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EDITOR'S NOTE
Two years ago, Paula Schmitt started Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine, an e-zine, with a vision: to make the ups, downs, and many challenges women and mothers endure visible through print. However, it wasn’t until June 2007 that print took on a literal meaning. MWLM has been a place for moms to get their writing published and share their stories online since the summer of 2005. The debut print edition of Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine and it’s online sister version represent a writing community of mothers at their literary best. Now that you know the chronology, I insist this not be an overly sentimental note about the power of many or the hearts of mothers. We all know that story. We’re hoping that the stories you read here will resonate and connect with you, that when you read the succinct writing told in fresh voices, you’ll find what you are looking for. “Every mom has something worthwhile to say”, Paula once told me, and I’m happy to hop on that wagon. We want our magazine to speak in all voices, listen in all languages, and write from one that unites us all. About the time Paula started Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine to honor the work of mothers, I was writing and submitting my earliest manuscripts, but landed a column at MWLM, then an editing position. I still don't know what I did, but Paula contacted me asking if I would like to be Editor-in-Chief of MWLM starting with the summer issue. (?!!?!) So here I am. This collective publication can be a very good friend. I hope it is as comforting to you as a peach cobbler or the sound of water. What do moms have to say? I once told my daughter Zoë that birth was not all cotton balls and lavender scented soap (on a field trip to a farm, Zoë almost fainted after witnessing a cow give birth). Motherhood is not all milestone-induced euphoria or an injected dose of nurturing. Motherhood can be dark. Motherhood can mess with you. Motherhood can be excruciatingly sad, also joyful to the point that we feel we may not even deserve it. There are those of us who are moved to write about it. If you are one of those mothers, or if you love to read about motherhood through the eyes and experiences of others, you have found the perfect niche. For the inaugural print and two-year anniversary issue, we have a very special feature on best-selling author Janet Evanovich. She’s a mom, a writer, and an inspiring example of the literary dreams we all have (and she has culinary indulgences that make me feel like I know her). You will also find reviews of books, interviews with amazing people each issue, poetry, and columns, all written from different angles of motherhood – smart writing that moves us, gets us thinking (and in some cases, remembering). Clever writing that supplies vicarious thrills, poignant writing that sends us knocking on whatever wood we can find, and writing that just begs to be heard. Whether it’s serendipity or intention that has you reading Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine, we want to hear from you. So keep the letters, comments, and submissions coming! Indulge in our magazine before cleats need tying or there’s a rumbly in someone’s tummy. You could always do what we do - lock ourselves in the bathroom for reading or writing purposes at first sign of safe escape. However you manage, enjoy our summer 2007 issue!
Yours,
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