An Interview with an Author: Janetta Fudge Messmer
It’s Author Thursday on my blog! Today, meet Christian author Janetta Fudge Messmer.
Janetta’s tagline is “turning life into comedy.” She loves to laugh, and that’s why she writes Christian comedy (with a touch of romance). She’s also a speaker and editor. For Janetta, writing and traveling go hand in hand, since she, her hubby (Ray), and their pooch (Maggie) are full-time RVers. Most days you’ll find them sightseeing around the USA in their Winnebago—but first Janetta has to sit down and write a few hundred words.
Her publisher is Winged Publications, and her Christian comedies include The Early Birds series (Early Birds, Southbound Birds, Girly Birds, and Blessing Birds).
Her Christian contemporary romances are Pigtails and a Tool Belt and Waltzing with a Grease Monkey. She also has a self-published Christian historical romance, Chords of Love.
Janetta completed high school and a year of college and spent most of her working career in the secretarial field. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, a former member of Toastmaster’s International (more than seven years). She also teaches classes on Tell Your Story at RV rallies and resorts.
Learn more about Janetta through the links at the end of this interview.
—By Jessica Brodie
JB: Tell us about yourself and your faith journey.
Janetta: My faith journey began at a young age. Mom took us to church and, since I’m the baby of the family, she put me in the nursery and she and my siblings went to Sunday school. I continued to go and enjoyed growing up in church. I tell people, “I missed an Elvis movie to attend a revival.” The blind evangelist came out and told his story and I accepted the Lord that evening at the age of nine. In my early twenties I came back to the Lord while going through a divorce. He and I have been close ever since. When I started writing my books, I knew the faith message would ring throughout. Someone told me I pray a lot in the first book (Early Birds). I’m okay with that.
JB: When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
Janetta: I’ve always enjoyed writing. English and Literature were my favorite subjects in school. A teacher never had to ask me for a book report. I always turned in extra ones. My husband and I moved to Houston and I read The Purpose Driven Life. It changed my life and I pursued writing. I found two writing groups and I thank the Lord for them. The list is too long to mention everyone, but they were (and are) a blessing.
JB: How does your faith influence your writing?
Janetta: I couldn’t write without Him. My hope and prayer are that the people who read any of my books will know how important the Lord is in my life. Even if I write comedy, in my first book touched on the struggles my hubby and I had. One woman wrote me and said, “You have no idea how much your story helped me and my husband.” That’s music to my ears. If I can plant a seed that will foster in another, I’m a happy person.
JB: When did this particular story first stir in your heart?
Janetta: My publisher sent out a list of ideas for books. The “dancing” one jumped off the page at me. I love Dancing with the Stars, so I thought I’d write about a dancer. In talking to my husband, Ray, he suggested I add that she moonlights as a mechanic. I told him, “Sold.” And I got to writing.
JB: Do you have other books coming out in the future?
Janetta: I have a devotional I’m working on. There is also another one, but it’s a secret. Hint: I may be revisiting an earlier book(s).
JB: What do you hope for readers to take away from your books?
Janetta: My hope is my readers know they have a loving Father. We can go to Him with the little and big things. He’s ALWAYS there to help us along life’s journey.
Check out Janetta online:
Website: https://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge
