Hello and welcome to Humor Science, the newsletter I started so I could have an excuse to talk to and learn from some of my favorite humor writers. Thank you for being here!
I’m so excited about this interview with humor writer, author, and columnist for the Cut Mia Mercado. We’re talking about her piece for the New Yorker, “I’m a Guy’s Girl.” I’m a huge fan of this piece and I was reminded of it because Kerry Elson cited it as something she reads when she’s looking for inspiration. So whether you’re already a fan of this piece or this is your first time reading it, I hope hearing the backstory will inspire you.
I learned a lot in this interview, including the importance of not self-rejecting. Mia thought this one might not be a fit for the New Yorker but submitted it anyway, and good thing she did because it is a classic. Let’s dive in.
Tell me about the inspiration for this piece. When did you start writing it?
It was a half-written piece I had sitting in my Google Drive for at least two years. Every once in a while I'd add jokes or ideas like "maybe it's masculine to eat tires?" After I finally sat down and finished it, I submitted it to McSweeney's and they passed. When I sent it to the New Yorker, I assumed it'd likely be a no because I thought it felt too far outside their voice. I sent it anyway because I've learned that giving yourself a preemptive rejection is, how you say, pointless? And they took it! Miracles happen once in a while when you believe!
When you’re writing a piece like this, what’s your process? Do you have a solid plan going in, or do you write freely and then shape it from there?
For a piece like this, if I have a specific concept in mind (e.g., the frankenstein-ed monster of contradicting female stereotypes/expectations) I usually start by writing down a bunch of half-formed jokes. I'll also try to sort out how I want the piece to begin and how I want it to end since those tend to be the trickiest parts for me. Then, I'll work on the body of the piece (hot) before staring at it for several hours, days, years even. If I feel like the idea is still new, interesting, and fun, I will send it out in the world. Or it will continue to rot in my Google Drive for generations to come.
Where do you find inspiration for your humor pieces? How do you come up with ideas?
Right now, I either like to start with a specific perspective (e.g. the guy's girl) or a question. If I'm starting with a character/perspective, I'll just start writing down stereotypes/assumptions about that perspective or ideas/traits that seem like the complete opposite of that character. If I start with a question, I'll think of how to answer it in ways that are expected, unexpected, wrong, bad, humiliating, etc.
Are there specific humor writers or any particular pieces out there that you’re inspired by?
Right now, I'm a big fan of Kelly Conaboy, Samantha Irby, and Patricia Lockwood. I also love this piece on jazz by Riane Konc, every Grub Street Diet but especially Broti Gupta's, and the Recess Therapy TikTok account.
What advice do you have for someone who might just be getting started with their humor writing journey?
Have fun and be yourself <3 I'm serious!!! Figuring out what you like to talk about, how you like to talk about it, and continuing to work toward projects that blend those two things has been one of the most important parts of building a sustainable writing career.
Where can people find more of your work, and are there any particular projects or news you want to plug?
I had a book come out last year! It's a collection of funny essays and stories called She's Nice Though. I also write a weekly column for the Cut called "I Can't Shut Up About,” where we take a shallow dive into my latest online obsession.
That’s it! Time to go forth and resurrect those old drafts sitting on your Google Drive. It’s spring cleaning time.
What’s new:
No new humor pieces from me because I spent the last month finishing a new pilot. If you're also working on pilots/TV writing, reply and let me know. Would love to hear what you’re working on and cheer you on.
I'm also available for new freelance copywriting projects, if you know anyone who's hiring! I've got 10+ years of experience and a cute dog who sometimes shows up on Zoom calls.
I signed up for Caitlin Kunkel's Write Like an Athlete course and I'm so excited! Check it out and also subscribe to her newsletter on creativity if you haven't already.
About me
I’m a comedy writer and freelance copywriter living in Brooklyn. My humor writing has been published by The New Yorker, The New York Times, McSweeney’s, Reductress, and more. I’m the co-author of Jokes to Offend Men, which was named the #2 Comedy Book of 2022 by Vulture. I’m available for new writing projects, humor coaching, and nerding out about comedy, so please reach out and say hi!