She: Taking humor seriously without taking out the serious humor is no easy feat. But Julie Vick seems to have cracked that code. Julie is the wit behind Humor Me, an indispensable newsletter for comedy creatives of all kinds. Julie offers writing prompts/challenges, resources and insight into publishing, and her own original humor writing. Speaking of, Julie is also the author of the very funny, Babies Don’t Make Small Talk (So Why Should I?): The Introverts Guide to Surviving Parenthood. Whether you’re among the comedy curious or looking for a good laugh, Julie’s got you covered.
MM: I’m often super curious where my funny bone goes sometimes. I mean, I think I know where it’s supposed to be but, oddly and without warning, it completely disappears. Take laughing gas? While undergoing the not-exactly-hilarious state, that remedy is not off the table! We’re grateful George stumbled upon Julie Vick and her Humor Me Substack and, as She mentioned, delightful book for ye introverts of the parental inclination. Get to know Julie below—and if you see a funny bone lying around, drop me a DM.
Julie Vick Answers the Curious George Questionnaire!
To me, curiosity is:
Getting excited about something and going down rabbit holes to find out more about it.
Describe a road not taken. Any regrets?
I teach in academia, so for a long time I thought I might want to get my PhD, but then I kept putting it off and eventually realized it’s probably not something I want to do. I think not pursuing it has given me more time to pursue some of the creative writing projects that I find a lot of enjoyment in.
Tell us how you fill your curiosity well.
When I am interested in something, I tend to learn about it in different ways (internet searches, classes, putting too many books on hold at the library). Recently, I’ve been focused on trying to learn more about poetry and micro prose and how they can intersect with humor, so that has been my current rabbit hole.
Wonder or Awe? Why?
I think wonder—I feel like being interested and curious about something speaks to me more than just awe.
How would you spend your last day on earth?
Probably with family and friends somewhere in a warm beach location with good food. Just a stress-free day of enjoying people and a pleasant environment. Also, if my cats could be there, that would be great, but I think they may not enjoy the beach (or travel).
My life philosophy is________
Find ways to laugh. I think comic relief is cathartic and a way I cope with a lot of things, so I am often going back to humor in my writing and life.
Who’s the CGQ Crew?
About She: Sheila Moeschen is a humorist, writer, photographer, and salty New Englander. You can find her on Substack at Humor Saves!
About MM: Michael Maupin helms the StoryShed Substack (among other things) and is a recovering screenwriter, book and magazine editor, and lifelong diarist.
About George: George is a man of letters, leisure, and all things interesting. Once George got mixed up with some colorful folks from a galaxy far, far away. Named after the fabled monkey—eccentric or genius parentage, who knows?—he’s made it his mission to discover the most fascinating, unique, and curious people like YOU. Good work if you can get it.