Q: Are you good at telling jokes?

A: Not at all! It has always been hard for me to remember a joke in its entirety and deliver the “correct” punchline. This is one reason why I wanted to create a book for kids (and adults), that would incorporate another modality (visual) so that they could have an easier time learning and delivering jokes.

Q: What is your favorite joke?

A: Actually, I have lots! But if I had to narrow it down to just one, it’s this: “What is a cat’s favorite color? Purr-ple!”

Q: Is it because you love cats?

A: Yes! I find them to be fascinating and great listeners! I have three beautiful Himalayans right now and I consider them family! Their love is unconditional and they really bring me great joy!

Q: Did you ever create things when you were younger?

A: I have always enjoyed crafting things over the years, from creating gifts, knitting (only scarves…I could never figure out how to do anything else! LOL), and scrapbooking (every summer I would scrapbook my daughter’s year of dance competitions and school memories…needless to say, she has A LOT of books now!! LOL).

Q: What are some ways you give back to your community?

A: I have always enjoyed donating every year to my local United Way during their annual “Back to School”, “Joy of Caring” and various food drives throughout the year. My wish is that no child has to do without, but the reality is that many do. This is why I look forward to each summer when I’m able to get needed school supplies and clothing to help make sure that students can start the year off with confidence. We have a great community that attracts hundreds of donors each year, so fortunately many children benefit from this worthwhile program. I also plan to donate some of the “Punny Jokes To Tell Your Peeps” books this December to their “Joy of Sharing” giving program to be given as gifts.

Q: Why is it important for you to give back?

A: I feel when you are blessed, you need to share those blessings with others if, and when, you can.

Q: What advice could you give to new writers?

A: Do it! Refuse to give up when the going gets tough! Get a notebook where you can just doodle or write anything down that you’re thinking about. All that “daydreaming” just might turn into your “dream come true!”

Q: Do you have a favorite children’s book?

A: I actually have too many to name, but I really am loving the series of “Pete the Cat” books because of course, I am a cat lady! I even once dressed up like Pete the Cat for a “Dress as your favorite book character” day at school!

Q: What do you think is the biggest roadblock when it comes to working on a new project?

A: Time! It seems like there’s never enough. But I think that goes along with focus and prioritizing too. You have to have balance by having a schedule, yet being open to spontaneous creation time! Yet, there are days when I’m so easily distracted, where I seem to get the most accomplished! Go figure!

Q: Why do you love chocolate?

A: Ahhh chocolate!! Is there anything more delicious! It’s universal! I rarely encounter anyone who doesn’t love chocolate, maybe just not as much as I do!! LOL

Q: What made you want to create these Punny Peeps joke books?

A: I wanted to help kids be able to tell jokes, using funny pictures as visual aids, and to be able to deliver the punchlines flawlessly! Especially, because I always struggled with telling jokes myself. And, I’ve been known to crack myself up when I get them right! LOL! I also knew for sure, that I wanted to create books that could make kids (and their friends and families) laugh. So, in this day and age, when too many children are going to school stressed and overwhelmed by life in general, sometimes, just enjoying the simple things that life has to offer, like sharing a good joke with a friend/friends can make a huge difference and brighten someone’s day! It has been said that, “Laughter is the best medicine”, and I sincerely believe that!

Click here to learn more about the benefits of humor and laughter.