Celebrate Mom Writer's Literary Magazine
by Tracy Lyn Moland

Moms write – we write all the time – notes for school, in the agendas, but we also are the most powerful women with words. Paula Schmitt has discovered this and recruited a group of moms to create Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine. Who are these women and who creates the magazine?  Enjoy!

Paula Schmitt

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM?  My favorite part of being on the MWLM team is that I am fortunate to work with other amazing mom writers who have so much energy and passion for their writing. 

What inspired you to create this magazine?  My passion to empower Mom Writers.  I have always wanted to help moms who have a dream to start writing and get their work published to succeed with their dream.  MWLM is growing each day and I couldn’t imagine not being a part of this wonderful literary magazine for mom writers and authors.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer?  I have always loved to write.  Starting at a very young age I remember writing fiction stories and reading them to my family and being very proud of what I wrote.  As I got older and had my own children, I continued to write. My boys were my inspiration for writing as I had so much material to work with (raising four boys) that I decided to write a book about them and believe me, I had PLENTY of writing material!

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? My best advice for aspiring mom writers would be to have patience.  In this business nothing comes quickly and it takes time to become established as a writer or to find a literary agent that is right for you and your project.  I have a favorite quote by one of the great voices of contemporary literature, Maya Angelou, which goes like this - “All great achievements require time.”  Well said.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you?  Just take one day at a time.  Life passes so quickly and each day is a blessing.  Whenever possible, spend quality time with your children, no matter what age they are.  Talk, smile, laugh and hug one another – I have found that this is the best medicine for anything that ails you!

Lucie Bouchard Antoniazzi 

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? My favorite part of being on the MWLM team is that I get to work with all of these awesome moms who share my passion for writing.  I feel a real connection with all of them because they know what it’s like to struggle with writing while dealing with kids and a husband, home (making meals, running errands, folding socks, and everything in between), and work.  I know that I’m not alone, and that I have a bunch of new friends that I can reach out to if the need arises.

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? I met Paula Schmitt through the JustForMom.com web site.  Paula was a regular columnist when I took on the job of Senior Editor there in July 2004.  Though we only corresponded about once a month when Paula submitted a new piece for her column, something kind of “clicked” between us, and we soon became friends.  A few months before Paula launched the first issue of MWLM, she contacted me and asked if I would like to be part of the magazine’s team.  I thought her idea to have a magazine just for Mom Writers was fantastic, and I wanted to be part of it.  Since I already had experience as a Senior Editor, I offered to take on that task.  I’d also been dabbling in Web Design and offered to be her webmaster as well.  That first issue required several hours of design work and proofreading, but I was so proud when it launched. This past summer, I had to give up my role as Senior Editor and Webmaster because my new job as Training Material Manager for an engineering firm became too time-consuming, and I couldn’t give MWLM adequate time.  Still, I couldn’t give up the team entirely, so I stayed on as Illustrations Editor and regular columnist. Our team is growing with every issue, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of this great magazine.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I’ve always loved to write, even as a little girl I used to write poems and stories for my mom and dad, and I always kept a journal.  When I went to university, I had far too much work (and social activities) and had very little time for creative writing.  Then, when full time work came along, my writing slipped away entirely.  When my son, my youngest child, was two years old, I decided to stop working and be a stay-at-home-mom.  It was great to be home with my kids and spend as much time as I wanted with them.  I had missed so much in the years that I was working outside the home.  However, when my son started kindergarten, I started to get a bit bored being home all day long with nothing to do but domestic tasks.  Still, I didn’t want to go back to working outside the home.  I wanted to be there to see my kids off to school and to welcome them home in the afternoon.  One day, as I skimmed through the newspaper flyers, I came across an ad for the Institute of Children’s Literature.  I loved to read stories to my kids and had been reading children’s books every day for years.  I figured that I could write for kids, too and decided to apply to the Institute.  A few weeks later, I was accepted and have been writing ever since.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? If you want to write, then write.  Don’t let anything or anyone stop you.  If writing is one of your passions, you must make time for it; otherwise you won’t be all that you can be.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? What inspires me is my family, mostly my kids.  They encourage me to write and love to listen to my stories.  They give me great feedback and help me make my stories better.  They are also the topic of most of my personal essays and mom articles, and provide me with endless situations to write about.

Jennifer Brown

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? It’s definitely the other writers. They are all so friendly, open, and giving. It's a good thing to step right into a community of other writers who are also moms and know exactly what obstacles you face on a daily basis. It's a very comfy place to be.

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? I had read Paula Schmitt's work before and was very impressed by it and by her. When I saw her name attached to this great new magazine that I would likely want to write for anyway, I couldn't resist. I really like the idea of belonging to a safe place for moms who write to be welcomed with open arms. MWLM fit the bill for what I was looking for perfectly.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? Since I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't writing, it really wasn't an "inspiration" thing for me because that would imply that I had something to do with it. I've been a Waitress Writer, a Student Writer, a Child Writer, a Human Resources Lackey Writer, an Office Pee-On Writer. Being a Mom Writer is only reflective of the other things that are going on in my life aside from writing. Someday I plan to be a Grandma Writer, too.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer's? Don't wait for the "time to write." You have to create that time, which is always tough. If it were easy, there'd be a heck of a lot more competition out there! Just try to remember that it's okay to let your laundry go undone if the baby is sleeping and you could maybe get in a few minutes of writing time. Also, always reach out to your fellow writers. Don't isolate yourself. You never know who is going to be your saving grace in this business. 

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? I have two, both by my personal Mom Writer hero, Erma Bombeck: "Don't confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the other." "It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." What more need a writer hang onto?

Nancy Cleary

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? The accomplishments of other mom writers inspire me, the Mom Writers Lit Mag has attracted some incredible talent - and it’s exciting to be behind the scenes as best-selling authors are featured next to new writers. It's motivating.

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? When Paula first told me her idea of the magazine I knew it would be a hit. So many mom writers are eager to have their voices heard. As mothers we often put everyone else ahead of ourselves, our dreams, our writing - and MWLM is a great venue for moms to pursue fulfill those writing dreams. "Mommy's published!" are two of the most proud and beautiful words a mom can tell her child, showing them by example, that they can accomplish whatever they dream.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I have been a writer for as long as I can remember, I wouldn't be where I am today had I not committed my dreams to paper. When I had kids my writing, and my goals, deepened a level - I felt a responsibility to them to make my mark, to find their legacy in my years of journals. The result was a publishing company named after them, which began by empowering new mom authors and now, nine years later, has a roster of high-profile authors and over 50 titles on bookstore shelves around the world with editions translated into Korean, Spanish, German, Hebrew and Japanese.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer's? I'd say to aspiring mom writers - be patient, have faith, and keep an open mind with room enough for the big picture to grow beyond your wildest dreams. There will be hurdles - as mothers we can hardly find time for ourselves, let alone time to build a national platform big enough to attract a publishing deal. It takes perseverance and patience to work around our children's needs - but it's possible. It helps to not have concrete expectations, and to know it only takes one of your many efforts to lead to something bigger... but you have to wait for it, and recognize when the opportunity appears.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? "Whatever you think you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. Action has power, grace and magic in it." – Goethe

Jackie Papandrew

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? My favorite part of being profile editor at MWLM is the exposure it provides to some truly great writers who also happen to be mothers. I’ve been able to read books by the authors I’ve profiled,
some of whom I’d never encountered before. It’s been an inspirational experience.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? It was the opportunity to collaborate on a high-quality literary project and to establish relationships with some wonderful people.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I’ve always wanted to write, but always allowed “real life” and its responsibilities to come first. Then two things happened, almost simultaneously, that made me realize I’d better at least give my dream a try or I would forever regret it: I turned 40 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Those two events finally propelled me into a chair in front of a computer.
What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s?
If you want to write, stop dreaming about it and do it – daily.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? I’m a huge fan of Emily Dickinson and this little poem speaks volumes to me about the inexorable march of time and our responsibility to use it well:  
Look back on time with kindly eyes,
He doubtless did his best;
How softly sinks his trembling sun
In human nature’s west!

