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The Literary Reflections department is looking for original first-person essays about the intersection of parenthood and the creative process, and we welcome perspectives from all genders. For the September/October issue, we are interested in completed essays between 1,500-3,000 words about books our children are reading – or not reading – in school. This could include […]

It’s a cliche, but aren’t cliches recycled phrases for a reason? Prior to giving birth, I’d heard “Get ready. Motherhood changes you” from every possible source. And now, I find myself repeating the words to others and reflecting on how I discovered their depth. How motherhood meant more than a busier schedule, a changing body, […]

Writing about family is changing to be more inclusive. Yes, it still includes writing about kids but it also includes writing about all types of family structures. Learn how to pitch, what publications want, how to find sources, how to brainstorm ideas and much more. Profiles editor, Holly Rizzuto Palker will be in conversation with […]

I have the cluttered mind of a writer. Words and ideas swirl in my head like autumn leaves caught in a wind tunnel. Post-it® notes adorn every nook and cranny in my office, and my desktop looks like Swiss cheese cluttered with dozens of folders for various writing projects like “Finished blogs,” “Essays in the […]

On March 1919, shortly after publishing her first novel, The Voyage Out, famed author Virginia Woolf wrote in her Writer’s Diary, “Is the time coming when I can endure to read my writing in print without blushing—shivering and wishing to take cover?” I am no Virginia Woolf, but at 1:00 a.m. on March 15th, 2023, struggling […]

Congratulations to our Literary Mama staff members! ~~~~~ Profiles Editor Brianna Avennia-Tapper spoke with poet Maggie Smith about choices—both on the page and in your home—for The Chicago Review of Books, and with climber/conservationist/writer/mother Majka Burhardt about flexibility in motherhood and on the mountain. Brianna also reviewed the singular novel/memoir Typical of the Times/What was […]

Summer approaches, which means it is time to find the books that you’ll keep in your bag that you take to the pool or day-long sporting events for the kids or to the beach or mountains on a family trip. Our staff is always happy to share some of the authors and books that they’ve […]

Mother’s Day 2023 has come and gone. For some, Mother’s Day is filled with activity and fun, while for others, it is a day of quiet, reflection, and remembrance. Emotions can run the gamut when it comes to this holiday—sadness, anger, shame, resentment, fulfillment, humor, love. Literary Mama has given mama writers a chance to […]

I thought my first Mother’s Day was going to be blissful. I’m someone who loves my birthday (and being spoiled!), so I thought Mother’s Day would be another opportunity in the year to feel special and be treated like a queen. That first year, I quickly learned that while you might be treated nicely on […]

Typically, we post these every two months, but we’ve heard about several writing opportunities and want to give mama writers as much advance notice as possible. MER- Mom Egg Review has two open calls for submission:The print journal is open for submissions until 7/15 on the theme of Ages/Stages; more info and guidelines at http://merliterary.com/submit Our […]

Type. Think. Type again. Delete, delete, delete. Type. Delete, delete, delete. Ask “Why am I even doing this?” Fold laundry. Take a walk. Have a brilliant idea. Forget the brilliant idea. Take a shower. Remember the brilliant idea. Type, type. Delete. Go to bed. Eight hours later– Take a sip of tea. Read yesterday’s words. […]