Comedy is said to be the best medicine, which is something comedian Carla Collins knows about.
Collins spent part of Thursday signing copies of her first published novel, “Angels, Vampires & Douche Bags,” at I Can’t Believe It’s a Book Store in Washington. She returns there Saturday to sign more copies.
Collins’ book is a best-seller, and is billed as the world’s first motivational comedic book.
An award-winning comedian, actress, television host and writer, Collins is hailed as Canada’s Tina Fey. She performs all over the United States and is a regular at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.
Collins said she found her way into comedy when she was working on Canada’s version of The Weather Channel after she graduated from school.
“I had a really great boss and made one too many jokes,” she said. “And he kind of suggested I try comedy. It was one of those weird situations where I was out with my friends and just making them laugh. And the comedy-store owner said I should go into comedy.”
Collins started doing stand-up comedy and never looked back.
Collins said with everything happening in the world right now, it’s a good time for comedy. It is one of the reasons she decided to write and publish her first book and do a book-signing in Washington.
Collins said a publisher who mainly publishes self-help books approached her and asked her to write a comedic book.
“My friend in Toronto, Rush (Derr), who is originally from here, was going through a tough time and picked up my book,” Collins said. “And he loved and wanted me to come down here, and wanted to introduce me to his hometown. I’ve never been here before, and this is such a beautiful town.”
Collins also helps raise money for The Humane Society, from which she adopted two rescue dogs, which are shown with her on the back cover of her book.
“Dogs are different than men, because though I might have to pick up after my dog, at least he’ll never (deleted) all over my dreams,” she said.
It’s that kind of comedic spirit and light-hearted humor that can be found in her book, she said.
“All these self-help books nowadays are like, ‘Hello, I’m fabulous, and you should be fabulous, too,’” she said. “And unless you’re living on Planet Delicious, you have to deal with things.”
Collins said she likes to make people laugh and find the humor in things.
Regarding her book, she said she was excited she was able to write it, and she is working on her second novel.
Gary Ceres, co-owner of I Can’t Believe It’s a Book Store, said he is pleased with Collins and has been in stitches from her making him laugh so much.
“I think she’s great, and I’m glad she was able to make it down here to do a book-signing while she’s performing at the Turnage Theater,” he said. “I’m looking forward to reading her book, and we’re thrilled she’s here.”
Collins performs at the Turnage Theater at 8 p.m. today and again at 8 p.m. Saturday.
To learn more about Collins, visit www.carlacollins.com.