Motherhood & Words

from one of my first students: day 16

The night before my first Motherhood & Words class, I sat on the couch, going over my notes and fretting until D handed me a glass of wine and told me that I’d do a great job. I don’t remember if I nodded or if I even believed him. I’m sure I drank the wine and I’m also sure I got up early to prepare some more.

Six years later, it’s difficult for me to imagine being nervous to teach that class. But what did I know? Not what I know now. Now, I know how grateful I am for the women who have shared their stories with me, who have bravely put their experiences as mothers down on the page. I know how grateful I am for those women who have challenged me (and continue to challenge me) to be the best mother and writer I can be.

Kara Douglass Thom is one of those women, and I’m honored that her blog, Mama Sweat, is the Day 16 stop for the Use Your Words virtual book tour. Kara, thank you for your kind words and for always inspiring me. Check out Kara’s post and try your hand at another writing exercise.

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Kate

I have been teaching creative writing for almost twenty years. Reading about other women’s lives and experiences has expanded my world. To be able to walk in someone else’s shoes, whether it’s for a moment or an hour or a few days, is an incredible gift, providing me with insight into the human experience. It takes courage to write your truths, especially if it doesn’t seem as though anyone cares, as though anyone is listening. Let me tell you: your stories matter, I’m listening, and I’m here to help you find the heart of those truths, to get them down on the page, to craft them, and to send them out into the world. Together, we will change the world, one story at a time.

2 Comments

  1. Kara Thom on May 29, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    What I forgot to mention in my post is that YOU are the one who kept telling me, “You NEED to be blogging.” It was with your insistence that I finally got around to it! Thank you Kate “That’s not the real story” Hopper.



    • Kate on May 30, 2012 at 9:26 am

      It’s actually “Kate THE TEACHER Hopper” to you, lady!