“Read authors you enjoy and those that challenge you. Engage with a writing community, in person or virtually — classes, critique groups, local events, social media or coffee with a writer friend. This, more than anything, will help you hone your craft. Be adventurous with medium and form. If you usually write by longhand, compose […]
January is a perfect time to check in with you reading goals for the year and to see what you wanted to be sure to put on your TBR lists. As we hunkered down for some more pandemic and weather-related closures, our editors and staff delved into some books we’ve been wanting to read for […]
We’re looking for several individuals to join our efforts in publishing literary writing about motherhood. Please note: These are volunteer positions. All work is conducted remotely, via internet. Strong communication skills are required. Send your resume and cover letter to lminfo (at) literarymama (dot) com by Monday, March 7, 2022. Managing Editor The Managing Editor works with the […]
“To be a writer you must read, and read extensively. It is part of the work. When you don’t know what to write, pick up a book. There are times I think I have nothing left to say, but then I read a few paragraphs and ideas begin to emerge. Don’t push them aside. Let […]
“The Star Wars franchise isn’t something I’ve followed, but the wisdom of Yoda and its applicability to the writing life continue to resonate with me. ‘Patience you must have, my young Padawan,’ ‘Do. Or do not. There is no try,’ and ‘A Jedi must have the deepest commitment’ are words to live by. If you write, you are a […]
“Read extensively, but write the poems only you could write. Talk with other writers, even if they’re dead. Know your purpose and hold it close. Think of the obvious, then think of something better. Make friends with metaphor. Take your poem to a metaphor’s house and stay. Follow when the metaphor goes out; see what […]
Last weekend, I somehow found myself with a new book in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, and a tantalizingly unscheduled afternoon. I’d had half-hearted intentions of catching up on all the details of family life that get sidelined during the workweek, but in that moment the yellow brick road of my […]
In this series, our editors interview Literary Mama photographic contributors. For the debut column, Photography Editor Stephanie Buesinger corresponded with photographer Jennifer Wannen over email to find out more about her creative process and journey to Literary Mama.
Literary Mama was on my radar early on. I’d been an elementary school teacher and came to realize I wanted to be a writer who teaches, rather than a teacher who writes. I attended the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop in summer 2007, where I was introduced to Literary Mama and other journals. I knew I wanted to submit at some point.
Last month, we invited readers to share their responses to a writing prompt inspired by Erin Lyn Bodin’s Even In Winter. We asked, “What passions, interests, or activities do you reserve time for amidst the varied landscape of motherhood? How do they serve your personal wellbeing?” Below is Natalie Brandt’s response. ~~~~~ The Sports Mom “No thank you.” […]
At my house, the beginning of summer is always a bit of a whirlwind. Planning family vacations, scheduling swimming lessons, organizing play-dates, negotiating conflict between siblings who suddenly have to be around each other all the time—I relish the chaos even as it threatens to overwhelm me. My anchor amidst the upheaval of summer, in […]