Nicole Dean

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? My favorite part of being on the MWLM team is seeing my name published with women I truly admire.

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? I’ve known Paula for a few years. When she told me of this project, her enthusiasm was contagious. How could I possibly refuse?

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? The crazy antics of my husband and children. They inspire me daily.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? You have a unique perspective. Share it.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? “The Days are Long but the Years are Short.”  This is the phrase that I repeat to myself any time I find myself frustrated with my children. It reminds me that they will soon be grown and on their own. That reminder gives me the perspective to approach the day with a new energy.

Samantha Gianulis

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM?  The opportunity to create a legacy - doing something my kids can be proud of. 

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? I discovered MWLM after subscribing to Writer's Market.  Then I realized MWLM was linked to Total 180! and MWPC (Total 180! had accepted one of my articles and I had essays published in a WyMac book, Mommyhood Diaries).  I found myself in this community of mom writers...I felt right at home.

What inspired me to become a Mom Writer? Sharing things I have learned, understanding them better through my favorite form of expression - writing.  I have always been a writer, but being a mother gave me common ground with others, not to mention a much bigger audience.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writers? Write like you feel and talk, leave it alone, come back to it later.  Make any revisions, and then submit.  Maintain the integrity of your literary voice without second guessing yourself, what fits one place may not be appropriate for another.  Do your research about the audience (and editor/agent) you are trying to reach.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”  -Maya Angelou

Veronica Hosking

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? I enjoy working with other writers who face the same obstacles as I do, balancing a writing career with being a full time mother.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? I saw the magazine needed a poetry editor.  I enjoy reading and writing poetry.  If there is a way I can share my love for poetry with others, I jump at it.  I saw this opportunity as a way to share poetry with others especially my daughters.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I've been writing since I was 8 years old.  Dear Mr. Henshaw by: Beverly Cleary inspired me to start writing.  Why am I a Mom writer... my oldest daughter inspired me to write a story, "Carousel", about her love of horses. The story became my first print byline in the anthology, “Forget Me Knots...
from the Front Porch”.  So now I am a writer who draws inspiration from being a mom.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? The same advice that was given in Dear Mr. Henshaw - write what you know.  After becoming a mom, I wrote stories and poetry about my girls.  Those are the pieces I hold most dear, and they are the ones I've been fortunate enough to see published.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."  -Robert Frost

Karrie McAllister

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? Maybe it's not all that professional, but the staff at MWLM feels more like a big group of friends rather than co-workers.  I often feel that I could write with a magazine question, but then also share something personal with women I have never met.  The camaraderie, support, and writing advice make the work sweeter, although the "work" is very enjoyable.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? I had been enjoying the magazine as a reader, but when the opportunity arose to apply my computer skills and be a part of it, I was thrilled.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I had a tiny yellow notebook filled with fabulous eight-year-old poetry.  Upon completing the last page I decided I wanted to be a writer when I grew up.  That fire for writing got pushed deeper and deeper inside me, and didn't come out again until I had my children, my muses.  Being a mother is a gigantic emotional and psychological change that all mothers go through.  Writing about the daily bumps and the big picture chaos not only makes me feel better about myself, but I also hope it helps other mothers who are facing the same sort of issues.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? Quantity will eventually equal quality.  The more you write, the better.  Writing, at least for me, is like a craft-- it needs practice, patience, and usually some pipe cleaners and a whole lot of glue...

