Discover the inspiring stories of Janetta Fudge Messmer, an author whose novels blend engaging characters, meaningful themes, and memorable storytelling. Whether you enjoy heartfelt fiction, uplifting journeys, or stories that celebrate faith, hope, and perseverance, Janetta’s books offer readers entertaining and encouraging reading experiences.
Janetta Fudge-Messmer writes Christian Contemporary Romances with a touch of Comedy. She, her husband of 45 years, and precious pooch live in Arizona. For the past 13 years, they’ve traveled in their RV full-time, which gives Janetta plenty of ideas to write about. She’s working on Book #13 called Journaling To Love. It’ll be out sometime in 2026. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys playing pool. And Janetta loves visiting the national parks. Nothing beats a day in nature.
How I became a writer:
I became a writer because I love words. But my dream of becoming a writer was almost derailed in 7th grade. My friends and I each wrote a ‘steamy’ story. That endeavor didn’t turn out well for me. A teacher confiscated it when I was passing it to someone to read. Mrs. Koepke assured me that she would throw it away.
However, later that day, as I was going to another class, I passed the office and saw my mother sitting in the principal’s office. When I got home from school, Mom asked me about it. I told her, through tears, that I’d never do it again.
I’m happy to report that I lived through that experience and continued to write, dabbling in poetry. It was (and is) a great way to express my feelings. Then my hubby and I moved to Texas in 2002. There, I found other like-minded people in two different writing groups. What a joy to find them and learn the craft each week from multi-published authors.
Which brings me to – What is my publishing journey:
From 2002 to 2013, I wrote countless stories and sent them off, hoping I’d get published. In June 2005, I submitted a query to Guideposts Magazine. They accepted my story, and Making Marriage Work – a working relationship was published. I also sent a short story to Writer’s Digest and received Honorable Mention. In 2019, Pigtails and a Tool Belt was a finalist in the Selah Awards for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.
Other contest wins followed, which inspired me to continue writing. Which I did. And after years of writing articles, in 2013, I started my first book. I say it was because our dog told us to quit our jobs, sell everything, buy an RV, and get on the road, as Willy Nelson would say.
We actually took her advice. And then I thought, I could use Maggie’s idea. So Early Birds was born. It’s about two couples who hit the road in their RV. It was followed by four other books in the Early Bird series. I tell people, “My characters wouldn’t shut up, especially Rose.”
Winged Publication published Early Birds in January 2016, and as of April 2025 – I’ve (with the Lord’s help) written twelve books. It’s been fun, and at the same time, nerve-racking. But when I hold the new book in my hand, it’s a special feeling.
Challenges you’ve overcome:
My biggest challenge/obstacle is myself. I have a disorder called Doesn’t-sit-in-the-seat-to-write syndrome. And when I do sit down to work on my WIP (work-in-progress), my editor refuses to shut up. I end up rewriting lots of sentences, wanting perfection.
It has gotten somewhat better, but every now and then, doubt and lack of ideas still creep in when I’m not paying attention. Because of that, the Lord and I have had many conversations about the above topics, and I’ve found He’s more patient with me than I am with myself.
What inspires your stories:
Honestly, I struggle with ideas, but give me a prompt, and I’m on my way. They worked beautifully with my short stories. Hey, I think I’ve hit on something. Another thing that inspires me is brainstorming with my hubby.
I go to him with an idea, and we hash it out. He plays the devil’s advocate, asking, “Would the character really do that? Isn’t that a stretch for him or her?” This helps me rethink the character that has been floating in my mind. And it gets me excited to sit down and begin a new book.
Why you write the genres you do: If you look at my website (www.janettafudgemessmer.com), you’ll understand why I write Christian Romance with a touch of Comedy. My tagline is: Turning Life Into Comedy. There are only a few things that I don’t find humor in, so that explains who I am.
The story I wrote that received Honorable Mention from Writer’s Digest wasn’t a humorous story, but what a kick to write it. But it taught me that I have a little bit of Stephen King in me. And my husband said after reading the story, “I’ll be sleeping with one eye open from now on.” 😊
Links: www.janettafudgemessmer.com My books are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01DWHA1EW E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Author Link: https://facebook.com/share/14FhMYtn4gJ/
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/janettamessmer?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXc2MG80bmNoNTlhag==
Reader reviews:
Early Birds: Book #1
Really good clean read
I really enjoyed this book and appreciate an author who will write a good Christian book. The story line is about restoration of marriage and what God can do in your life when you try! You will enjoy the humor as well as the characters
Southbound Birds: Book #2
On the Road Again….
This series has pulled me in! I have read the first two books in two days, and am starting on #3. The characters are quirky and funny, but they always find a place to help, and a way to minister to someone in need as they travel through the country. And their love of Willie Nelson’s On the Road Again, has new meaning in this book.
