About Me — PJ Kaplan
Aussie writer & animal lover. Dreamer of a happier world. Appreciator of the funny things in life.
I’m drinking red wine as I write this, so buckle up; this could get interesting… or not. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
Early Years
My Dad didn’t want another child, but my Mum had different plans.
I am the youngest of three. I have two older brothers. One is missing in the outback of Queensland by choice because he’s a d*ck.
My Mum raised the three of us on her own in a small country town in Western Australia I like to call “Cliqueville”.
Of course, that’s not its real name, but it may as well have been because everyone in town knew what you had for breakfast, and you weren’t cool if you didn’t wear the latest surf clothes.
When I was in Kindergarten, we were assessed on what we would be when we grew up. Apparently, I was going to be a writer. BANG ON!
Though, I never put much thought into it until I was in my twenties. This was when I began writing scripts and screenplays. It wasn’t until my early thirties did I think about taking it more seriously and possibly writing a novel.
I have started many projects over the years but haven’t yet accomplished much. I have, however, written a six-episode dramedy TV series about a talking dog, with the dream that Ricky Gervais will star in it. Ha!
I believe we should always dream big.
Always dream big.
Laughter and Compassion are the Answer
I believed early on that laughter and compassion were the answers to most problems. Well, nearly. Therefore, I am kind in every interaction and avoid being serious where ever possible.
The first joke I ever told was to my brothers as we walked to school. I was around six years old at the time;
Knock, Knock.
Who’s there?
Bear.
Bear who?
Bare Bum!
As I write this, I’m laughing at my stupid joke, as I did when I told it to my brothers all those years ago.
Unfortunately, they weren’t as receptive and told me to give up on telling jokes.
To me, that was like someone throwing down “the gauntlet,” and to that, I say, “Challenge accepted.” As a result, I am now the funniest person in our family (if I do say so myself!).
Years of “Adulting”
In 2015, I moved to Melbourne (Australia) and I tried my hand at acting but realized quickly that I wasn’t a self-absorbed, egotistical, insecure twat and gave it up. (Disclaimer: not all aspiring actors are like this…apparently).
Though it was fun at the time. I met many interesting people and made some lifelong friends.
Animals are my Life
Since becoming a well-adjusted adult (vomit), I have dedicated my life to rescuing and rehoming animals.
I co-founded a rescue organisation in 2008, but due to compassion fatigue, I burnt out in 2018. I still run the organisation but approach it from a different angle.
I still do what I can to help animals and advocate for their welfare and rights whenever I get the chance.
I am a qualified dog trainer and am more than happy to talk for hours about dogs with anymore who will listen.
I have three rescue dogs; two Staffies and a mini Yorkie terrier, who is the boss. They are my life.
I don’t eat meat or any animal products. The mainstream calls this veganism. I call it an ethical lifestyle based on respect and compassion for animals.
Animals are friends, Not food. Just ask Bruce from Finding Nemo.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. ~ unknown.
Married a Good One
I am married to one of the best people in the world. He is as mad for animals as I am. Maybe more so.
There is an understanding between us that our dogs need to come first, and we come second, and we’re both okay with that.
I wish for any woman who has had sh*t experiences with men to eventually find a beautiful, loving, honest, and compassionate soul like my husband.
Because no woman deserves to feel insecure and worthless. No man does either.
Our Earth and Mother Nature Rocks!
I adore and am in awe of Mother Nature and this big, blue planet we all call home.
I want people to wake up and do better at saving this earth before it’s too late. Which it basically already is, but let’s not give up just yet.
Make better choices. The majority of us can’t afford to move to Mars.
Can you imagine having to put up with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Kanye West for more than a few hours? I’m pretty sure I would have cut a small hole in Kanye’s spacesuit not long after take off.
My First Medium Encounter
I first heard about Medium in 2021 but dragged my feet until March this year, when I finally signed up and started writing.
I am loving the experience and meeting other writers on a similar journey.
I hope to put some lighthearted fun or heartfelt moments into my reader’s day.
There will be some serious topics (maybe not, who knows) but mainly silly, light, possibly inspiring, and uplifting stories.
I look forward to sharing my life stories and other topics that take my fancy with anymore who spends their precious time reading my writing.
Useless Trivia About Me
- My favourite actors are Jim Carrey and Ricky Gervais. I also love John Cusack. (Just ask because he has a Man Crush on him)
- My favourite colours are forest green and ocean blue.
- My favourite animal is ALL OF THEM.
- I’m obsessed with rain and dancing in it.
- I haven’t brushed my curls dry for over thirty years (because any person with curly hair would know that’s a f*cking stupid thing to do).
- I don’t like pranks, especially pranks that set people up to fail or look stupid.
- I enjoy a coffee if writing in the morning or a glass of red wine if writing in the evenings.
- I’m pretty good at playing pool (billiards).
- I want to live on acreage so I can set up an animal rescue sanctuary.
- I cry tears of joy when I see disadvantaged people or animals get a second chance.
When I leave this world, I hope I leave it a lot better than I found it.
Visit my profile to read other stories I have written:
