Hi! I’m Janetta Fudge-Messmer, and I write Christian Comedy (with a touch of Romance). I was born and raised in Herington, Kansas. I’m the youngest of four children, and my mom always told people, “Janetta decided to make her appearance a little early. And she didn’t make a peep until after her due date. Then Katie bar the door. She hasn’t quit talking since.”

And that’s the truth.

At the age of nine, I gave my heart to Jesus. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. If you haven’t done it, do it right now before it’s too late. You can thank me later.

I loved school…but only for the social aspect of it. My report cards verify the fact I chit-chatted too much. In 1974, I graduated with no clue what I wanted to do. A few months later, I started attending business school, taking secretarial classes.

For those who know me, it wasn’t my first career choice. But women stand-up comedians weren’t the norm quite yet. So, after finishing business school, I moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and worked in my field.

In 1978, an opportunity came up for me to move to Colorado—a place I loved. I’d never visited Boulder, but as a kid, my family vacationed in Colorado Springs. The Rocky Mountains grabbed my heart and hasn’t let go of it yet.

Something else grabbed my heartstrings. Mr. Ray Messmer. We met, fell in love, and married on July 4, 1981. And we’ve not experienced a dull moment since we said, “I Do.” Below is a list of our adventures:

• The first eleven years of marriage, we worked in our perspective fields (mechanic-Ray, secretary-me). In 1992, we opened Baseline Auto Service and ran it for eight and a half years. I wrenched for a while when an employee quit. Years after we closed, I sent a story to Guideposts Magazine, and they published it. They titled it “Making Marriage Work Working Together.” Did I mention Ray fired me?
• In 1999, we moved to Montrose, Colorado, and opened the Rusty Moose Bed and Breakfast. The writing bug bit me, and I tried my hand at submitting stories. Rejections came knocking, but I didn’t let them derail me.
• In 2002, Ray and I moved to The Woodlands, Texas. Our wedded bliss took some hits, but here is where the Lord opened doors to a new career (writing, editing, speaking) through the dear friends I made down there.
• The speaker part started when I joined Toastmasters International. The reason I joined this organization was for when I became a world-renowned author. I’d need to talk in front of people. And after completing the first ten speeches, Ray said to everyone within earshot, “She could always talk. Now she can speak.”
• While working on my speeches and learning the craft of writing, I continued to submit my writings. In November 2013, I participated in NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month). I wrote Early Birds, which Winged Publications published in January 2016. My dream of publishdom (my own word) came true. I’m still in awe of what the Lord can do.
• The last ten years have been interesting in so many ways, but it’s never been dull. In 2026, we decided it was time to settle down and sell the RV. No worries, we’ll still travel, but it’ll be visiting friends/family or on a cruise.
• On a sad note: In July of 2026, our precious pooch trotted over the Rainbow Bridge. Sadness fills our hearts, but what memories that black and white pup left behind. We miss you, Magster! And always will.

In closing, even in the ups and downs of life, God is good. And as the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIVE) says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Blessings!!!

Janetta

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