J. Kaspar Barnes
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A personal note from Jana
What can I say that hasn't already been whispered about behind my back?
I have had many different careers in my life and several plain old boring
jobs. Probably the most interesting thing I ever did was stand-up comedy! I
started out on open mic nights at the Comedy Works in Denver, which is
where I met my husband John. We have been happily married for 18 years,
only because we both have the ability to laugh at whatever life has thrown our
way. I was never a great performer as a stand-up, but I always loved the
process of writing.
Yes, I am a mother. And I have found it to be the most frustrating,
head-banging, what-was-I-thinking experience ever; and, at the same time,
the most wonderful, and rewarding thing I have ever done. I have one of the
greatest kids in the world and I wouldn't trade her for anything (though
some days during these trying teenage years, I am willing to entertain
offers). I, much like Natalie Quill, have always felt that I am not exactly the
mother-of-the-year type but I have given it my best shot anyway. Unlike
Natalie, I was never kicked out of the PTA, but there were plenty of times I
wished I had been.
I'd like to take this opportunity to emphasize that the characters in my book
are strictly fictional and it is merely a coincidence that my mother and
Natalie's both like to talk about taboo subjects at the dinner table!
What can I say that hasn't already been whispered about behind my back?
I have had many different careers in my life and several plain old boring
jobs. Probably the most interesting thing I ever did was stand-up comedy! I
started out on open mic nights at the Comedy Works in Denver, which is
where I met my husband John. We have been happily married for 18 years,
only because we both have the ability to laugh at whatever life has thrown our
way. I was never a great performer as a stand-up, but I always loved the
process of writing.
Yes, I am a mother. And I have found it to be the most frustrating,
head-banging, what-was-I-thinking experience ever; and, at the same time,
the most wonderful, and rewarding thing I have ever done. I have one of the
greatest kids in the world and I wouldn't trade her for anything (though
some days during these trying teenage years, I am willing to entertain
offers). I, much like Natalie Quill, have always felt that I am not exactly the
mother-of-the-year type but I have given it my best shot anyway. Unlike
Natalie, I was never kicked out of the PTA, but there were plenty of times I
wished I had been.
I'd like to take this opportunity to emphasize that the characters in my book
are strictly fictional and it is merely a coincidence that my mother and
Natalie's both like to talk about taboo subjects at the dinner table!
About J. Kaspar Barnes
Jana Kaspar Barnes is a former stand-up comedian and recovering white cheddar
popcorn addict (currently celebrating her tenth consecutive day of powdered-cheese-
free living).
In the mid-to-late eighties, Ms. Kaspar Barnes performed stand-up comedy at George
McKelvey’s comedy club in Denver, Wits End Comedy Club in Denver, Joker’s Comedy
Club in Oklahoma City, and at numerous other bars and private events. Along with her
husband, John, Jana co-founded the Comedy Corporation which provided custom
entertainment for clients such as Frito Lay, Coors Brewing Company, and Storage
Technology.
In addition to writing for herself and her clients, Jana has written material for other
comedians, and for local radio. She composed the popular “Reeve’s Rap” which
garnered heavy play time on Y-108 radio in Denver leading up to the Bronco’s 1987
Superbowl appearance.
Jana has also had successful careers in sales and marketing. For the past seven years,
Ms. Kaspar Barnes has been a stay-at-home mom.
The Adventures of Mom is Jana’s debut novel. She is currently at work on the second
novel in the series, Mom Strikes Back. Ms. Kaspar Barnes lives in Longmont, Colorado
with her husband and daughter.