March 18, 2008
Elizabeth McKenzie

"What's so Funny?
A look at the comedic side of literature."

At our March meeting, Elizabeth McKenzie once again captivated members and guests with her experiences teaching a class on the elements and underlying structure of humor in writing. Giving us several examples of how to train ourselves to bring more humor into our own writing, Elizabeth challenged us to look for beneath-the-surface forces in our storylines to create comedic tension.

Thanks, Elizabeth, for another fun evening.

Greeters Martin Dodd and Linda Williams welcome member Jerry Gervase and his son, Tony on the 18th.

Elizabeth shared an example of the comedic potential of conflicting forces as she explains that she is often mistaken for another author of the same name. Book signings and appearances are perplexing when attendees don't double check titles. The other Elizabeth McKenzie writes about poultry pathology. And that's not another chicken joke.

Branch president, Ken Jones (at left) joined CCW members Stephen  Bloch and Peter Hoss for another fine meal from Estéban at Casa Munras. Once again, Casa Munras made us feel welcome and changes made to the meal ordering and service timing seemed to solve most of the logistic problems encountered at our first meeting there. 

Elizabeth personalizes the evening for many members and guests after the program. As you can see at the right, her work was again well received. Copies of Elizabeth's books were furnished by Book Shop Santa Cruz.

Our lucky door-prize winners were, from left: Donna Seymour Smith, Andy Nottenkamper, Deborah Hopper, and Virginia Chomat.