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? My dad sent me off to school every morning with a long list: "Be good, be careful, have fun, learn something, and be yourself."  I sometimes think about that list when writing-- I like to be good (to the people who read it), be careful (not to totally humiliate myself), have fun (why else would I write?), learn something (and keep improving my writing), and most importantly, be myself (and write from my heart.)  Once again, thanks, dad.

Stephanie McCarty

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? Being surrounded by so many wonderful mom writers.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? The true down-to-earth approach to writing about the realities of motherhood.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? My 2 1/2 year old daughter, Lauren.  She provides me with lots of great material and is truly my inspiration.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? Find your niche and stick with it.  Be persistent.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? "Nothing is Impossible."

Sharon O’Donnell

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? I like being part of a community of women writers who share common experiences and different experiences, with an audience of readers who can appreciate and empathize with our anecdotes, thoughts, and feelings.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? I became a part of this literary magazine because of the wonderful concept of having a place on the Internet for mom writers to express themselves.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I became a mom writer because I needed to write down and capture moments of motherhood, those feelings and images that would never be recaptured again. Writing is also an outlet for me, and it helps me keep my sanity. My humor book that will be released next month, House of Testosterone, was written because I really needed to express the frustrations and the rewards of living with my husband and three sons.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? It is very easy to give up when you have your family as your priority; yet, you can't forget about your goals and dreams, either. It's a balancing act to do all the 'mother stuff' and still actively pursue what you want to attain. My advice would be to not feel guilty for taking the time, energy, and money to keep pursuing your goals. On the practical side, I'd suggest getting a website for your writing so agents and publishers and others can have easy access to your work.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? I have lots of them, but I guess for this publication the most appropriate one would be, "My child, you are the poem I've dreamed of writing . . . the masterpiece I've dreamed of painting.

Lisa Rickwood

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? My favorite part about being associated with the Mom Writers group is the caliber of the writers and the issues each member brings to the table. The topics are timely, important, funny, and address topics such as: being a mother and having a business, taking care of family, making a difference in the world and more. I’m proud to be a part of such a diverse and talented group of writers.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? I was inspired to write for this magazine because of the founder, Paula Schmitt. She is a successful entrepreneur, writer and mother and had a solid concept for the magazine. Her magazine has a positive focus and I wanted to be a part of this.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I was inspired by the other writers and wanted to contribute something that added to what they were all doing and yet something that was a little different in its focus.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? Always believe that what you have to say is valuable.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? I enjoy many quotes and find they change frequently but the one that resonates with me at the moment is one that relates to where I am right now with my business coaching and writing. Sometimes creative people have successes that are not monetary and money is tight. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of being self-employed. Whenever bills are heavy and money is light, I think of this one quote and keep it where I can see it. It reads: “You are never given a wish or a dream without also being given the ability to make it come true!” I look forward to a happy, healthy and successful 2007 for all Mom Writers and their friends and family. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of something positive.

Karen Rinehart

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? It makes me feel like a grown up!  Seriously, working from home can make me feel isolated--especially professionally--it's like I don't really have a "job" if I don't get dressed, get in the car and drive to an office.  Being associated with other Mom Writers helps fill that void.

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? Not What, but Who. Paula Schmitt--a dynamite woman with endless energy and an incredibly positive outlook on life.  I have a ton of respect for her.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? The fame and fortune of course.  My writing is a gift from God. If I didn't use it, I'd be wasting something good. Some days I wish He gave me the gift of predicting winning lottery numbers instead of humor writing--yet week after week I know the right thing to do--the obedient, purposeful, privileged thing to do is sit back down in front of my laptop and create something worthy to email to my editor before 5pm Tuesday.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer's? Network with other Mom Writers who have been there, done that. Go into this with a realistic view.  Be content and at peace first, knowing your vocation as a wife and mother comes first. Always.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? This can change by the week...or day, depending on what's hitting my domestic fan at the moment.  Lately, I love this:  "A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."  (from, the Pioneer Girls Leader's Handbook--and I have no idea what that is or where I found this...But I love it!)

