Mize’s New Book Breaks Down Humor Writing

Our beloved state of Louisiana is low on the list for some things, but we have one thing we can claim that no other state has: We have the only modern-day Will Rogers as senator representing Louisiana. Senator John Kennedy often appears in clips on national news channels for his comments that have the nation laughing.

Here’s an example. While appearing with a panel of Senators on a show recently, he was asked to comment on the behavior of a member of an opposing party. He kept a straight face while other members of the panel were laughing when he said, “She’s the reason they put instructions on shampoo bottles.”

Kennedy is a master of the quip and was using one of the several techniques humor writers employ to bemuse their readers.

I received a book in the mail “Funny You Asked Me That!” from my friend, humor writer Jim Mize who writes from his cabin in the mountains of South Carolina. Included in the book are several of his humor columns but what I have found intriguing is he explains techniques he uses to create the humor that caused me to laugh.

In the book’s preface, Mize writes “Within these chapters, you will find discussions of techniques, samples and opinions of humor from a student who has spent almost fifty years on the subject and is yet to graduate.”

When I was growing up, I loved to read the outdoors magazines such as Outdoor Life, Field and Stream and Sports Afield. As soon as I got my hands on a copy, I’d head to the back pages first to read the humor columns of Ed Zern and Patrick McManus. In Mize’s book, he is also a fan of these two great humor writers and has learned a lot from them, in person or by correspondence, of how they do what they do.

Another of his favorite humor writers, also mine, is the late Lewis Grizzard who wrote for an Atlanta newspaper. Here’s something Mize included in the book that Grizzard wrote. “In the south, there’s a difference between ‘Naked’ and ‘Nekkid’. Naked means you don’t have clothes on while Nekkid means you don’t have any clothes on and you’re up to something.”

Mize’s humorous writings have appeared in Gray’s Sporting Journal, Field and Stream, South Carolina Wildlife, In-Fishermen, Great Days Outdoors and several other national magazines. On a personal note, I occasionally include a bit of humor in the columns I write. If bits of humor in my columns are created by some of the techniques Mize writes about, such as misdirection, tension, timing et al, it’s strictly by accident.

This is one reason I am enjoying Mize’s book so much; it shows me when I try to write something funny, that there’s a reason a particular column might produce a chuckle or at least a smile and head nod.

Mize has produced a collection of humorous books that each hold special niches in my personal library. His first one, “The Winter of our Discontent” may be my favorite. Others of his include “A Creek Trickles Through It”, “Hunting With Beanpole”, “Fishing With Beanpole” and “The Jon Boat Years”. For autographed copies of any of his reasonably priced books, they are available a www.acreektricklesthroughit.com.

I am a lifelong fan of reading and hearing funny stuff and if you are, get your hands on one of Jim Mize’s books. Also be sure to keep your television on to news channels to see and hear what Senator John Kennedy might say next.

FISHING REPORT 

CANEY LAKE –. Crappie fishing has been good in the shallows as the spawn is kicking in. Shiners and jigs are bringing some good ones in. Bass are still on the banks and responding to Yellow Magics and Sinko’s fished wacky style. Bream both chinquapins and bluegills are on the beds and hitting crickets and worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Lots of big bass are being caught around shallow brush flipping jigs and soft plastics. Crappie have slowed down a bit and some have moved from the shallows to deeper water. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – High water and rising. No fishing report. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been good early mornings on topwater lures with soft plastics, jigs and chatter baits working best later in the day away from the banks. Crappie are still mostly on the banks spawning although some have begun to move out to deeper water. Jigs and shiners are taking some nice fish. Bream are bedding shallow and hitting worms and crickets and catfish are good fishing off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been good in the shallows on spawning fish with some beginning to move to deeper water. Jigs and shiners are best for crappie. Bass are mostly shallow and will hit jigs, spinners and soft plastics. Bream are on the beds and worms and crickets are working on them. No report on stripers or catfish. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish and bream are biting. Crappie are fair with no report on bass. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – Water rising rapidly. No fishing report. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.