July Links Roundup
Featuring badminton, humor opportunities, and brooding on moors
Hello and welcome to the July links roundup where I share items of interest this month.
This summer we got a badminton set and it has been a good form of entertainment. It’s surprisingly satisfying to hit the birdie and it does not require a lot of running (#lazy). So move over pickleball, I’m going to try to start a new coolness campaign for badminton.
Keep reading for more life-changing recommendations…
Quick laughs:
If you need a coffee-related joke.
I was just thinking about how arrival times for doctor appointments are just lies.
If you need a writer joke.
Books: I recently listened to Remarkably Bright Creatures and really enjoyed it. It has interesting characters including an octopus that helps solve a mysterious disappearance. I also started Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma which discusses what to do about art created by problematic people, and like it so far.
TV: This month I watched The Buccaneers on AppleTV, which has vaguely Bridgerton-like vibes but is a little different. But if you enjoy watching historical romances involving love triangles and brooding over British moors, I would check this out. Also, if you have already watched this show, please answer this important poll:
How a book sold: Book backstories always interest me and I particularly appreciated this one from
about her book of humorous essays Everybody’s Favorite.Humor submission opp: Room magazine has a current call for literary humor (humour?) submissions.
Video script opp: I came across this call for video script pitches for Wisecrack.
Humor Substack directory:
is starting a new Substack for humor Substackers to find each other. Check out the for more info and to fill out her form to get listed.More humor on Substack:
has recently started a Substack newsletter to help you keep up with their funny stuff, which you can check out here.
This month’s funny guest rec comes from Jennie Egerdie, whose most recent book is the Winnie-the-Pooh parody Oh, Bother which you should immediately get for the Pooh-afficianado in your life. Jennie has a gentle humor parody style that I really enjoy.
Jennie’s rec:
“What's been making me laugh lately: So many things, but especially ‘Hacks’ on HBO, cats wearing teeny cowboy hats, and Conner O'Malley's new special, ‘Stand Up Solutions.’
I've been laughing a lot at myself too. For example, every morning I keep putting my underwear on with the butt-side facing front. I have to take 'em off, turn 'em around, and try again. How is it, that after all these years of successfully putting underwear on correctly, I'm just now messing it up? Why is this happening? Why now?? (Send help)”
Thanks, Jennie! Follow Jennie on Instagram. I also talked to Jennie about writing parody and her previous book Frog and Toad Are Doing Their Best a while back — check that interview out here.
That’s it for this month. Back-to-school season is quickly approaching so I’m doing my usual routine of trying to cherish some summer moments and not freak out too much about my teaching year starting (special shout-out to generative AI for this!).
So I will leave you with this poll:
Need a gift book for the new or expecting parent in your life? I’ve got just the one.
*This newsletter contains affiliate links for which I will receive a small commission when you purchase through links at no additional cost to you.