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By Patrick F. McManus - The Deer on a Bicycle: Excursions into the Writing of Humor (Softcover Ed) (2000-04-30) [Paperback]
Short humor - what is it and who cares? Why write for magazines? Does a first book author need an agent? What do you mean by indirection in a story? This book answers these questions that aspiring writers ask. It is intended for those who write humor or have ever wanted to.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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240 people want to read
About the author
Patrick F. McManus
56 books417 followersPatrick F. McManus is an American outdoor humor writer. A humor columnist for Outdoor Life and other magazines, his columns have been collected in several books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 28, 2013
One of the few how-to books dedicated to humor. This is a fun and helpful read. He reprises, in places, some of his best work. He tells of how it came to be, and he offers specific technical tips.
February 16, 2016
If you have any interest in writing humor articles or just adding bits of humor to your writing, this is the book to read. I laughed my way through it because McManus offers his own articles as examples. And the stories come with quite insightful commentary on how he developed the pieces. Along the way, McManus explains the kind of things writers want to know, such as how to get your byline in magazines, your name on a book cover and how to include a “recognition factor” with which readers can identify.
Chapters open with questions from Newton, an imaginary character who thinks like the students McManus taught during his tenure as a university professor of English and Journalism. McManus answers Newt’s questions directly or with illustrations from his writing.
Published in 2000 by Eastern Washington University Press, the book’s back matter includes “Humorists I’ve Liked and Learned From,” a list of authors admired by McManus. And McManus is now on my list of "most admired authors"!
In The Deer on a Bicycle you’ll learn how to take small inane snapshots of life and blow them up to make people laugh so hard they cry. You’ll observe artful exaggeration and how even a bit of humor goes a long way to attract editors. But even if you’re not interested in writing humor, this book is a winner just for the fun of it.
Chapters open with questions from Newton, an imaginary character who thinks like the students McManus taught during his tenure as a university professor of English and Journalism. McManus answers Newt’s questions directly or with illustrations from his writing.
Published in 2000 by Eastern Washington University Press, the book’s back matter includes “Humorists I’ve Liked and Learned From,” a list of authors admired by McManus. And McManus is now on my list of "most admired authors"!
In The Deer on a Bicycle you’ll learn how to take small inane snapshots of life and blow them up to make people laugh so hard they cry. You’ll observe artful exaggeration and how even a bit of humor goes a long way to attract editors. But even if you’re not interested in writing humor, this book is a winner just for the fun of it.
April 8, 2008
I am only going to write one review for all of McManus' books, since essentially they are the same book with more or less the same basic story. This is by far the best humorist in America...except for maybe Dave Barry, but McManus is more subtle and less predictable. If you have never read this guy, let me give you the nickel tour. His writings are collections of essays, most of which have been featured on the back page of Outdoor Life magazine for about 20 years. He grew up in a very small town in the Panhandle of Idaho and rarely moves his stories more than a few miles from home. He has taken all his favorite people from boyhood to manhood and, after giving them all nicknames, tells us essentially true stories peppered with tons of hyperbole. He is an Outdoors fanatic, and most of the stories talk about hunting, fishing, camping and the food related to each sport. I have done most of these, but that is not the appeal of his writing. He just knows how to turn a funny phrase. He is self-depricating, has editing down to a fine art, and throws life philosophy in everywhere. His love for Idaho and all things rugged is apparent, but even the most dedicated city slicker will be intrigued. Pick up just one of his books, and I dare you to not buy another.
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November 27, 2013This isn't your average book on writing. Humor writer McManus manages to keep the reader laughing while giving practical advice for writing. His subject is humor writing, but his tips and techniques are basic to the art of story. This is my second read of Deer on a Bicycle, and it probably won't be my last.
April 15, 2012
For his 14th book, Patrick McManus lets readers inside the laughs. This guide, "The Deer on a Bicycle: Excursions into the Writing of Humor," by one of the best-known and respected humorists, is an insightful and entertaining book for anyone who writes humor or has ever wanted to.
