Writer Mama Quote of the Month

I don’t know much about creative writing programs. But they’re not telling the truth if they don’t teach, one, that writing is hard work, and, two, that you have to give up a great deal of life, your personal life, to be a writer.

~ Doris Lessing

Being Enough: Closing Words for Busy Moms

By Megan Pincus-Kajitani

“So much perfection argues rottenness somewhere.” - Beatrix Potter

Writer mama, your imperfections are what make you special, what make you yourself. Forgive them — better yet, embrace them — as you do in your children or in the characters you create and write about.

Of course you can always work on yourself, grow and evolve. But aim for being true of heart rather than for being perfect. Remember, human imperfections make for the best stories, in writing and in life.

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Megan Pincus Kajitani is a California-based writer mama and recovering overachiever who blogs at Having Enough (In a “Have-It-All” World).
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Bookmark These Winning Sites, Mamas

By Christina Katz

Tiny Sips of Tough Love = Good Medicine

In my opinion, all writers need to find a way to find and heed the advice that we might rather avoid and resist. For years, all I wanted to read was writing inspiration. I didn’t like it when I had to hear anything that was a cold, hard dose of reality like, “Writing is a businesss, so you have to treat it like a business,” or “Nobody cares if you’ve written a book,” or the number of books that go out of print each year (ouch!).

But what I’ve found is that the more willing I am to take in and absorb these realities, the better prepared I am to respond to the fact that is my writing career.

Beats living in a fantasy, any day.

So, I’d like to share the resource I turn to for a steady of trickle of things I may (and may not always) like to hear: There Are No Rules, a blog by my editor, Jane Friedman, who is Editorial Director at Writer’s Digest Books.

Jane is extremely knowledgeable about writing-related issues of every stripe and the big-picture of what’s happening in the publishing industry. I hope you will subscribe and imbibe the publishing industry wisdom that comes through her blog.

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Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, is working on her second book for Writer’s Digest Books, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform. She has also written over two hundred articles for magazines, newspapers, and online publications and has appeared on “Good Morning America.” Christina is a popular writing instructor who has taught hundreds of writers over the past seven years. She blogs daily at The Writer Mama Riffs and is publisher and editor of two zines, Writers on the Rise and The Writer Mama. More at http://www.thewritermama.com/.
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Self-care for Mom Writers: September is for Starting Over

By Amy Mercer

We’ve made it through the summer, mamas! I can’t speak for everyone, but I know many mamas who have given themselves over to entertaining children at the beach, in the movies, on the trails of mountains, at children’s museums, the aquarium, the neighborhood pool and as camp chauffeurs. Summer is the time when taking care of ourselves–our bodies and our writing–seems to slip.

Now that it is fall again, now that our children are back on a schedule, it’s time to step back in line, time to get back to business. It’s time to get up early and go for a run before dropping the kids off at school, time to walk past the dishes in the sink, the unmade beds and sit down Brush the cobwebs off, call that muse back to her station and get to work.

Move your Muscles. My husband and I have been watching the Olympics after we put the kids to bed at night, and while I’m proud to call myself a “writer,” I know that the act of writing is no spectator sport. As a thirty-seven year old mother of two, I’ve enjoyed watching Olympians Dara Torres (41) and Constantina Tomescu-Dita (38) compete with athletes half their age. Most of the writers I know push their minds more than their bodies as they sit in front of computers for long stretches of time without moving a muscle. I’ve queried several writing colleagues of mine about how they move their muscles while they work. One colleague says she sets the kitchen timer to go off every fifteen minutes which reminds her to stop her work, get up and stretch. Another writing friend makes deals with herself for writing time, for example, she can only sit down to write after she has been to her yoga class. I try to run every morning and when I return, I sit at my computer in my running clothes, which keeps me from reaching for that piece of banana bread. Think of Dara and Constantina as you write, mamas, and don’t forget to push your body as well as your mind.

Write about women athletes for inspiration, women who you admire for the way they push past their physical limits. Find a local female “celebrity” who has accomplished an impressive physical feat and ask for an interview. For example, there is a local woman who swam across the English Channel a few years back, I remember reading in the local paper about how she found time to train in between being a mother and a harpist in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Thinking of Kathleen Wilson swimming in the cold harbor-water every day made it easier for me to go for my morning run and edit that essay.

