Merle Huerta

In May, we asked, “If you could profile your mother, what salient features would you include — her smell; her habits; her laugh? What did you love about her? What did you hate? What part of her is within you and obvious when you parent your own children?” Margaret Hundley Parker wrote: When I was […]

In April, we asked the question: “Before children, what fantasies did you construct about childbirth and parenting? How did you come to terms with the disparity between your dreams and reality?” This month, we had two exquisite submissions. The following is the second submission we selected. Alyssa Westring wrote: In theory, I’m an expert at […]

In April, we asked the question: “Before children, what fantasies did you construct about childbirth and parenting? How did you come to terms with the disparity between your dreams and reality?” This month, we have two exquisite submissions. Look for the second essay next week. Ellen Painter Dollar wrote: Even before my husband and I […]

Where has technology intersected with your parenting? Has technology impacted your child’s literary experience? Where does the value of books and electronic media rank in your household? Why?

Literary Reflections is pleased to present our featured writing prompt response from October. We asked, “Is there a character — dead or alive — who acts as your muse? Does this character make frequent appearances in your writing or does he or she merely serve as a cattle prod in your everyday activities?” Kirsten Butler […]

Literary Reflections is pleased to present our featured writing prompt response from September. We asked, ” Have you been a member of a group that helped you connect with your true passion? How did this group sharpen your focus? At times, did you resent their guidance? What insights to your talents did the group offer?” […]

Literary Reflections is pleased to present our featured writing prompt response from August. We asked, “Has motherhood altered your perceptions of your own place in the universe, of your parents, or of old passions? How has parenting added dimension, richness, and flavor to your life?” Tiffany Herr writes: I feel a little panicky. Is it […]

Literary Reflections is pleased to present our featured writing prompt response from May. We asked, “Have you ever felt creatively stifled by responsibilities? Have you ever been amazed by a gem you hewed, just when you assumed you hadn’t created anything original at all? Cara Holman writes: It is conceivable that I would have eventually […]

Literary Reflections is pleased to present our featured writing prompt response from April. We asked, “What favorite activity has motherhood pushed far into the reaches of your existence? How do you compensate for that absence and longing? If you still make time for hidden pleasures, how do you incorporate them into this reality? Beth Meleski […]

Literary Reflections is pleased to present our featured writing prompt response from March. We asked, “How did the role of motherhood offer a fertile ground in which you could resolve inner conflicts? How did raising children help you to grow as an adult?” Paula Kiger wrote: Because one of the most vocal members of my […]

In this month’s essay, When Income Envy Comes Home, Valerie Weaver-Zercher writes about the envy and outrage she felt when her author/husband earned an ordinate sum of money for a speaking engagement. Have you ever defined your own writing success in economic terms? Have you ever felt jealous of those who seemed more prolific and […]