In "The Deer," McManus discusses many of the challenges inherent in humor writing, while offering many helpful hints to writers. He explains how he practices his craft. He does so by using the traditional Socratic Method, using a fictional character named Newton to pose random questions.
In providing answers, McManus wrote, he replies "with equal randomness, and occasionally with wild
abandon."
All of which provokes the occasional chuckle.
While McManus's extraordinary success as a humor writer would seem a natural enough seed for a book of writing advice, it turns out that altruism is as much part of his plan as advice-mongering. A professor emeritus at Eastern Washington University and author of 14 books, McManus and his wife, Darlene, decided a number of years ago to start an endowment at EWU for creative writing and journalism students.
As a final touch in his book, McManus includes a four-page list of humorists who have influenced him, a lineup that includes everyone from Woody Allen and Erma Bombeck to Robert Benchly and Mark Twain.
Excerpt from "The Deer on a Bicycle"
"One of my many theories about writing and humor is that both ultimately arise out of the life, character and personality of the writer. Because there is not much I wish to reveal about either my character or personality, I will tell you something about my life and how I got into this occupation of humor writing. I was born is an old farmhouse three miles north of Sandpoint, Idaho, on Aug. 24, 1933. There is some question about the exact date of my birth, because my father got the attending doctor drunk, and the doctor mistakenly wrote in Aug. 25, instead of Aug. 24, as the date on my birth certificate. That is according to my mother, she and I being the only sober ones in the house at the time. I have been rather pleased with the mistake ever since I first heard about it. Confusion is the natural environment of a humor writer, and it is best to get introduced to it as early as possible."
Published 9/21/2000 by Crindalyn Stevens (Lyster), Editor of Coast Weekend
In "The Deer," McManus discusses many of the challenges inherent in humor writing, while offering many helpful hints to writers. He explains how he practices his craft. He does so by using the traditional Socratic Method, using a fictional character named Newton to pose random questions.
In providing answers, McManus wrote, he replies "with equal randomness, and occasionally with wild
abandon."
All of which provokes the occasional chuckle.
While McManus's extraordinary success as a humor writer would seem a natural enough seed for a book of writing advice, it turns out that altruism is as much part of his plan as advice-mongering. A professor emeritus at Eastern Washington University and author of 14 books, McManus and his wife, Darlene, decided a number of years ago to start an endowment at EWU for creative writing and journalism students.
As a final touch in his book, McManus includes a four-page list of humorists who have influenced him, a lineup that includes everyone from Woody Allen and Erma Bombeck to Robert Benchly and Mark Twain.
Excerpt from "The Deer on a Bicycle"
"One of my many theories about writing and humor is that both ultimately arise out of the life, character and personality of the writer. Because there is not much I wish to reveal about either my character or personality, I will tell you something about my life and how I got into this occupation of humor writing. I was born is an old farmhouse three miles north of Sandpoint, Idaho, on Aug. 24, 1933. There is some question about the exact date of my birth, because my father got the attending doctor drunk, and the doctor mistakenly wrote in Aug. 25, instead of Aug. 24, as the date on my birth certificate. That is according to my mother, she and I being the only sober ones in the house at the time. I have been rather pleased with the mistake ever since I first heard about it. Confusion is the natural environment of a humor writer, and it is best to get introduced to it as early as possible."
Published 9/21/2000 by Crindalyn Stevens (Lyster), Editor of Coast Weekend
February 23, 2016
This review is from my blog
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Patrick McManus, The Deer on a Bicycle: Excursions into the Writing of Humor (Spokane: Eastern Washington University Press, 1997)
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To atone for all my sins committed in high school and college English classes, I try to read at least one book a year on the subject of writing. Knowing I couldn’t fathom another serious book on the subject, I picked up a copy of Patrick McManus’ guide to writing humor. I’ve read some of his other books and always get a chuckle out of them and was shocked to see that he had a book published by a university press! McManus is the type of author you want to keep on your nightstand. You can read a story or two before sleep and have hilarious dreams. He was also once a college English professor.