Make Muse-worthy Music. My sister listens to upbeat music on her ipod while she pushes her double jogger every morning because it drowns out the chatter of her children and allows her a little zen time. Download some favorite songs and listen to them while you write, you might find your muse in the lyrics and you might just get up and dance around the room every time the kitchen buzzer goes off…speaking of, there goes mine, it’s time for me to stretch!

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Amy S. Mercer is a freelance writer living in Charleston, SC with her husband and two sons. Her writing has been published in skirt! Magazine, Literary Mama, Diabetes Forecast and A Cup of Comfort for Writers. Amy is Blog Editor for Literary Mama and Associate editor for The Writer Mama Zine. More at Dreaming About Water.
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Write Like a Pro: Back To School For Kids (And You!)

By Mary Andonian

You’ve purchased a gazillion school supplies, packed them in a paper grocery bag, and watched your child drag the crumpled mess up the road. As the yellow bus fades around the corner you breathe a huge sigh of relief: schedules have officially resumed for your kids and you.

An efficient schedule first requires a good Daily Planner. I prefer the familytime.mine mom’s organizer / 17-month calendar. It tracks against a school calendar so you can manage everything in one place.  Take it with you to the next soccer game and schedule in all your writing time between now and the end of the year.

Couple of things to look forward to: Chris Baty’s annual national novel writing month in November. Even if you only write nonfiction, you can still participate in this wonderful event. Also, if you can swing it, schedule a weekend writing retreat. I go on an annual retreat the weekend before Thanksgiving. If you’re like most moms, it’s your last reprieve before the frenzy that doesn’t let up until January 3rd.

Schedule a writing class. Why should your kids get all the intellectual stimulation? If you’re too busy to attend a workshop, consider online and correspondence course alternatives. Check out Writer’s Digest or Writers on the Rise (Christina Katz’s other popular eZine). Both have a slew of class offerings to choose from. (Can’t decide? You can always trust word-of-mouth.)

When my daughters were two and three, I signed up for a two-year Institute of Children’s Literature course.  This is one of the oldest, most respected courses for learning how to write for the children’s and teen markets. Regardless of which course you choose, the best ones are those that require you to submit your writing for evaluation. At some point you’re going to have to face criticism. Allow yourself to write poorly so you can move on to the next phase of your writing dream.

If you can’t afford a class, consider self-study. Purchase or borrow a few books to enhance your abilities. Some of my favorites: Julie Cameron’s The Artist Way; Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat (a screenwriting book that will help any writer of any genre); and Katharine Sands’ Making the Perfect Pitch (for when you are ready to sell the stuff you write in November).

I’m sure you know all about good books. Christina Katz’ Writer Mama no doubt led you to this column.

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Mary Andonian is the agents and edtiors coordinator for the Willamette Writers Conference, one of the largest writers’ conferences in the United States. In past years, she was Co-chair and Program Coordinator. She just completed her second book, Bitsy’s Labyrinth. Contact Mary at maryandonianwwconference AT yahoo.com.
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The Write Attitude: Setting Up a Reward System

By Jennifer Applin

There are many steps involved in becoming a successful writer and each should be rewarded. Rewards are tangible expressions of gratitude, but also great motivational tools. You don’t have to wait until you have your name in print or a book deal to give yourself a pat on the back. Set up a reward system that considers ever the little accomplishments important. Here are a few suggestions:

• Include variety. In a life that’s filled with routine, nothing is worse than your reward system becoming mundane. Keep an incentive list that includes categories for no-cost rewards and those that involve spending some of your hard-earned money. Examples in the “free” category include reading a book, watching television, or going for a run. These are great for meeting your smaller daily goals. Those with an attached expense can vary from fairly inexpensive such as downloading a few songs from iTunes or a Vanilla Latte; or more expensive such as a new wardrobe or a small vacation. These are fitting for meeting your larger, long-term writing goals.
• Make it meaningful. When it’s time for a reward really consider what would pack the greatest punch at that moment. Although you planned on soaking in the tub after you finished that query, maybe your body is screaming for a nap instead. You hoped to get a pedicure once you finished that article, but if treating the family to a movie sounds better, go for it. This is your reward. Make sure it’s meaningful and has a great impact.
• Think of others. Your reward system should also include those who help you meet your writing goals. Have your children been taking over the cooking? Has your spouse been picking up the slack at home? Although the entire family will benefit when you become a successful writer, they should be rewarded throughout the process as well. Again, it’s doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. Just simple expressions of thanks will go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping them motivated to help.

