What could make a pistol competition funny in a short story?

Once upon a time, there was a pistol competition in a small town. The competitors were all kinds of characters. One guy showed up with a really old - fashioned pistol that looked like it was from a cowboy movie. When he fired, instead of hitting the target, it made a huge puff of smoke and the bullet went flying off in a completely wrong direction. Everyone burst out laughing, even the serious judges couldn't hold back their smiles.

Sure. There was this one pistol competition where a newbie showed up. He was so nervous that when it was his turn to shoot, he accidentally dropped his pistol right in front of the target. Everyone burst out laughing, but he just blushed and picked it up, then managed to get a decent shot in the end.

There was a pistol competition where a competitor's pistol jammed right in the middle of his turn. He tried to fix it in a hurry and ended up looking like he was doing some sort of comical dance. Eventually, he got it working again and managed to get a few good shots in.

A play on words can be really funny in a short story. For instance, if a character named Ben is a baker and he says 'I'm Ben the baking man, I bake till I make', it gives a chuckle. Also, the reversal of roles, like a mouse chasing a cat, can create a humorous short story. Incongruity between the setting and the action, such as having a penguin at a desert party, is also great for humor.

The characters' reactions are crucial. If a character overreacts to a small spooky thing, it can be humorous. For instance, a person screams and runs around when they see a shadow that is just a tree branch moving. The contrast between the expected brave reaction and the actual cowardly one in a horror - like situation makes the story funny.

A funny short story often has a play on words or misunderstandings. Take the story where a man says he's going to 'dye' his hair and his friend thinks he's going to die. This confusion creates a humorous situation. Also, the pacing can be important. Quick - paced stories with a sudden punchline are usually very funny.

Unusual combinations can create humor. Imagine a fish trying to sleep in a bird's nest. It's unexpected and funny. Also, a bit of self - centered thinking from the characters, like the rabbit being so fussy about his bed, can add to the humor as we recognize that kind of behavior in ourselves or others sometimes.

Surprise is a big element. For example, when a politician makes an unexpected statement or takes an unanticipated action. Like a politician suddenly proposing to tax rainbows, which is so absurd it's funny.

Funny conversations during the waxing session. Like the waxer telling really corny jokes or the client sharing some awkward dating stories. This can turn a potentially nerve - wracking experience into a comical one. Say the client starts talking about how she accidentally wore her bikini backwards at the beach once, and they both end up laughing a lot.

The requirements for a short story competition can vary. It could be that you have to submit your story by a certain deadline, stick to a particular style of writing, and make sure your story hasn't been published elsewhere before.