Life is too short to wear tight shoes: Interview with Humor Writer Kelly Epperson
Dorothy Thompson
December 07, 2008
Kelly Epperson has been dubbed "Everywoman" and "Rare woman" in the same breath. Kelly´s style is uniquely her own, yet she can relate to all of us. Her weekly columns of life, real everyday life as well as travels through Europe, bring a warmth and a wit that we all long for.
Leaving her job at the IRS ten years ago (it was "sucking the life out of her"), she then embarked on a new career, and served as resident court jester, at a local nonprofit agency that taught English and reading to adults.
Kelly´s motto and quote that hangs over her desk is "To love what you do and feel that it matters how could anything be more fun?!" After a year in France, Kelly returned to the states and launched a fulltime career of writer, ghostwriter, and speaker. Every day, she does the happy dance in her kitchen.
To maintain connection and spread a little joy with friends, family, and readers, Kelly recently started a weekly "happy mail" When Life Stinks, Find Your Joy. To check it out, send Kelly an email to kel_epperson@yahoo.com.
Kelly lives in Loves Park, IL (city with a heart) with The Man of the Place, her two teenage sons, who are brilliant and witty of course, and a sweet dog Starburst who sheds like crazy. FYI-Kelly hates dog hair, hence, the essay, "It´s Not Easy Being Cruella DeVil."
For more info, please visit www.whenlifestinks.com.
Thank you for this interview, Kelly! Can you tell us briefly about your book, When Life Stinks, It´s Time to Wash the Gym Clothes?
This little paperback book is a collection of humorous essays. I write a weekly newspaper column, and When Life Stinks is over forty "reader favorites" gathered together -- in perfect stocking stuffer size. Each slice of life story is about three pages. Some people read the entire book in one sitting; some savor one chapter a day. (And some keep it on the toilet tank for that "leisurely" reading.)
Can you tell us what (or who) was the inspiration behind the book?
Inspiration is everywhere. Real life is the best fodder. I started writing my column in 2001 and still love it. No topic is taboo. Living in France for a year was a highlight, but I also write about bras, butts, and boys. I write about turning 40, going blonde, and beating Madonna and Bill Gates in an IQ test. I write about puking, pets, and PMS. Besides the silly, I also address serious issues: Princess Diana, September 11, and world hunger. I will never run out of things to write about.
Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?
This is my first published book in my name. I´ve written several books for others as a ghostwriter. It was quite surreal that the first book I ever wrote, and worked so hard on and was really proud of, was for someone else. I can´t talk about the books that I ghostwrite. My writer ego wants a book that is ME! Readers asked for a compilation, so I decided the time was right. I didn´t attempt to go the traditional publishing route. One agent told me that "Erma Bombeck type" writing would not sell. I beg to differ. I self-published and have no regrets.
Do you have an agent?
No. But I´m game. Know anyone who might be interested?
Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book, and how long it took to get in stores?
My story is not the usual "I´ve been writing my novel for five years." Nonfiction is different. Some columns I labor over and some pour out faster than I can type. For this book, I gathered columns from over the years, beginning with the first in May 2001, and had my editors help me select which would make the cut. I took a couple months to create When Life Stinks.
Originally intended for my local readership, I then decided to test the waters in the real world. In order to get in Barnes & Noble, I had to jump through all the hoops to get a distributor, etc. It took a couple months to be accepted and in the system. (I cried.) (I´m an emotional girl.) (I´m not supposed to tell you that.) To be in bookstores is a thrill. To be on amazon is a thrill too, but I had to pay $29 to get there.
Readers are asking for Book 2 already. I love my readers! Thank you!
Do you have any words of inspiration from other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?
Life is too short to wear tight shoes. (But if they´re really cute, you can make it through one evening in them.) (The truth is my feet are big. I have some fun shoes from France if you are size 9 or 10 (size 41) and want to borrow them.)
My advice to writers and everyone is to be yourself, follow your heart, and never give up.
What´s next for you?
It would be a hoot to get my column syndicated. And to have lunch with Nora Ephron. I recently met Dave Barry he´s in my book dedications.
I´ve launched a joy network, When Life Stinks, Find Joy! (Sign up at www.whenlifestinks.com). That will probably be the next book. Or perhaps, When Life Stinks, Go to France. I´ve started making greeting cards and note cards with my fabulous photos of France. I´ve also started creating some shirts and hoodies with words and swirly girly curlies. Picture frames are in the works too . I´m a joyful word nerd and things are happening. It´s a blast. I have oodles of ideas. I want to go cross country in my smart car. (Cutest car in the world!) When Life Stinks, Take a Road Trip in the JOY Mobile. Maybe next year we can chat again!
Thank you for this interview, Kelly. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?
Please visit me (pretty please!) at www.whenlifestinks.com. Or write me at kel_epperson@yahoo.com. Or come visit Loves Park, city with a heart. When Life Stinks, It´s Time to Wash the Gym Clothes is available on amazon.com, at Borders and Barnes & Noble, and my website. My YouTube debut (dork alert) is www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRK5SOCgUo.
