Published January 13th, 2025

In conversation with Pam Wamback, creator and author of Lucy the Lob’STAR, lifelong Nova Scotian and a lady who loves lobster. Like, really, really loves lobster.
Let’s claw back the curtain and learn more about Pam and Lucy.

1. What's the brief history of Lucy?

On February 2, 2018 at 8:00am in Barrington, the Lobster Capital of Canada, Lucy the Lobster, a 6.5 b, 19 inches long lobster, crawled out of the Atlantic Ocean to offer her prediction of when spring would arrive ... and a new tradition was enjoyed by dozens of folks in person, and thousands around the world.

Why a Lobster Prognosticator for Groundhog Day? Because it's Lobster Season on the South South! Lobster fishers in this area begin fishing lobster the last Monday of November straight through the winter months until the last day of May.

In 2018, when this large, beautiful lobster was caught by Captain Tyler Nickerson and his crew onboard "Chas'n Rac'n", they immediately saw something special in her and knew she was bound for bigger things than a dinner plate. They took her to their friends at Capt. Kat's Lobster Shack and asked if they thought there could be a special assignment for her. Meanwhile, the South Shore Tourism Cooperative was about to kick off the first Lobster Crawl Festival and it was pretty much meant to be when this lobster appeared at the same time a suggestion was made to have a lobster appear on Groundhog Day instead of the traditional groundhog. And there was no better place for Lucy to make her debut than Barrington.

So with some coaching from Wiarton Wille and Shubenacadie Sam, Lucy emerged and kicked off the inaugural South Shore Lobster Crawl presented by the South Shore. And she hasn't looked back since!

2. What inspired you to write Lucy the Lob’STAR?

I grew up in a lobster family in a lobstering town surrounded by lobster! So it's no great surprise I've been a fan of lobsters my entire life. Growing up in Shelburne, Nova Scotia meant that most of my family and friends had a connection in some way, shape or form to the lobster fishery. The lobster grounds off of Southwest Nova Scotia are amongst the richest in the world and the lobster fishery has been the economic backbone for this and many communities in Nova Scotia for decades. While lobster is available fresh in Nova Scotia 365 days a year, the lobster season where I grew up runs from the last week in November to the last week in May annually. Lobsters caught in this area (known locally as Districts 33 & 34) account for approximately 40% of all lobster caught in Canada annually. So I grew up on this stuff – we played with the lobsters, teased our cats with the lobsters, even hypnotized the lobsters. I can safely say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed more of these succulent, sweet creatures of the sea than should be legally allowed. But I love them! So it’s no great surprise that over the years, I’ve become known as a bit of a lobster-loving connoisseur.

“It was a challenge to let the publisher do their thing at their pace and let the experts guide me. In the end, it paid off and I’m thrilled with final product - it’s far better than I ever imagined!”

— Pam Wamback

I’m passionate about our lobster industry and how it has shaped so much of Nova Scotia. I've been involved with the Lobster Crawl Festival and in particular, the Groundhog Day events in Barrington starring Lucy since her first appearance in 2018. The idea for this story has been percolating in my head for a few years now before friends encouraged me to put it on paper and put it out there. But I wanted it to be more than just a story. I wanted it to convey and reflect our rich seafaring heritage and culture in a fun yet educational, and accurate, way. Not only is it my fictionalized version of how Lucy became an international superstar, the story also reflects my passion for all-things lobster and includes some personal touches. The story shares how a lucky, plucky little lobster escaped the traps, becoming one of the most famous weather forecasters in the world. The book also includes fun facts about lobsters and even incorporates a few fun nods to my family ties to the fishing industry. For instance, the name of the fishing boat on the front cover, Bald Dude, is the actual name of my brother’s boat which he named after our dad.

3. What was the most challenging aspect of the creative process?

This was a passion project for me and a whole new learning curve. I'm no stranger to the world of publishing and travel writing, but becoming an author and learning the steps along the way towards a published product was a whole new challenge! I was fortunate to receive several options to publish the book but I had bigger plans for it and so it was important that I maintain all copyrights associated with it as well as control the look and feel of the book. Working with FriesenPress to bring this from an idea to a physical book I can hold in my hands was a great experience. They were great to work with, always available to answer questions and walk me through the publishing process. I think the biggest challenge was having patience to go through the process. I'm the first to admit I'm not a patient person so from start to finish, the publishing process took almost a year. It was a challenge to let the publisher do their thing at their pace and let the experts guide me. In the end, it paid off and I'm thrilled with final product - it's far better than I ever imagined!

4. How long did it take between the initial idea and completing the story?

The very first inkling for a story started during the pandemic when we were all confined to the walls of our home - and I admit, there might have been a glass or two of wine involved. That year, Lobster Crawl activities were put on hold and I really missed them! So one night, we just started talking about Lucy and a silly story about how she came to be so famous. But the thought wouldn't leave my mind. So with some tweaks and revisions, I finally put the thoughts to paper and pitched it to publishers - a whole new experience for me. Trust me, the original manuscript was longer but in the editing process, we brought it down to an acceptable number of words and pages and I don't think anything is missing. The editors did a fantastic job!

5. How would you describe the book in under 10 words?

Me - 10 words or less?!?! Dream on ... ;)

It's a playful yet informative story, accompanied by colourful and whimsical illustrations, as a nod to the winter lobster fishery that I hope captures the hearts of readers of all ages.

6. Why should people visit Barrington, Canada's lobster capital?

Obviously I'm a bit biased as it's my backyard! But for a small community, they have a huge heart not to mention some of the freshest seafood around. Plus there are fantastic outdoor adventure opportunities like hiking trails and kayaking; it's home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the province (my favourite is The Hawk Beach), majestic lighthouses, engaging historical and cultural attractions (did you know there a UFO Museum in Shag Harbour?!?) and is actually one of the best birding destinations in Eastern Canada. The Municipality of Barrington is made up of many small coastal communities and includes the most southern tip in Nova Scotia located on beautiful Cape Sable Island. It truly is a hidden gem that more people need to get to know!

7. Are there plans to write a second book?

No comment .... ;)

Click here to order your copy of Lucy The Lob’STAR.
If you’re reading this from Nova Scotia, click here and scroll to the bottom to buy the book locally.

The official book launching will kick off a signature festival, the 2025 Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Festival, on Saturday February 1st at Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack in Barrington Passage, NS. Starting at 12 pm AST, the event will include book signings by the author, a reading and a chance to meet the real Lucy the Lobster in person. Click here for details.

If you’re wondering how to shell, cook and eat lobster, Modern Traveller has you covered!

Nova Scotia Author Pam Wamback Brings a Lucky Lobster’s Tale to Life with New Book