There are two parts to this book, the first being the “how to†section, the second being a collection of some of his best writings with his comments on how each piece came about and what he was attempting to do.
“The basic purpose of the article was to amuse and entertain, not inform,†McManus admits following his piece “Wild Life in a Room with a View.†McManus claims (if you can trust a humorist) this to be his last “straight piece†before going strictly to humor. This truism goes for the entire book. Reading the book, I was humored. I laughed; sometimes I laughed hard enough to cry. The other night I was reading it while lying in my daughter’s bed so that she would go to sleep. I should have gotten up when I heard the first little snore, but the story was too interesting that I kept reading and when I got to the punch line, I laughed so hard she woke up thinking something was wrong and I had to find a more serious book to read while she tried to go back to sleep.
This book inspired my recent post about my 7th Grade Math teacher. Depending on whether or not you liked that story may say something about whether or not you’d want to read this book. I recommend it because I recommend anything that McManus writes, not because I think it’s going to help make us better comics. Another book that I found had a lot of helpful hints on humor, believe it or not, was Stephen King’s book, On Writing.
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Patrick McManus, The Deer on a Bicycle: Excursions into the Writing of Humor (Spokane: Eastern Washington University Press, 1997)
-
To atone for all my sins committed in high school and college English classes, I try to read at least one book a year on the subject of writing. Knowing I couldn’t fathom another serious book on the subject, I picked up a copy of Patrick McManus’ guide to writing humor. I’ve read some of his other books and always get a chuckle out of them and was shocked to see that he had a book published by a university press! McManus is the type of author you want to keep on your nightstand. You can read a story or two before sleep and have hilarious dreams. He was also once a college English professor.
There are two parts to this book, the first being the “how to†section, the second being a collection of some of his best writings with his comments on how each piece came about and what he was attempting to do.
“The basic purpose of the article was to amuse and entertain, not inform,†McManus admits following his piece “Wild Life in a Room with a View.†McManus claims (if you can trust a humorist) this to be his last “straight piece†before going strictly to humor. This truism goes for the entire book. Reading the book, I was humored. I laughed; sometimes I laughed hard enough to cry. The other night I was reading it while lying in my daughter’s bed so that she would go to sleep. I should have gotten up when I heard the first little snore, but the story was too interesting that I kept reading and when I got to the punch line, I laughed so hard she woke up thinking something was wrong and I had to find a more serious book to read while she tried to go back to sleep.
This book inspired my recent post about my 7th Grade Math teacher. Depending on whether or not you liked that story may say something about whether or not you’d want to read this book. I recommend it because I recommend anything that McManus writes, not because I think it’s going to help make us better comics. Another book that I found had a lot of helpful hints on humor, believe it or not, was Stephen King’s book, On Writing.
January 10, 2019
I received this book from a friend who said it is hilarious. He was right. This is one of the few books that’s made me laugh out loud. McManus’s short stories have surprising verbs, unexpected character responses, and quick endings that that catch you off guard and send you howling with laughter.
The problem is with its organization. Marketed as a book for burgeoning writers, Deer on a Bicycle is plagued with Newton or Newt as a narrator who acts more as an obfuscation than a guide. Each chapter opens with a question from fictional Newt and McManus answers it. He would’ve been better off making chapters for each subject, opening with his humorous instructions and experiences, and closing the chapter with a short story to support his example.
As a fun read, this book gets an A+. As an instructional book for writers, it gets a C+.
The problem is with its organization. Marketed as a book for burgeoning writers, Deer on a Bicycle is plagued with Newton or Newt as a narrator who acts more as an obfuscation than a guide. Each chapter opens with a question from fictional Newt and McManus answers it. He would’ve been better off making chapters for each subject, opening with his humorous instructions and experiences, and closing the chapter with a short story to support his example.
As a fun read, this book gets an A+. As an instructional book for writers, it gets a C+.
