Ann Ipock
            Humorist, author, speaker

Ann Ipock is a biweekly humor columnist with the Georgetown Times, South Carolina’s oldest newspaper. Dwight McKenzie, past president and publisher, says: “Ann is a gifted writer whose stories spark reaction, recall and relaxation. Her humor is contagious…You swear she’s writing about your life experiences, and that’s what makes Ann the best at what she does…writing, Southern Style.” She has been compared to the late Erma Bombeck as well as Bailey White.

Whether we are hearing about Ann getting the mayor’s mustache caught in her dental hygiene polisher; Ann getting hit in the head by a screw at a baseball game or losing her shoes in the mall, we are laughing out loud again and again. After reading about the FROU (Females Rule Our Universe—but, honey, don’t tell the men); today’s grandmother’s—daring divas and cool chicks; high maintenance women and clueless husbands; sushi in the South or secret recipes (they have no place in her kitchen), we can only think of one thing to say: “Tell us more!”

Ann was well-known in her Pawleys Island* community (where her writing career began) at the post office (and no, her photo is not on the wall there); the bank (where she cashed checks, but rarely made deposits); Stox and Co. (getting herself beautified); the Piggly Wiggly (their sushi is awesome—for real, AND they sell her books); and the beach—where she often asked the fisherman what was biting on that particular day. Ann speaks at moveable feasts, spouse programs, college lectures, women’s groups, libraries, girlfriend getaways, charity and corporate events. Ann was a faculty member of the S.C. Writer’s Conference for October, 2006.

Ann and hubby Russell (Oscar the grouch) moved to * Wilmington, NC in early 2007, where they hope to eventually retire; though Russell says Ann won’t be able to since she didn’t pay enough in Social Security to ever make that happen. They love the Port City, being surrounded by family, friends, The Welcome Wagon of Ashley Park and where they will soon qualify for senior discounts.

In 1999, Ann self-published a compilation of humor columns entitled What Was It I Was Saying? and sold over one thousand copies to bookstores, gift shops, and book clubs—even out of her the trunk of her car, to tourists walking on the beach. She created her own successful marketing plan through phone calls and personal visits to members of the reading community; and has now sold over 8000 books up and down the East coast and beyond. She is proud of a congratulatory letter from Jim Hodges, ex-Governor of South Carolina, and a personal thank-you note from Greg Norman, both of who own her book.

Life Is Short, But It’s Wide is Ann’s second compilation of humor columns, published in 2003. This was followed by Life Is Short, So Read This Fast! published in September, 2006 by Goody 2 Shoes Publishing. These can be purchased in bookstores, gift shops, wineries, boutiques or from this web site.

Ann is a regular contributor to Sasee Magazine where she was awarded the first "Sasee Hat." S. C. WOMAN Magazine named her “Woman of the Month” for July, 2004. She also writes for Columbia County Magazine, Martinez. Ga. In addition, she’s written for Pee Dee Magazine (now South Carolina Magazine), Camden Chronicle Independent, Strand, and Gateway Publications. She is active in community theatre, playing in Annie, Steel Magnolias, Other People’s Money and her own one-woman play, Life Is Short… .

Ann and Russell (a church administrator) have two daughters, Kelly and Katie, and two granddaughters, Madison and Carly.