Welcome to Tuesday Terrific, where we celebrate getting over the Monday hump and picking up speed for the rest of the week.
After spending the weekend at the Malice Domestic convention with fellow mystery writers and fans, discussing murder and mayhem in the rarified environment of hotel banquet halls, meeting rooms and lounges, I’ve been on the lookout for writer humor, and the absurdities of language in general. I seem to be finding examples everywhere, which I took to be A SIGN. I must blog about it. Besides, who couldn’t use a few laughs?
Let’s start small: the lowly comma
The difference between fur coats and party animals:
The difference between a cuddly-looking zoo animal and a psychopathic furball:
The difference between a domestic diva and a character from Silence of the Lambs:
Who knew such a simple little hook-shaped entity could carry so much power?! Folks say the pen is mightier than the sword. I think the comma is mightier than the sword:
Here’s a hilarious example of the power of punctuation, from Victor Borge:
“Phonetic Punctuation”
You know you’re a writer if:
1. A relaxing beach vacation gives you an idea for a murder plot:
2. You have to be able to write – anywhere:
For that best-seller idea that comes to you in the shower, here’s AquaNotes. Hey, why take chances?
3. For the “retro” writer – you’re enchanted with the good old days of hunching over a typewriter, a litter of empty booze bottles at your feet.
Here’s something special for you, retro writer! Of course, you’ll need a spare “5 to 8 hours to complete this fun project, depending on skill level with a soldering iron.” As for the litter of empty booze bottles…well, you’ll have to come up with that on your own.
4. You like to make palindromes out of your pets:
What other telltale signs can you think of? Do any of these resonate with you? I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Kathy
This is great! Love the aqua notes 🙂
Thanks, Coleen! I have to admit, I’m curious about those aqua notes. Hmm, maybe a little market research is in order. 😀
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Wonderful way to start the day. Love the clean look of the site. It’s really come a long way. Good job!
Thanks, Kristen! Your Grammarly shares on Facebook started the idea, and then – well, I HAD to find a way to bring back the “tacocat,” LOL.
Glad you like the new look. Speaking of new looks, I’m diggin’ your new gravatar pic – very nice! 🙂
Kathy – What a great pick-me-up! I love it. Oh, and folks, I recommend reading Eats, Shoots and Leaves . It’s a great book :-). And the taco cat? Priceless!
Even better, it’s a grumpy taco cat. (I’d be, too, if I was made to wear that, LOL). Thanks, Margot!
Oh, I might have to get the aqua-note! Love it!
I’m starting to entertain the idea, too, Ginger – LOL! Then I wonder…how many sheets of paper are on there? How well does a wet pencil (or pen) work on it? Because – yeah, right – I get my best ideas in the shower. 😉
Love this post, Kathy! I adore Eat, Shoots & Leaves, and all of the comma humor.
Your Victor Borge video reminded me of one of my favorite bits with him and Dean Martin. They did a musical version of phonetic pronunciation on Martin’s show: http://youtu.be/N7L02tCNi0I. Hilarious.
Ooh, Julie, that was FABULOUS! I just watched it – everyone, check out the link above that Julie provided. Dean-o and Victor Borge are a riot together. What fun – thanks so much for sending it our way!
Hilarious! My favorite was “I’m inspired by cooking my pets and my loved ones.” haha! Great mashup, Kathy.
Thanks, Ellie! Why did I have a feeling that would be your fave? LOL!
This rocks Kathy…no, wait I meant This rocks, Kathy. Yeah, that it. geesh
Hahaha, Pru, you crack me up! 😀
Awesome post! My favorite is the Stop Clubbing, Baby Seals!
Yeah, you have to keep those party animals under control. They go a little wild out there. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Janice!
Great post! I vote for the shower thought pad, too, though I’ve taken super short showers since I learned about water-wasting in the 3rd grade. Barely time for a haiku. Then again, I do love write-dreaming in the tub on occasion. Hmm…
Ooh, tub time! Sounds perfect. 🙂
I do like the look of your site Kathy! It looks great! Where did you find all those crazy pics? LOL! Taco cat is back. LOL! And I love the shower notes! 🙂
Aww, thanks Karen! I must have uploaded a dozen themes to try out before I settled on this one, LOL. Try grammarly.com for some of the humor I used here – there’s a ton.
The aqua notes seem really popular! Who knew?
Hysterical! I loved it, especially the video. I had tears running down my face. Squeee!! And the USB typewriter – OMG – amazing!!! WAHAHAHA!
Thanks for the FAB start to my day!
Thank YOU, Natalie, for stopping by! So glad you got a laugh to start your day. 🙂
“Use a comma. Save a life!” is my new motto. Loved the mash-up!
Haha, Pat. Not a bad motto to live by, right? Sort of a better living through correct use of punctuation. Thanks for the visit!
Brilliant images. It’s amazing how big difference commas can make in a sentence.
Thank you, Reetta! English is a funny language.
What fun, Kathy! Yes, the Aqua Notes are cool, and Let’s Eat Grandma is classic, but I LOVE the seals and the typewriter conversion! Thanks for the giggle.
You bet, Jennifer – thanks so much for stopping by!
Love the Aqua Notes, as well as the beach cartoon. Great job, Kathy!
Thanks, Kim! I’m waiting for someone to try them out and tell us about them!