From the Editor: November/December 2023

In 2016, I wrote an author profile for Literary Mama. At the time, I was a novice writer, and it was my first experience working with editors. Going into it, I felt intimidated because, in terms of writing, I was a late bloomer. Sure, I made some poor stabs at poetry in high school. But I didn’t make a genuine attempt until National Novel Writing Month in 2015—at the tender age of 45.

Much to my surprise, I “won” NaNoWriMo and had a crappy first draft of a novel after 30 days of tapping away at the keyboard. More importantly, the event kindled my love of writing from a spark to a bonfire. 

When I had an opportunity to take on the author profile for Literary Mama, I went for it despite my trepidation. My nerves quickly fell like autumn leaves. The Literary Mama staff was amazing. They worked with me throughout the process and helped shape the profile. Their constructive feedback made the piece stronger, and their kindness made me more confident as a writer.

For the past 20 years, staff members have treated writers with kindness and respect, regardless of where they were on their writing journey. At Literary Mama, we love all mama writers and want them to shine.

And shine they do.

As you read the latest issue, enjoy and consider the thought, effort, and care each mama writer has put into their work. The fantastic writing in each issue of Literary Mama makes me grateful that I initiated a relationship with this organization seven years ago.

When I think about being a late-blooming writer, I picture the chrysanthemums that have perched on a plethora of porches for the past few months. Their beautiful flowers show up late in the year, providing a final splash of color in concert with the leaves on trees before we head into the dull gray of winter. Knowing these fellow late bloomers can bring such beauty and joy gives me hope and inspiration to keep writing and growing.