August 8, 2014
No, this isn't a book of step-by-step mechanics of how to write humor. Yes, it does omit instructions on some of the finer McManus-isms. But it is my go-to book for encouragement, inspiration, ideas, and teaching in the craft of building humor tales and adventures. My wife finally bought me my very own copy - hardback and autographed, no less - because I kept borrowing one of the library's tattered and well-worn paperback copies three to four times a year to refresh myself. I find new nuggets of craft and wisdom every time I go through it -- or I just have fun rereading a few of my favorite McManus essays. Thanks for the help, Pat!
October 30, 2008
While staying overnight at my dad's house, I stumbled across this book (literally, it was on a pile I bumped into!). He said he picked it up not knowing it was reflections on writing, rather than McManus's signature humor stories. He gave it to me and I dug right in. It was a great book--the first half tells about McManus's views on writing humor, including some pointers and how he got into it--the second half is some of his favorite pieces along with commentary. A very good read!
April 18, 2010
My husband introduced me to this book, and I love it. It is kind of a quirky little book. It contains a lot of great stories, but is also a discussion on what makes writing funny, mixed in with some great autobiographical anecdotes. It is an excellent book for writers, but probably not the first choice for someone who is looking for a classic McManus read. The stories in the book range from hilarious to touching. The commentary is usually insightful.
November 5, 2009
This is a book about how to write humor, but I really just like it for the stories. Two of my very favorite Patrick McManus stories, "The Boy" and "Sequences," are both featured in this book. The writing advice is even fun to read, and may very well be useful for somebody trying to break into humor writing.
October 23, 2010
Reread.
And as I found it fun and informative before, I did so again.
It is worth reading both for a laugh, and for anyone with an interest in writing, moreso in writing humor.
What I learned on the second time though is that McManus repeats himself. A lot. McManus repeats himself, often making the same statement two to three times in the span of as many pages or paragraphs.
And as I found it fun and informative before, I did so again.
It is worth reading both for a laugh, and for anyone with an interest in writing, moreso in writing humor.
What I learned on the second time though is that McManus repeats himself. A lot. McManus repeats himself, often making the same statement two to three times in the span of as many pages or paragraphs.
November 24, 2015
I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
March 31, 2008
very clever and funny...
September 3, 2010
I always loved the McManus articles in Outdoor Life and the compilations. It was fun to read his essays about the craft of writing.
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December 7, 2010This is NOT a collection of Patrick's stories. This is a book about writing, how he got started and some of his tips for writers. It is based on workshops he teaches.
March 16, 2016
Patrick McManus is the greatest humor writer who ever lived. This is why.
April 26, 2011
This was very inspirational and funny as well as instructional for writing in many genres...I will be visiting McManus other writings. I loved this and believe that all his writing is just as great!
March 20, 2017
As an undercover humorist, I am finding some amusing insights in this book.
January 20, 2013
A great book about writing humor from one of America's best humorists. If you are at all interested in humor writing this one is worth it.
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February 9, 2014A good read for those who are interested in writing
November 9, 2022
Patrick McManus is an acquired taste. When I was very young, I read him because I read anything labeled as humor on the library shelves. I did not discriminate. McManus's tales of outdoor life were as far removed from my indoor existence as I could get. The Deer on a Bicycle purports to be a book of writing advice but is only partly that. Mainly this book is a rehashing of previously published pieces McManus particularly loves with commentary on why he thinks they work. Amusing, but not earth-shattering.
September 7, 2019
Great writing advice from one of American's best humor writers. This advice can be used for all genres of writing, not just humor. His commentaries on twelve of his short stories or articles is the most helpful pat.
October 1, 2020
I can tell that McManus must be a really funny person and writer. I probably should have read his other books before diving into a book about how he came up with the stories but this was enjoyable and I did learn a few things.
November 1, 2019
A fun read by a renowned outdoor humorist. Some great insights for writers of all stripes but particularly for humorists.
October 6, 2020
I have always liked McManus' writing.
This is a fun book, at least trying to be an author's "How to be a writer" book.
This is a fun book, at least trying to be an author's "How to be a writer" book.
December 29, 2022
I did not finish this book but read most of it. I really liked the advice on writing humor. I don’t read this author, but appreciate his insight.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews