One of the challenges in writing a column is to write to a particular space. The other challenge is to write on deadline, especially when you do not feel funny. Martha says when that happens, she tries to take a time out. She goes and plays with the dogs or eats something that tastes wonderful because it is very bad for her. Celeste says her material comes from her beat, which right now is Newport.
Animals make good stories.
One day when she called the police to find out what had gone on during the day, she found out that police and rescue squads were responding to a house where a lizard had attached itself to a woman. At that point, it was impossible to tell if this was even a story. But Celeste decided it was, and that she could use some humor, after she found out that the woman was fine. Playing off what people say can be helpful. Quote them exactly, and the very humor of what they say becomes funny.