I always seem to miss the national de-lurking day, the day when all the people who read blogs anonymously—silently—are asked to post a comment and say, hey, I’m here, reading. I actually don’t really like the term “lurker” because it conjures up a number of sinister images in my mind: someone crouched in the bushes…
Read MoreHappy Valentine’s Day, friends! D and I don’t do much to celebrate–this year we decided to splurge and exchange cards–but the girls are beside themselves with excitement. We got them Valentine’s pencils and chocolates and those musical cards (which they adore). This afternoon I’ll brainstorm a festive chicken recipe (any ideas?) and maybe my dad…
Read MoreI always mean to do an extensive recap of my co-panelists’ presentations, but then the panel is over, and I’m so relieved to be done that it’s had for me to remember what was said. Okay, not really. I remember what everyone said. But this time it was more challenging to remember what I said…
Read MoreIf you have never been to AWP, you should go at least once. The panels and readings are wonderful, of course, but also, there is just nothing like being surrounded by thousands of writers all at once. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way. Yesterday I was able to have lunch with the wonderful…
Read MoreAll week I’ve been thinking that today, January 28th, was the anniversary of the day I started this blog, but just now I realized it was actually January 20th. So this post is a week late, but I’m celebrating the 4th anniversary of my blog today anyway. I began this blog to create to a place…
Read MoreThanks to all of you for your kind birthday wishes for my grandpa. He’s had two lovely parties so far and one more tomorrow. (It makes me tired to think about three parties. Imagine doing it when you’re 102.) I’m pleased to announce that I have Kris Woll here at Mother Words today. Kris is…
Read MoreI’ve spent the last few days obsessively reading the New York Times and listening to public radio as they cover the devastating shootings in Arizona. I can’t stop thinking of the victims’ families, and I feel heartsick about the whole thing. But today I want to focus on something positive. I *will* be positive. Here…
Read MoreI’m excited to announce that the Good Enough Moms podcast of the 4th Annual Mother Words Reading is now available. Check it out! A huge thank you to Marti, Erin, Luke, and Stacy at Good Enough Moms for all their work getting this ready!
Read MoreIt will be too challenging for me to try to sum up the conference—there were too many thoughts stuttering through my mind during those few days in Iowa. But I’ll list a few highlights: * Meeting so many interesting and talented writers, many of whom I’ve admired for a long time, among them Dinty Moore,…
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