It’s the time of year for nominations, and we’re delighted to announce Literary Mama’s nominations for the 2027 Best of the Net anthology. Creative Nonfiction NominationsKaitlyn Brown, “A Map of Conditional Love,” Nov/Dec 2025: Jules Foshee, “Spill,” Jan/Feb 2026 Fiction NominationsRachel Geman, “The Evening Trimesters: A Guide to Your Afterbirth,” Jan/Feb 2026 Ani King, “It’s […]
In addition to providing an opportunity for mama writers to publish with us, Literary Mama also periodically contributes nominations for other prizes and publications. The staff is delighted to share our nominations for the 2027 Best Small Fictions anthology through Black Lawrence Press. CirceLaura Leigh MorrisLiterary MamaMay/June 2026 It’s Not Called a Miscarriage If You’re […]
With the dawning of a new year, this might be the time for you to consider joining Literary Mama, especially if you are looking for a way to connect with other writers and use some of your skills in meaningful ways. We are seeking individuals to fill these roles: Keep your eye on our Opportunities […]
Literary Mama is thrilled to announce its nominations for Best Small Fictions 2026: Tuesday Morning (Ordinary Time) by Polly Farquhar Fighting Wind by Sage Tyrtle Breath by Jessica Claire Haney How to Bake without Eggs by Edith-Nicole Cameron Tomorrow and All the Days After by Veronica Montes We’re so glad to be a small part […]
If you’re a writer and a mother, you already know that balancing these two things is an art, not a science. There is not one way to do it, nor is there a way that does it perfectly. Most of us struggle with it regularly–finding the time to raise our children while also finding the […]
The staff of Literary Mama is delighted to share our nominations for the Pushcart Prize. Ficton: “Your Sixty Seconds” by Susan Perabo and “Fighting Wind” by Sage Tyrtle Nonfiction: “Slicing Peppers” by Jill Finnessy Literary Reflection: “What’s Left Undone” by Julie Pfeiffer Poetry: “Fragile X Syndrome” by Francine Diodati and “Chapel of Bones” by Caedra […]
What motivates one writer is not the same as what motivates another, but the beauty of Literary Mama is that it’s a place where all kinds of writers with their unique motivations can co-exist. Some writers who publish with us submit just to see if their work will be accepted, and when that itch has […]
Writing and motherhood have commonalities. Both involve a birthing—of ideas or babies. At times, both demand more from us than what we feel we have the supply to give; we spend long nights, early mornings, and weary afternoons managing them. They require us to adapt and grow in every way imaginable. We revise our previous […]
Applications will soon be accepted for A Hotel Room of One’s Own: The Erma Bombeck | Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program (Sept. 5-Oct. 5). The winners, finalists and honorable mentions will be announced in November. The grand prize winners will be honored at the April 4-6, 2024, Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, where they will be “robed” in […]
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 […]
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 […]