Girly Birds: Book #3
Girly Birds on the rescue
Another great book by this author. This was a short read but still good. About an artist finding love and the girly birds to help out.
BLESSING BIRDS: Book #4
God’s good humor.
These books were too good to end. An awesome set of books about older couples traveling in there RV’s and doing God’s work wherever they go. Great way to see the states and witness also.
It’s A Mystery Birds…: Book #5
Such fun reading!!
Janetta absolutely grabs my attention from the beginning of the book! It’s such light-hearted reading, and yet I never quite figure out how it will all end.
Pigtails and a Tool Belt:
Sweet Story
This is a sweet story. It had a heartfelt message about forgiveness. Zach and Samantha are an interesting couple. Great message about trusting God’s plan.
God’s Grace in Our Grumbling:
Good Biblical Advice
This devotional book gives plain-spoken words of encouragement. It’s like sitting at the table chatting. If you need a good start to your day, I recommend this book.
Waltzing with a Grease Monkey:
Fun Read
Although a much shorter story than I usually read, this romantic comedy was a fun read. A grease monkey dancer. What could possibly go wrong when she meets a handsome man who needs his car repaired and is also required to learn to dance? Then there’s the “other” man in her life who puzzles her.
Rekindled for Christmas Eve:
Great Story
A great story demonstrating bitterness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. A daughter found her birth father. A man suddenly learned he is a father. This story includes a Christmas miracle. Well worth reading with a happy ending.
An Unexpected Christmas Gift:
A Feel-Good Christmas Cozy
Humor is one of Ms. Fudge-Messmer’s many gifts as an author, and while there is much hilarity, there are also many moments of heartfelt exchanges and surprising revelations. The story is masterfully woven with humor, twists, emotion, and profound faith.
Mouse in Your Pocket:
Romantic comedy that really is!
What a delightful book! The humor, the down-to-earth trust in Jesus, and the warmth of community ensure smiles and fuzzy feelings from start to finish.
Jessica Montgomery inherits her uncle’s property—i.e., a junkyard. After much deliberation and prayer, Jess decides to clean up the mess Melvin left her…with her family and friends’ help, of course.
But amid this seemingly overwhelming situation, she meets Jimmy Barnes. He claims her uncle left him the old truck parked on her front lawn. Did she mention he has no proof of ownership, and a tree is growing out of it?
In Mouse in Your Pocket, Jessica soon learns that her common sense flies out the window, except for when it comes to Jimmy Barnes. Can life get any more complicated? In Miss Montgomery’s case, yes, it can. 😊 AMAZON
Breanna Snow owns the Snowed Inn B&B outside of Boulder, Colorado. And the city manager, Matthew Jacobson, is irritating the socks off of her. The Go-By-The-Book-Kind-Of-Guy wants to shut her bed and breakfast down. And Bree has no clue why.
But she doesn’t have time for Mr. Jacobson’s nonsense. She’s getting married. However, a tiny hiccup occurs while she’s trying on her wedding dress. It literally turns her world upside down. And to her dismay, the city manager is right in the middle of it.
Will the mortal enemies find a way to work things out before her B&B closes? Or will they die trying? And can a random act of kindness from years ago change her heart to hear the truth? AMAZON
Penelope Price contemplates dating her boss (Derek Hamilton) again. But all they talked about the last time was vehicles they worked on at the auto shop that day. Along with her job at Hamilton Auto Repair, Nell also teaches ballroom dancing at her mom’s studio.
And to top off her crazy job schedule, she takes a “Finding Your Spiritual Gifts” test at her church. This sets more things into motion than Penelope ever dreamed of – one being the day her two professions collide. She won’t be able to dance her way out of this predicament.
Will Penelope’s newest dance student (Harrison) waltz into Priceless Dance Studio and steal her heart away? Or will Derek’s gifts of wit and wisdom win her over in the end? AMAZON
Samantha Barry prays aplenty before she returns home to take over her dad’s handyman business. Her boyfriend promises to follow her, but his arrival keeps changing. While she waits, she runs a Help Wanted ad in the paper. Her ex-fiancé applies, and Sam’s father hires him. Sparks fly and it has nothing to do with electricity. Will Pigtails and a Tool Belt survive with them working together, or is the Lord lending a hand in orchestrating her ‘happily ever after’? AMAZON
When Betsy Stevenson signed up for the writer’s conference, she thought she’d see her Houston friends and learn more about the craft of writing. However, rain, canceled flights, and a chance meeting with Dillon McCloud (a mystery writer and keynote speaker) turns her life into a back-to-back adventure.
