So who are you, Judy?

I’d say I am a creative, fun-loving, mildly neurotic woman. (Hey, Isaac Newton was neurotic. Look what he achieved with an apple. I, on the other hand, have made apple crumble.)

I am—as they say—a woman of “a certain age.” I’d say being a woman of “a-c-a” is mostly a good thing. It’s given me more time to develop and share my humour, both on stage and on the page.

In everyday life, I’m a loving wife, though not a domesticated one. Fairly feral, actually. My guy does the cooking. Lucky me! Here’s us last New Year’s Eve

I’m mom to a brilliant, funny daughter, and step-mom to two great guys. (None of them call home often enough.) I’m also sister to a talented children’s singer-songwriter. I’ve collaborated with RONNO* for years as his principal lyricist.

I’m lucky to be a friend to many delightful humans—none of whom agreed to be pictured here (fear of Interpol tracking?)—and a dog-mom to these two rascals, Panda and Rocco. They grudgingly wore their tuxes for their internet debut.

How did you come to humour-writing?

I’ve been playing with words all my life. When my father came home weary from work, I’d try to make him laugh. Daddy, what did the horse say? I fell, and I can’t giddyup! My classmates were my next captive audience. When you’re a shy kid who’s too klutzy for athletics, finding the funny can help you fit in.

To fund my university studies, I worked as a poultry-plucker and an inept electrician. That gave me some stories I still love to share. After graduating, I used words to earn my living as an advertising copywriter, a greeting card writer, an insurance publications editor and, eventually, a communications manager. Words always paid my bills, but I found my greatest joy in cracking up a colleague.

The sound of children’s laughter delighted me too. I had a side gig as a puppeteer alongside my singer-songwriter/musician brother, who performs for kids as RONNO*. My sheep puppets, Lammi and Lambo, danced along to the songs Ron and I co-wrote* (and if you don’t think holding both arms in the air to support heavy, dancing puppets is hard, I have a ceiling you can paint).

*If you want to know more about RONNO’s children’s music (and my lyrics), check out RONNO’s website.

You’re an Island Girl?

Yes, my husband and I moved from Kitchener, Ontario to Vancouver Island in 2007. Randy (I call him “Kayak Guy” when he shows up in my stories) took to island life like a duck to water. Or a kayaker to the ocean.

Me? I cried an ocean of homesick tears until I finally found “my people.” One in particular, Cindy Shantz, twisted my arm to move beyond writing for the page, and try telling my stories to adult audiences. Tell without paper? Gack. Turns out it’s a great way to connect with people, and hear their laughter firsthand. For a time, Cindy and I even tag-teamed to entertain audiences as WordChickz. Double the fun!

What’s the latest?

Well, I still love to hear the sound of people laughing at my stories, essays and light verse. But being a woman of “a certain age” who gets weary and can’t be everywhere, I’m hoping folks near and far will be entertained by enjoying my new book!