34 Comments
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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

I love it when funny, talented people succeed! xo

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Joseph C Simmons's avatar

Excellent Q&A and write up! I need to get on one of these one of these days. (And yes, I AM writing again. Got one posting tomorrow morning.)

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Loved your recent post. Glad you’re back.

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

Love love love this!

What a great Facebook friend find. Thanks for sharing and introducing us to Chrissy. And congratulations Chrissy on your awards and recent successes. 👏

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Kim!

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

This whole post was FULL on one-liners I wish I could highlight!!! She's friggin hilarious. From space shuttles to meatloaf to traumatized by milk, I was engaged all the way through this. One of my favorites in your funny AF series so far!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Kristi!

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

OH you're here!! LOL I never expect the actual subject of the interview to answer so quickly. You're my favorite interview and that is saying a lot since I also appear in the Funny AF series 😂

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

Mine too!!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Kim!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

You just made my day. Thank you!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Awesome post - I loved this, Carissa and Chrissy - thank you!

Still laughing at "He makes me laugh every day—sometimes on purpose....." 🤣

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

😁

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Geno Scala's avatar

Another great interview!

I’d want to know what makes HER laugh, other than her husband (and I mean that in all possible ways).

Would she compare her humor to any particular actress, author, or stand-up?

I hope one day she can create a single character with this very witty banter to star in a series of screenplays or books; like “Erma Bombeck as Jessica Fletcher in “Murder She Wrote”…

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

I laugh at all sorts of things. Sometimes, I'm happy to turn my brain off and watch something ridiculously silly. Other times, a subtle British comedy is exactly what I want. I guess it just depends on my mood at the time. That comes through in my writing too. I have a lot of fun with over-the-top silliness, but some projects require a gentler approach. I'm comfortable writing in either style.

I don't think I can compare myself to any of the brilliant writers I enjoy, but there are plenty of people I admire in the comedy world. Carol Burnett immediately springs to mind. I remember watching old reruns of her show when I was a kid and hoping I could be just like her when I grew up. Erma Bombeck, Nora Ephron, Tina Fey, and David Sedaris are all inspirations as well.

Thanks for the great question!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Great questions! Chrissy?

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Heather Brebaugh's avatar

Chrissy, your work (and you) sound amazing. I love that you and your husband have a 'good humor' bond...maybe sort of like two different flavors of ice cream piled into a sugar cone?

I'd love to know if you think that it's common for comedians to use self-deprecating humor. I feel like I hear them slap themselves around quite a bit.

PS - thanks for sharing what's going on in your world with Carissa. Super interesting read!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

I like your ice cream analogy, Heather. As for the self-deprecating humor, you raise a good point. I agree that it's common for comedians to employ it. There may be some deeper background issues at play for some comedians. But, at least on the surface level, self-deprecating humor is safe. I'm only at risk of offending myself, and I'm cool with that. It's also a quick way to put others at ease. We've all done dumb stuff in our lives, and we all have our insecurities, so it can be reassuring to others when we joke about our own perceived failings. Comedy is meant to be uplifting. So, if I can help someone feel more comfortable while making them laugh, I consider that a double win.

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Heather Brebaugh's avatar

Such an excellent perception of the value of self-deprecating humor. Thank you!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Great comment and response. “Only at risk of offending myself.” Wonderful observation.

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John Hamilton's avatar

Really enjoyable read. And, for the record, milk spit takes are ALWAYS funny. Unless paramedics are called.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

So true!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, John!

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Richard Donnelly's avatar

"If you have a funny partner" Sure I do. "Put that book down and clean the garage." She's hilarious

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Richard!

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Chris Stanton's avatar

I really enjoy these Funny AF Woman interviews. Chrissy's was an especially fun read.

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Chris!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks so much for having me!

1. I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss the script loglines, but I'm happy to share a little info regarding the manuscript. It's about an anxious New Yorker who moves to the English countryside in search of peace, only to wind up living next to a messy, boundary-ignoring widow with a dangerous Robin Hood complex.

2. I don't have a release date for the book yet. I'm still sorting out the best way to put it "out there." In the meantime, I'm working on a feature length adaptation. The story is cinematic, so I'd really love to see it on screen as well as on paper.

3. I can't really say anything about my projects in development - other than I'm writing a novel adaptation for the PAGE winning script.

4. I see alligators all the time. We even had one approach our front door once. Eek! I saw four just this past weekend. Fun fact: Did you know a group of alligators is called a congregation? I think that's because some people discover religion real quick when they encounter them.

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Jeannine's avatar

#4 is the funniest thing I've read all day. That and the story about your friend's head "exploding." 🤯

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Thanks, Jeannine!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

1. Love the manuscript logline! Thx for sharing.

2. Perfect. You’ll be ready when a producer says, “How about a script—oh, here it’s.”

3. Understand.

4. Haha. A congregation. I would not want to join that church/temple.

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Priya's avatar

Carissa, I love the interview series! So many cool people doing fabulous things. Chrissy, I have the same projects, alligator, and Alice questions!

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Chrissy Lessey's avatar

Hi Priya! I just posted my answers, though I didn't mention any more about Alice. I plan to do more research on her story. That might turn into a whole new project for me.

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