Linda Sharp

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? There is a sense of community - the feeling of knowing that the other writers wear just as many hats and juggle just as many duties as do I.  There is tremendous talent in this group and it is a pleasure to be a part of such a fabulous undertaking.

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? Having both worked, and developed a long distance friendship with Paula Schmitt, I was happy to sign on when she was developing the MWLM concept.  While my work is truly global in scope, appearing in print publications around the world, signing on with MWLM is gratifying in that it connects me with peers.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I have been a writer all my life, creating my first "book" when I was in grade school.  Fire On Kelly Mountain - a stellar piece of writing, held together with masking tape binding.  My career as a Mom Writer (although I think of myself as a Mom AND a Writer, not just a Mom Writer) began when my youngest was two years old.  I began writing articles about the everyday minutia of parenting, filled with my warped sense of humor, and things took off from there. 
I still believe the best part of doing this job I love so very much is that it allows me to stay home with our three daughters, yet still have something just for me.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer's? Do not box yourself in.  Read. Watch the news.  Be involved in the world around you.  If you can write well about parenting issues, you are more than capable of lending your voice and constructive talents to editorial issues as well.  While I still write parenting humor, I concentrate a lot of time and fill many assignments for serious world pieces and editorial content.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? "If you can walk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings, nor lose the common touch..." Rudyard Kipling
I have been very fortunate in how far my writing has taken me.  I do extensive radio, including recently joining forces with BBC Radio, television, web, I am on Advisory Boards, Film Review Boards, am an event speaker, own a popular parenting website, have a highly trafficked blog, etc.  They are all wonderful, exciting opportunities and have afforded me the chance to travel, meet famous people, and extend my reach far beyond what I had ever dreamed.
The Rudyard Kipling quote - a favorite since high school - reminds me that regardless of who I get to talk with, write for, or hang with beyond the velvet rope - to never stray from who I am.  My voice remains as it always has - strong, confident, funny, and above all else, REAL.

Dionna Sanchez 

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? Being able to read articles and insights from other women who struggle just like me - but use their wisdom to help others.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? Getting the opportunity to reach women who wouldn't otherwise think of seeking out encouragement and support for their role as a woman.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? God. :) And the desire to encourage others combined with my love of writing.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer's? Write because you love to write. Write because you have something to say and are passionate about that. Don't write for glory or riches or fame. Those are fleeting and an illusion to most writers anyways.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? My dad told me, "It all comes down to character." And I put this quote on my blog. It reminds me to live my life with integrity, to not compromise, to be honest and ethical - and to live from my faith and values. Write because you love to write. Write because you have something to say and are passionate about that. Don't write for glory or riches or fame. Those are fleeting and an illusion to most writers anyways.

Suzanne Thompson

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? Taking the time to work on essays for MWLM means taking time for myself. It feeds that part of me that gets lost in the daily shuffle of changing diapers and twisting lids onto sippy cups. When I sit down to edit an essay, I remember that I have an intellectual side, a worth that lies outside my ability to mother, and a true passion for writing.

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? Being a teen mom, I’ve always thought that I would stay home with my son until he went to school, and then go to school myself and pursue a career in writing. But when I read at a Mamapalooza event on Mother’s Day this year, and got so much positive feedback and encouragement from the audience and my fellow moms/writers, I realized something: the time to pursue my writing career is NOW. I don’t have to wait until I can devote all my time to taking classes and earning a degree. So I searched the net for websites that pertained to motherhood and writing, and up popped momwriterslitmag.com. They were looking for a copy editor, and I went for it.

