1 Have a clear idea of what your characters are like before you start - their personalities, flaws, habits, likes, dislikes etc. It will help a lot when you're working out what their reaction would be to something that happens.
2 Get the story down first, in one format or another. Then work on characterisation and humour etc when you're not having to think about the plot.
3 Allow yourself time to write. Personally, I prefer silence and solitude, so create the place and time that you need.
4 Be in the right mood! If you're writing comedy, you won't get very far if you've just had a huge row with someone, or lost your purse.
5 Enjoy it! If it's not fun, maybe you shouldn't be doing it.
Cheers, Debbie!
