Hi, I’m Christina Katz. Code name: The Writer Mama.
I balance writing with motherhood in the suburbs near Portland, Oregon.
Read my blog to hear how I juggle writing, teaching, and speaking with motherhood and everything else.
I have written hundreds of articles for magazines, newspapers, and online publications and have appeared on Good Morning America.
In addition to The Writer Mama e-zine (archived on this blog), I am publisher of Writers on the Rise and The Get Known Groove.
I teach e-mail classes throughout the year and in-person classes in the Portland, Oregon area. Click here to view my upcoming class schedule.
My first book is Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (Writer’s Digest Books, March 2007).
My second book is Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Strengths to Grow an Author Platform, coming in October 2008 from Writer’s Digest Books.
In addition to writing, I speak and teach at writing conferences, literary events, and writing programs around the country.
Contact me at writer mama at earthlink dot net, if you feel so moved. Or learn more about me at:
http://www.getknownbeforethebookdeal.com
If you’d like to buy a copy of Writer Mama, please order through the Writers on the Rise aStore, where every purchase supports the zine and its terrific line-up of publishing writers.
I have a cute little Café Press store where you may browse Writer Mama stuff. Claudean Wheeler created the awesome cover design Writer Mama and Burton Haun embellished it for the cool designs you’ll find here:
http://www.cafepress.com/writermamastuff
Thanks so much for stopping by and best of luck with your writing goals! Remember to take them one babystep at a time and you’ll be sure to succeed. For more suggestions, check out my Creative Manifesto.
Read writer mama success stories here.
The Writer Mama Riffs 
I am enjoying exploring your blog. May I add it to my blogroll?
Christina–
It was fun meeting you in the taxi line at Book Expo in New York. I like your site and your blog. It looks like you’re having a fun time. You should check out my website and sign up for my e-newsletter. Just send a blank e-mail to Subscribers-Join@megcox.com. I just signed up for your newsletter.
Enjoy the ride and the writing.
cheers, Meg
I saw your new bk in the bkstore the other day…I just loved it.
Hi Christina,
I am so happy to have discovered Writer Mama. Absolutely thrilled. I have been writing freelance for about two and a half years and a Writer Mama for 19 months. I spend my days typing away on the laptop while following my little boy around the house. We often play “office” where I sit among his toys and type while he sits next to me “reading” a book.
Lately, I have been seeking out other WAM who write freelance. Check out my blog–http://alongthebloggingtrail.blogspot.com/
Christina,
Great seeing you at Wordstock! I can see why you’re the One True Writer Momma. You’re like a locus of inspiration … and I’m not one bit surprised by all your success. It’s clear you write for writing’s sake. No illusions. It’s work. And your words are refreshing.
best,
dan
What a great blog and book idea! Thank you for sharing. Will be back frequently, I’m sure. In case you don’t receive notification of new blog replies, I also left you a question on you 2008 class post. 🙂
Jenni
http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com
http://www.InnerBeautyGirlz.blogspot.com
I am trying to start a writer’s circle with my 7th grade English class. I was excited after attending this year’s Wordstock, held in Portland, Oregon. I employed several of the techniques used in the workshops and now have several students who have written over twenty pages on the same story idea. I would like to offer a workshop to those serious writers that would like to get published. Do you ever do workshops for students?
Please let me know.
Leah Davis
Oaklea Middle School
Junction City, Oregon
Hi Leah,
I don’t currently teach classes for kids, just adults.
But perhaps in the future.
Thanks for asking and good luck finding resources!
Dear Christina~ I discovered your book, Writer Mama, about ten days ago and have completely read the entire book. It is fabulous. I have been a professional writer mama for over 17 months and am having the time of my life. Prior to getting paid to write, I taught public education and wrote quietly on the side dreaming of “someday”. Now, with kids underfoot, I am staying home to raise them and my writing career alongside. Thanks for your book, it proves that a writer’s dreams can come true even while chasing kids around the house. I truly enjoyed reading Writer Mama and found many valuable tools to implement in my own writing routine. Best to you~ Sincerely, Melissa
Hi Christina,
I am attending a writers’ conference at UW-Madison at the moment. I saw your book available for sale at the conference, although I was already familiar with it and with your blog. I also blog about balancing writing and motherhood, as well as post book reviews at the Damian Daily:
http://damiandaily.wordpress.com/
Thanks for your inspirational voice for other writer mamas out there!
Dear Christina,
I have greatly enjoyed the practical tips in your book, Writer Mama, especially concerning disecting publications for freelancers. I also enjoy the monthly ezines. They are packed with great links and encouragement.
Your enthusiasm in contagious!
I also have a blog at http://www.journalwriter.blogspot.com where I share tidbits about family life and humorous ancedotes for light hearted reading.
Look forward to the release of your new book.
Dawn Herring
JournalWriter Freelance
http://www.journalwriterfreelance.com
http://www.journalwriter.blogspot.com
Christina,
Hey, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and was excited to see your books on display at our Wilsonville library.
Nice to know I’m not alone out here, lol.
-Perry