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Jennifer Applin is a freelance writer living in Ohio with her husband and four young children. Aside from writing for many regional publications, she is regular contributor to eLearners.com and Projectworkingmom.com. She spends her days cooking, cleaning and caring for little ones, and her nights writing about pregnancy, parenting, and the quest for peace (as in peace and quiet). You can also find her at Managing the MotherLoad.
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Crib Notes: The Great Equalizer

By Abigail Green

One of the things I love about being a freelance writer is the variety. Over the years I’ve developed a few specialties — like health and parenting topics and essays — but mostly I’m a generalist, writing about anything and everything. And that’s the way I like it. Of course, this also means that I frequently step outside my comfort zone for assignments on subjects that I previously knew nothing about — like neuroscience, faux painting, and football. But I’ve discovered that scientists, painters, football fans, and work-at-home moms have something in common: kids.

Most people love to talk about their children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Before interviewing a world-renowned brain researcher at a prestigious university, I was nervous. I crammed for days, trying to familiarize myself with neurotransmitters and synapses. During our interview, I asked the scientist about his family. Turns out, he’d just come from visiting his grandchildren. He was thrilled to talk about them, and even admitted that he sometimes made up silly songs for them. Not only did this subject break the ice and ease us into the interview, but it provided the lead for my story.
Not every topic lends itself to this strategy, of course, nor will the conversation necessarily result in a good quote, but sometimes small talk about family can establish common ground, and even lead to questions you hadn’t thought to ask. So if it seems right, why not mention that you’re a mom?

When I started freelancing again after having my baby, I tried to keep up what I thought was a professional appearance. My voicemail said I was “out of the office,” I checked e-mail during play-dates, and I never, ever made a phone call when my son could be heard in the background. But at some point, I dropped the façade. “I’m sorry, late afternoons aren’t good for me. I’m usually with my son then. How about 10 a.m.?” I’d say when scheduling interviews. More often than not, the reply was “sure,” followed by questions about my child.

And I noticed that other people did the same thing. A source called me once to say, “Can we reschedule? My kids have a snow day today and I thought I’d take them skiing.” Did this make her seem unreliable or any less professional? Of course not. If anything, I liked this fellow mom more for putting her family first.

Even now, I sometimes get nervous when I have to interview a CEO or a celebrity or anyone with a long string of letters after their name. It can be easy to feel out of your league when you spend the rest of your time covered in Play-Doh and fingerpaint. If this happens to you, remind yourself that if they have kids, odds are even CEOs have been spit up on. Hey, that might even make a great lead.

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Abigail Green is a freelance writer in Baltimore. Over the past 10 years, she has written for national, regional and online publications including AOL, AAA World, Bride’s, Baltimore Magazine, Cooking Light and Health. Her latest project is raising her first child, which she chronicles in her blog Diary of a New Mom http://diaryofanewmom.blogspot.com/. Abby teaches the class, Personal Essays that Get Published for Writers on the Rise.
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Invest & Prosper: Investment #8—Your Professional Affiliations

By Christina Katz

If you are going to be a professional communicator (another way of saying “writer”), then you’ll want to join some writing associations. Why? Because membership in professional associations will augment your status as a pro. Joining professional organizations is crucial to put you in contact with your peers and members of your target audience. Therefore your best bet is to join several organizations and get involved with each one to whatever extent you can.

Professional organizations will also help you keep up with the latest industry trends and relevant news in your specialty. Your membership will likely earn you a reduced rate for continuing education opportunities like lectures, workshops, and conferences. You’ll have an opportunity to publicly display your credentials and see what your professional peers have accomplished. Some professional organizations offer additional benefits, like insurance and legal assistance, and serve as a formal or informal clearinghouse for referrals.
Why not create a checklist like this one to make sure you make the most of every membership you invest in:

• Pay dues.
• Make paper and electronic folders for organization materials and correspondence.
• Add membership card to wallet when it arrives.
• Pick a date each month to read membership organization materials (maybe at the coffee shop or while you sit outside-make it enjoyable so you’ll do it).
• Add meetings, lectures, workshops, and conferences to calendar.
• Mark next year’s calendar as a reminder to assess satisfaction and consider dues renewal.

