) where it spoofed different horror movies through the use of extensive exaggeration and similar plot lots with various results, a zombie version of Pride and Prejudice, and there are even a few out that relate to the Harry Potter Series. While it is using a story that was created by someone else, it is often done with a heavy nod or appreciation for the original artist along with an expense dose of humor to make it something to stand on its own as a story.
Copyright and such aside, that is for a different newsletter, let's look at a couple key steps in writing a parody.
Step 1: pick a story. What do you want to spoof or parody? It's an obvious first step because you need to know exactly what story you are going to be taking and making into something different and much funnier. It could be a fairy tale, a pop culture icon, or even a deep, dark serious story. Whatever catches your attention and gives you that inspiration to make something new.
Step 2: Build the characters. Yes, while much of the character and story are established to a degree, this isn't an exact copy. There need to be changes and curveballs in how the characters act or develop to make it something that is not only different, but to give that very important element of humor. What will be different about the character? How will they react to the exaggeration of situation and plot twists? What is funny about them? Think these things over as you move to the next stage, which involves the plot.
Step 3. Create an exaggerated version of the story. This is where you increase the comedic elements by how you twist and move the plot around. Some of the story is the same but there are probably going to be some changes that need made, some particular moments need juiced up or exaggerated in order to bring in that needed element of comedy.
Step 4. Write. The most obvious, once you have the plot and characters figured out along with what will make it a parody, then you need to do the hard work or writing. Like any other story, you need to do the first draft, take some time away, rewrite and edit. It's really no different than any other speculative fiction story. The inspiration might have a specific source and some aspects created ahead of time but the rest, that's all up to you. And you have to be funny.
Give it a try and see where it takes you. Even if it's just a 2,000 word attempt, it's often good to practice writing even if it's different than your normal approach. I might give it a try some time too. The key factor is finding the time to write. So, get busy and have fun! |
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What is your favorite sci-fi or fantasy parody?
“All readers come to fiction as willing accomplices to your lies. Such is the basic goodwill contract made the moment we pick up a work of fiction.” — Steve Almond, WD
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Fantasy: April 21, 2021 Issue [#10726]
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