Merci beaucoup! Au revoir!
Leaving her job at the IRS ten years ago (it was "sucking the life out of her"), she then embarked on a new career, and served as resident court jester, at a local nonprofit agency that taught English and reading to adults.
Kelly´s motto and quote that hangs over her desk is "To love what you do and feel that it matters how could anything be more fun?!" After a year in France, Kelly returned to the states and launched a fulltime career of writer, ghostwriter, and speaker. Every day, she does the happy dance in her kitchen.
To maintain connection and spread a little joy with friends, family, and readers, Kelly recently started a weekly "happy mail" When Life Stinks, Find Your Joy. To check it out, send Kelly an email to kel_epperson@yahoo.com.
Kelly lives in Loves Park, IL (city with a heart) with The Man of the Place, her two teenage sons, who are brilliant and witty of course, and a sweet dog Starburst who sheds like crazy. FYI-Kelly hates dog hair, hence, the essay, "It´s Not Easy Being Cruella DeVil."
For more info, please visit www.whenlifestinks.com.
Thank you for this interview, Kelly! Can you tell us briefly about your book, When Life Stinks, It´s Time to Wash the Gym Clothes?
This little paperback book is a collection of humorous essays. I write a weekly newspaper column, and When Life Stinks is over forty "reader favorites" gathered together -- in perfect stocking stuffer size. Each slice of life story is about three pages. Some people read the entire book in one sitting; some savor one chapter a day. (And some keep it on the toilet tank for that "leisurely" reading.)
Can you tell us what (or who) was the inspiration behind the book?
Inspiration is everywhere. Real life is the best fodder. I started writing my column in 2001 and still love it. No topic is taboo. Living in France for a year was a highlight, but I also write about bras, butts, and boys. I write about turning 40, going blonde, and beating Madonna and Bill Gates in an IQ test. I write about puking, pets, and PMS. Besides the silly, I also address serious issues: Princess Diana, September 11, and world hunger. I will never run out of things to write about.
Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?
This is my first published book in my name. I´ve written several books for others as a ghostwriter. It was quite surreal that the first book I ever wrote, and worked so hard on and was really proud of, was for someone else. I can´t talk about the books that I ghostwrite. My writer ego wants a book that is ME! Readers asked for a compilation, so I decided the time was right. I didn´t attempt to go the traditional publishing route. One agent told me that "Erma Bombeck type" writing would not sell. I beg to differ. I self-published and have no regrets.
Do you have an agent?
No. But I´m game. Know anyone who might be interested?
Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book, and how long it took to get in stores?
My story is not the usual "I´ve been writing my novel for five years." Nonfiction is different. Some columns I labor over and some pour out faster than I can type. For this book, I gathered columns from over the years, beginning with the first in May 2001, and had my editors help me select which would make the cut. I took a couple months to create When Life Stinks.
Originally intended for my local readership, I then decided to test the waters in the real world. In order to get in Barnes & Noble, I had to jump through all the hoops to get a distributor, etc. It took a couple months to be accepted and in the system. (I cried.) (I´m an emotional girl.) (I´m not supposed to tell you that.) To be in bookstores is a thrill. To be on amazon is a thrill too, but I had to pay $29 to get there.
Readers are asking for Book 2 already. I love my readers! Thank you!
Do you have any words of inspiration from other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?
Life is too short to wear tight shoes. (But if they´re really cute, you can make it through one evening in them.) (The truth is my feet are big. I have some fun shoes from France if you are size 9 or 10 (size 41) and want to borrow them.)
My advice to writers and everyone is to be yourself, follow your heart, and never give up.
What´s next for you?
It would be a hoot to get my column syndicated. And to have lunch with Nora Ephron. I recently met Dave Barry he´s in my book dedications.
I´ve launched a joy network, When Life Stinks, Find Joy! (Sign up at www.whenlifestinks.com). That will probably be the next book. Or perhaps, When Life Stinks, Go to France. I´ve started making greeting cards and note cards with my fabulous photos of France. I´ve also started creating some shirts and hoodies with words and swirly girly curlies. Picture frames are in the works too . I´m a joyful word nerd and things are happening. It´s a blast. I have oodles of ideas. I want to go cross country in my smart car. (Cutest car in the world!) When Life Stinks, Take a Road Trip in the JOY Mobile. Maybe next year we can chat again!
Thank you for this interview, Kelly. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?
Please visit me (pretty please!) at www.whenlifestinks.com. Or write me at kel_epperson@yahoo.com. Or come visit Loves Park, city with a heart. When Life Stinks, It´s Time to Wash the Gym Clothes is available on amazon.com, at Borders and Barnes & Noble, and my website. My YouTube debut (dork alert) is www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRK5SOCgUo.
Merci beaucoup! Au revoir!
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