Love To Make 'Em Laugh

Today is Father's Day, and I'm thinking about my dad. He was a complicated man.

In his youth, with so many other young men, my father stormed the beaches of Normandy. Although he lived to tell the tale, he never told that particular tale.

The war for the most part was a harrowing experience that changed him from a simple southern farm boy to an often-silent man haunted by his experiences.

One thing that survived his ordeal in World War II was his sense of humor. He loved to laugh, and he loved a good joke. In my memory, I can hear his wholehearted laughter and see the way his blue eyes sparkled.

Sense of Humor: Learned Behavior

I too love to laugh. Often, when life is grim and challenging, my family makes jokes. Not because we don't understand the seriousness of a situation, but because we know that laughter binds us close together and gives us strength to face the bad news head on.

In today's world, laughter as a prescription for mental health is touted from medical doctors as well as psychotherapists -- not to mention all the "experts" on just about every television talk show.

Hysterically Funny Films

My mother contributed to my sense of humor by introducing me to the screwball comedies of Hollywood's Golden Era. My love of romantic comedy was fostered by old movies from Mom's teens like Bringing Up Baby and It Happened One Night to the movies she loved when she was a mom with young children like Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back.

Is it any wonder that I write romantic comedy? I slipped into the genre as easily as a slapstick comedian slips on a banana pile. I love writing books that make readers smile. Even the love scenes I write are often laced with laughter.

Old Song Was Right

Remember Donald O'Connor singing Make 'Em Laugh in the 1952 film Singing in the Rain? That song written by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed is a veritable font of wisdom. No joke!

The song asks: "Don't you know everyone wants to laugh?" I believe that's true. I bet you like to laugh. What tickles your funny bone?

This Father's Day, I urge you to share a laugh with your dad, your husband, and the other important men in your life.

For Your Consideration

When you have time to read, I hope you'll take a look at my romantic comedy, SCENTS and SENSUALITY. It's sassy and sexy, and I think it will leave you with a smile.

About SCENTS and SENSUALITY

Perfumer Amanda Whitfield knows the Science of Smell. Harrison Kincaid knows the Science of Computers. But what about the Science of Sex Appeal? Pulsing, throbbing, will-not-be-denied Sex Appeal.

Amanda, desperate for a man to escort her to her snooty cousin's wedding, and Harrison, desperate to put an end to his mom's matchmaking, get blindsided by desire when they are thrown together.

Desire--with a side order of desperation--creates a captivating complication in this sexy, sassy Romance.

About Joan's writing, an Amazon Reviewer said: "Joan's writing is a page turner, the steam builds then explodes..."

Scents and Sensuality is available at these ebook sellers: Amazon * iBooks * Kobo * Nook * Smashwords.

Takeaway Truth

Laughter smooths the rough edges of life.

Note: This post previously was published on Smart Girls Read Romance.