Professional affiliations is a topic in my forthcoming book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform (Writer’s Digest Books, October 2008). I hope you will find it to be helpful. In the meantime, if you’d like to explore your specialty, consider signing up for my upcoming platform development classes, Platform 101: Discover Your Specialty and Platform 102: Platform Building Basics for Writers.

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Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, is working on her second book for Writer’s Digest Books, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform. She has also written over two hundred articles for magazines, newspapers, and online publications and has appeared on “Good Morning America.” Christina is a popular writing instructor who has taught hundreds of writers over the past seven years. She blogs daily at The Writer Mama Riffs and is publisher and editor of two zines, Writers on the Rise and The Writer Mama. More at http://www.thewritermama.com/.
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Comic By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Comic by Debbie Ridpath Ohi from Inkygirl.com with permission. Please read the re-posting policy prior to posting here.

Dear Writer Mamas, (From the September Issue of The Writer Mama E-zine)

It’s harvest time, mamas. Can you feel it?

In his blog, author J.A. Konrath (we went to the same school), has this quote that I like:

“There’s a word for a writer who never gives up… published.”
This perfectly describes my experience as a writer. I have accomplished a lot since my daughter was born six-and-a-half years ago and perhaps it would be inspirational to share it with you, mamas, so you can catch a glimpse of what is possible:

• I’ve written 2 published books.
• I’ve worked my way up steadily over 7 and a half years to teaching over 100 students each year.
• I personally offer 8 classes, from total beginner nonfiction writer to how to land a book deal and market your book.
• I am helping 2 other hard-working writers with high-quality e-mail classes of their own.
• I’ve developed several channels of giving through: my scholarship program (4 per year), a month-long book giveaway (thanks to all the participating authors/writers!), and 2 e-zines (in conjunction with several other hard-working writers).
• I’ve written more articles than I can count for promotion and pay. Ditto given interviews and quotes.
• I average one or two public appearances a month.
• I’ve built three websites and two blogs.
• I’ve met and gotten to know more amazing writers than I could possibly count!

And if you notice the repetition of the words, “hard” + “work” above, that’s not a coincidence. Writing career success is not about talent or luck. It’s really about whether or not you are willing to work consistently until you succeed. And believe me, I have worked.

And suddenly, I have 6 hours a day to work now that my daughter, Samantha, has entered first grade. I’ve been working so hard for so long–as a writer friend put it recently–around the edges of everything, that I’m not sure if I can remember how to manage a big chunk of consecutive hours.

But don’t worry. I’ll be fine. And it won’t take long to adjust to this new, expansive rhythm. I’m excited to see what it will bring next Fall. And I’m excited to rediscover more time for self-care, not to mention more time for my friends and family.

Maybe autumn isn’t technically the beginning of a new year, but it always feels that way to me. Happy harvest time, mamas!

In the writing spirit,

Christina Katz

Invest & Prosper: Investment #4—Your Tracking and Tax Systems

By Christina Katz

Mamas, I know your life is very full and busy. So the last thing you probably want to spend time doing is a lot of picky, detail-oriented stuff like bookkeeping. But if you don’t get on top of your writing income and stay on top of it, then you are not running a business; you are dabbling in a hobby. And the IRS frowns on hobbyists posing as businesses.

So, ask yourself. Is it time to get serious about managing your writing-related money? Just say, “Yes.” It’s easier than you think, if you follow these three simple steps:

1. Get and follow quality financial advice. Have you considered hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to advise you on the latest changes in the tax laws and the best write-offs for you to take? That’s what writer mama Wendy Burt has always done. As for me, I prefer doing things myself. But I’m no accountant, so I use the Foolscap & Quill Writer’s Pocket Tax Guide by Darlene A. Cysper, Esq. Along with a tax preparation software program like Turbo Tax, which walks me through complicated deductions with ease, the two add up to an inexpensive, yet money-saving investment. And then I write both expenses off.