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I’ve always been a writer. It’s passed down from my own mother, who is an incredible poet. I remember being a little girl, sitting in bookshops and cafés, listening to her read, and being so in awe of how powerful the words coming out of her mouth were. She’s a natural writer, just like she is a natural mother, and so I suppose that when I had my own child, it just seemed right to throw myself even further into writing.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? What you have to say is of more value than you can begin to imagine. When I first started writing after the birth of my son, it seemed being a mom was all I could manage to write about, and for some reason, I felt that it was stupid or insignificant. Society gives so little encouragement to mothers and young mothers in particular, so I thought I had to find something “deeper” or more “important” to write about. But then I was introduced to the writing of other women who were talking about their experiences in motherhood, and it meant so much to me. I started giving thought to how powerful mothers really are- the fact that we literally bring life into the world. That’s when I started having faith in my writing on motherhood, and the response has been incredible. So if you’re a mom, and you think you have something to say, just put pen to paper and go from there.

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? One of my favorite mom writers is an author named Andi Buchanan. She wrote a book called “Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute Of It”. I thought that quote was so great. Being a mom, especially a brand new one, is not always a bowl of cherries, and it was so refreshing to see someone shed light on the subject. Some days being a mom feels like I’m on top of the world… I literally feel like the luckiest woman alive to be doing what I’m doing. And then there are the days I find myself counting down the hours until I can put the little guy to bed, and even after I do, I realize there’s still laundry to be done, dishwashers to be emptied, and that I desperately need a shower (by myself, dammit!)

Julie Watson Smith

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM?   I love the creative energy that comes from such a diverse group of talented writers.  

What inspired you to become a part of this magazine? Being associated with the group of women inspired by Paula has inspired me. I wanted to be part of the magazine as it felt like a community. I wanted to share my own message as a mom writer so other mothers wouldn’t feel alone. There were times when I felt so alone in a parenting decision or moment. As I started writing and finding homes like this magazine, I realized that we – moms and mom writers are never alone. MWLM supports the growth and development of inspiration in mom writers as well as motherhood.
 
What inspired you to become a Mom Writer?   Writing is just as much a part of me as is my ears, my hands, my mouth - It wasn't a conscious decision; it just was. 
 
What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer’s? My advice to mothers who want to write is also one of my favorite quotes – as Nike® says “Just Do It!” Also, good writers read. Read everything from trade books to trashy novels to Thomas the Tank Engine

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you?   Always inspire your imagination.

Melissa Fulwider

What is your favorite part of being on the team at MWLM? The overall concept of the Magazine is what drew me to it.  I would say the magazine itself is my favorite part. 

What inspired you to become a part of this literary magazine? I believe this magazine provides a real look into motherhood and writing.  Individually, these are challenging aspects of any women’s life – when combined – well, these women really excel!  Who would not want to glean from the experience and expertise represented here? 

What inspired you to become a Mom Writer? I have always aspired to write – I just became a mother and found so many more things to write about.

What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring Mom Writer's? Keep a wipes can on your desk.  You never know…

What is your favorite quote/advice/idea that inspires you? “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

********

As I compiled these answers, I realized that being associated with the group of women inspired by Paula Schmitt has inspired me. I wanted to be part of the magazine as it felt like a community. I wanted to share my own message as a mom writer so other mothers wouldn’t feel alone. There were times when I felt so alone in a parenting decision or moment. As I started writing and finding homes like this magazine, I realized that we – moms and mom writers are never alone.

My advice to mothers who want to write is also one of my favorite quotes – as Nike® says “Just Do It!”

-Tracy Lyn Moland

Over the past few years, best selling author Tracy Lyn Moland, B. Ed. has established herself as a highly sought after and internationally recognized life management and marketing expert.

You may recognize Tracy Lyn’s ideas and advice from magazines like Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine or Women’s Day as well as her series on Good Morning Canada and appearance on Living it Up! With Ali and Jack. She has been featured in over 500 media outlets and presented in 3 countries.

Her expertise has lead to her work as a spokesperson for Johnsonville Sausages, Crayola, TJ Maxx, and Whirlpool appliances. Tracy Lyn’s books Mom Management and Quotes of Inspiration have provided much needed advice and sanity in our crazy world.

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