And the mayhem has to include Rose Wilford, Betsy’s bestest friend in all the world. Especially since she ‘happens’ to show up at the writer’s conference, and she isn’t a writer. While she’s there – Rosie invites Dillon to join them on a girl’s trip in her RV. The famous writer accepts.
Monday morning, they’re on the road. And they are no more than fifty-five miles when suspense and intrigue come knocking at the RV door. Not to mention seeing lingerie where you’d never expect to find undergarments.
It’s a mystery, for sure.
Follow the Early Birds, plus one, on a journey where snooping around leads them to more than clues. It may even include a little matchmaking amid criminal activity. Is there actually a crime, or is it all a marketing ploy for the mystery author to sell her latest novel? AMAZON
Before the Early Birds leave Florida, on their trek up the East Coast, Rose shares another idea with her friends on how to help humanity. They love it, but the concept needs a little fine tuning. One thing is for sure, they’re not letting Rosie out of their sight. The rest of the trip. When they do, she’s liable to do something to alert more than the media. Buckle up for more merriment and mayhem from all of the Early Birds. AMAZON
The Early Birds, or at least the female part of the famed group, have flown the coop (Florida) to help Mary Miller’s niece, Jennifer McDonald. She owns an eclectic shop in Estes Park, Colorado, and it needs some sprucing up.
Another subject that require Jenny’s full attention is her longtime boyfriend, Peter Webster (he’s left town for parts unknown). Another topic on her mind: her beloved VW Bus (Petunia only runs when it wants to).
While Mary Miller, Rose Wilford, and Betsy Stevenson are in Colorado, they try to convince Jennifer to hire someone so she can scoot on up to Rocky Mountain National Park to paint, paint, and paint some more. Use the gifts the Lord has given her.
Peter returns, but when he explains his absence and adds, “it’s complicated,” Jenny’s left to wonder if their love will survive their lack of communication skills. Or will they learn communication comes in more forms than talking to each other?
As with all the adventures that include the Early Birds, you’re sure to have a grand time on the road with the ladies. And Peter won’t disappoint you either. You will fall in love with him too. Rose says, “He’s a keeper.” AMAZON
Betsy Stevenson is praying fervently for a change. But when a big part of her prayer is answered she asks the Lord, “Is this really You? An RV, of all things.”
According to Ben (her hubby and a workaholic), he thinks retiring at 60, buying an RV and traveling is a grand idea. He says, “I’ve been talking to Matilda (their pooch) and the Lord and I feel it’s a go.
After much more prayer and preparation Betsy agrees and they begin the journey to downsize into a 38 foot 5th wheel. Then their RV adventure begins. Their best friends Rose and Larry Wilford tag along and the four get On the Road Again.
Yes, Willie Nelson joins them – if only in song – on the highways and byways of this great country called the U.S.A. While on the road the foursome encounter a near miss with a lamp post, a not-too-happy proprietor at an RV Park, and a 1000 year flood that hits Colorado.
Can the four of them survive their travels together and learn to live, laugh and love more and grump less? Or is the Lord taking them on this path to learn more about themselves than they ever wanted to know? And in the end, do they find it is better to give than receive?
Follow along with the Early Birds on their adventures and I’m sure you’ll want to join up with them ASAP. All you need is a sense of humor, willingness to change, And, of course, a recreational vehicle. Any size will do. Buy Here
Continuing the saga in this Early Birds sequel. This Christian fictioncomedy, has Rose and Larry Wilford hitting the highway on their next RVadventure. Ben and Betsy Stevenson are right behind them in their 5thwheel. Filled with fun, fellowship and a few fiascoes! AMAZON
Janetta Fudge-Messmer is a Christian author/editor/speaker. Along with her hubby Ray (of 34 years) and their pooch Maggie, they became full time RVers in 2012. Most of the year is spent traveling the US in their Minnie Winnie. During some of the winter months they play snowbirds in southern Florida. Both give Janetta plenty of ideas to write about.
She’s received Honorable Mention for fiction and nonfiction articles from Byline Magazine. In October 2006 she received Honorable Mention from Writer’s Digest Magazine for a short story. Another article, “A Working Relationship” was published in Guideposts Magazine. Guideposts Books published, “Shorthaired Miracle”.
Her affiliations include American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toastmasters and various writer’s groups. These groups have made a huge impact on her writing, editing and speaking abilities. The seven years in Toastmaster’s gives Janetta a platform to tell funny stories, as well as write them.
Janetta has always penned stories about her quirky life. Fiction writing seemed a distant dream until they went full-time RVing. Her debut fiction novel, Early Birds, tells of a couple’s travels in their RV. Is there more truth than fiction “on the road again”?J She says, “Living inside a small space with my beloved and a dog that sheds always brings plenty of laughter. And, I wouldn’t change a single day of it.”