This spring, our Master Class will be focused on adding humor to our stories. We’re super excited as this is the first time we’ve focused on humor.

Here’s what you can expect!

Laughing on the Light Side: Writing Clean, Clever Humor for Kids and Teens

Our teacher is JJ Johnson (see my blog post where I interviewed him.) JJ will be showing us how to write humor that connects with kids, teens, and families without sacrificing message, heart, or faith. You’ll learn how to create character-driven comedy, write scenes that land laughs naturally, and use humor as a storytelling tool rather than a distraction.

These sessions explore how humor works differently in middle grade, YA, and picture books, why “clean” doesn’t have to be bland, and how to keep your story joyful, truthful, and unforgettable all at once.

The Breakdown

The day will break down into three main workshop sessions, three breakout sessions, and two panel times.

Session 1: Humor is More Than Jokes
In this foundational session, we’ll explore why laughter creates connection, deepens character, and strengthens tension in a story. We’ll explore why clean humor is needed and why (or should this be how?) humor can help strengthen faith. Learn how humor works as a powerful storytelling tool that keeps readers turning pages.

Session 2: Writing Funny for Kids and Teens: MG, YA, and Picture Books
What makes a third grader laugh is different from what lands with a teen. This session breaks down how humor shifts across picture books, middle grade, and YA, and how to match comedic voice, tone, and style.

Session 3: Comedy Toolbox – Building Hilarious Scenes
Ready to get practical? This hands-on session delivers concrete techniques for writing funny moments on purpose, from timing and dialogue to awkward situations and escalating chaos. Walk away with tools you can apply immediately to make your scenes sharper and funnier.

Breakout Sessions

Attendees will be divided into groups where we will work on the things JJ has taught us. I’ve enjoyed the breakout sessions in the past because we not only do some writing, but we can help each other and share what we got out of the workshops.

The Panels

Our two panel times will feature an editor, an agent, an author, and an illustrator. They will share with us what they look for in a story and what makes it funny for them.

Right now, we have agent Mara Cobb (Lighthouse Literary), middle grade author Tennille Marie, and illustrator, Kim Sponaugle. We’re waiting to hear which editor will be joining us.

The panels will be in-between sessions.

Why Should You Attend?

Whenever I do a school visit, I ask the kids what they want out of story. Without fail, every time they tell me they want to be scared and they want to LAUGH.

I find it can be easy to scare a reader, but it’s not so easy to make them laugh.

And really, workshops on making kids laugh will be downright fun, don’t you think?

This class is for you if you want to:

• You want to write humor that keeps heart and faith intact.
• You struggle to make funny scenes feel natural.
• You write PB, MG, or YA and want age-appropriate humor.
• You believe clean humor can still be bold and engaging.
• You want practical tools to write funny on purpose.
• You’d like to deepen character and tension through laughter.
• You want stories that compete with screens.
• You’re ready to write with more confidence and joy.

JJ says it best: “In a time when so many people would rather stare at a screen than open a book, I’ve found that humor still has the power to bring us together. Laughter in our stories creates a bridge between the heart and the mind, helping readers connect on a deeper level. My hope is that authors walk away realizing that being funny isn’t out of reach, and that humor can be one of the best tools for easing tension, strengthening conflict, and making a story truly resonate.”

What Others are Saying About JJ Johnson

"J.J. knows what kids - especially boys - want in their stories: monsters, boogers, fart jokes, and lessons in right and wrong. The perfect combination."

- Steve Rzasa Award Winning Author

JJ has a knack for capturing the funny and awkward things that kids say and do and putting his characters in situations guaranteed to make young readers laugh.

- Becky Dean, Award Winning Author

"JJ Johnson observes the quirky things in life and brings the mischief of tweens into his hilarious stories."

-Jason C. Joyner

Hope to see you there!!

Master Class Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Registration Opens: March 7, 2026
Registration Cost: $79 non-members, $59 members and students
*$59 Special Rate for Kids Middle School through High School Only

Pam Halter is a former home-schooling mom, has been a children’s book author since 1995, a freelance children’s book editor since 2006, and was the children’s book editor for Fruitbearer Publishing until January 2023. She’s the author of Fairyeater, a YA fantasy, and the Willoughby and Friends picture book series (available on her website.) Pam has also published short stories in Ye Olde Dragon Books , the Whitstead Anthologies and Renewed Christmas Blessings. Her first short story won Readers Choice in Realmscapes.  

Pam lives in Southern New Jersey with her husband, Daryl, special needs adult daughter, Anna, and four cats. When she’s not writing, Pam enjoys spending time with her grands, reading, quilting, gardening, cooking, playing the piano, Bible study, and walking long country roads where she discovers fairy homes, emerging dragons, and trees eating wood gnomes.