2. Keep everything until the end of the year, especially related to earnings and write-offs. This includes:
· Invoices, check stubs or photocopies of payments
· Receipts for the following: office supplies, office rent or home office expenses, office utilities, legal and professional fees, class and conference fees, postage and copying expenses, class and conference fees, computer and office equipment, software and books, subscriptions, dues, and annual fees, travel, meals, and entertainment expenses
· Also track: mileage driven for work

3. What to keep, so you don’t lose track of your professional progress. And be prepared to prove it, if necessary. These docs prove you are in business:
· Writing you submit, even if it’s not accepted for publication
· Copies of contracts, rejections and assignments

Finally, read this advice from Wendy Burt on how to plan for the long haul. The more you treat your writing career like a business, the more it will act like a business. Just try it and see for yourself!

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Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, is working on her second book for Writer’s Digest Books, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform. She has also written over two hundred articles for magazines, newspapers, and online publications and has appeared on “Good Morning America.” Christina is a popular writing instructor who has taught hundreds of writers over the past seven years. She blogs daily at The Writer Mama Riffs and is publisher and editor of two zines, Writers on the Rise and The Writer Mama. More at http://www.thewritermama.com/.

Dear Mamas, (from April’s The Writer Mama Zine)

I know what I’ll be doing this weekend.

That’s right: Taxes!

Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Of course, that wasn’t the plan. It’s never the plan. But when it happens, there is only one thing to do. Roll up the ol’ sleeves and dig in!

Truth told, I kind of enjoy the feeling of satisfaction that comes…when the taxes are all through.

How about you?

In the writing-for-publication spirit,

Christina Katz
The Writer Mama

P.S. If you were hoping to get into one of the April classes, there is still room in Pitching Practice! If you have taken WPSS and/or Targeting Your Best Writing Markets, I’d love to have you. Please read more about all the upcoming classes including a brand new one, Personal Essays that Get Published with Writers on the Rise managing editor, Sage Cohen. Head over to the Classes Registration Page to learn more.

To read more about how I’m springing forward this April, please read my “Dear Fellow Writers” column from Writers on the Rise this month.

P.P.S. If you are a former student of mine and you are interested in writing book reviews (typically books on or about writing or writers that you procure for free as “a review copy”) for my new blog Christina Katz Recommends, please contact me at writersontherise@earthlink.net and let me know.

I often receive requests to write for my zines, but columnist selections are made by September of each year for the entire next year. So review-writing is a great way to get your pen in the door, so to speak.

Can Anyone Relate? A Comic by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Comic by Debbie Ridpath Ohi from Inkygirl.com with permission. Please read the re-posting policy prior to posting here.

Being Enough: Closing Words for Busy Moms

By Megan Pincus Kajitani

“Death and taxes and childbirth! There’s never any convenient time for any of them!”

~ Margaret Mitchell

Writer mama, you are a time magician. You create extra hours in a 24-hour-day. Find moments hidden in dusty corners, under bright red playground slides. Craft leads as you sauté onions and pass out crayons. Edit sentences in your three-minute showers.

You know time is what you make of it, and there is no perfect time. You deserve any moment you can get–just for you–so seize it.
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Megan Pincus Kajitani is a California-based writer mama and recovering overachiever who blogs at Having Enough (In a “Have-It-All” World).

Self-care for Mom Writers: February is for Fantasies

By Amy Mercer

Love is in the air and just because we’re knee deep in the motherhood trenches doesn’t mean we can’t spend some time with cupid! Taking care of ourselves means getting as well as giving love. Sex adds a glow to our skin, burns calories, and raises dopamine levels. Give love and it will come back to you. We are much more than Desperate Housewives; we are smart, sexy writer mamas.

Here’s some tips for taking good care of you:

1. Remember reading Forever by Judy Blume in the back of the school bus? Put away your “How To” writing books and snuggle down with a romance novel.
2. Compose a love letter to or from one of your male fiction characters.
3. Write a steamy sex scene and show it to your husband, ask his advice on the details.
4. Rent Out Of Africa, An Officer and a Gentleman or Dirty Dancing.
5. Pull down your box of love letters, journals, and diaries from when you were young and in love for the first time. Remind yourself of how that felt.

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Amy S. Mercer is a freelance writer living in Charleston, SC with her husband and two sons. Her writing has been published in skirt! Magazine, Literary Mama, Diabetes Forecast and A Cup of Comfort for Writers. Amy is Blog Editor for Literary Mama and Associate editor for The Writer Mama Zine. More at Dreaming About Water.