October Links Roundup
Featuring winter pitching, what I've been reading, and an SNL digital short
Welcome to Humor Me’s monthly links roundup for October.
This month has involved navigating scary stuff (Halloween decorations, the election) and I have been trying to watch funny and/or calming TV. Some shows on my rotation have included The English Teacher, The Great British Baking Show, and Chef’s Table: Noodles.
I also have been rewarding my work and writing accomplishments with Halloween candy and have recently gotten back into Hot Tamales, which I had not had in many years. They feel like a good alternative to the sour or chocolate options.
If you’ve got other recs in the viewing or candy department, feel free to share them. This month I’ve got even more distractions and some writing opportunities to check out.
-JV
SNL Skit: I re-watched the old SNL digital short skit “The Curse” recently and laughed really hard. I vaguely remembered it but had forgotten a lot of the details (including the fact that it has quite a cast of well-known SNL alums). Also, I guess it’s kind of Halloweeny because it involves a curse?
Books: This month I listened to Attachments — it made me laugh and also had some nostalgic vibes as it is set in 1999 when things like monitoring email first became a thing. I have also been enjoying Lindsay Rush’s book of (often humorous) poetry A Bit Much (you may know her from her social media handle @maryoliversdrunkcousin). And I listened to Big Fan — check it out if you are looking for a quick celebrity romance with some steam.
Micro: I’ve been very interested in micro pieces this year (especially with humor in them) and so have been enjoying
’s short pieces, which she calls “nuggs”.Short humor: Appreciated this pumpkin patch humor piece by Gracie Beaver-Kairis. I have not made a trip to the pumpkin patch yet this year but am keeping my expectations realistic. I also related to this satirical recycling guide from Mark Remy (the pizza box line particularly spoke to me).
Fodor’s writing tips: This month I attended a webinar with the editors of Fodor’s hosted by TravMedia. The editors mentioned that you can pitch the general pitch box and that anything can be a travel piece — I could see certain pieces with humor working for them. One editor also mentioned this pitching thread that has some good tips on pitching in general in it.
Winter pitches: I’ve also seen a few calls for winter pitches like this one pop up — so friendly reminder to start thinking about your winter-themed pieces.
Paid subscriber opportunity: I am planning to do a classified-ads-style shout-out for paid subscribers before the end of the year. (I basically stole this idea from Claire Zulkey who periodically has done a Witches for Sale post. So you should 100% subscribe to her newsletter as compensation for this idea theft.) If you are (or become) a paid subscriber and you have a book, newsletter, service, or other thing you want to promote, you can check out the details and submit your text here. I need to get these by November 15th!
Closing Joke:
Thanks for reading Humor Me, a newsletter featuring funny stuff and writing tips. In case you’re new here — I’m a humor writer whose work has appeared in New Yorker Shouts, McSweeney’s, Real Simple, and more. I’m the author of a humorous advice book for introverted parents that would make a great gift for the new or expecting parent in your life. Find out more about me at julievick.com.
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Julie! Thank you, that’s very kind. I owe you a real and/or made-up latte, your choice!