The inspiration to write is often prompted by life changing events that occur during a pivotal time in a person’s life. For many women this life changing event occurs when they become mothers. The powerful experiences of trying to get pregnant, of miscarrying, being pregnant, of giving birth and of raising children can elicit emotions, ideas and creativity that many women find can best be expressed through writing. The terms, “mom centric writing, mom writers” or “writing moms” have been created to encompass this writing style, audience and subject matter.
The unique voices of these women are chronicled in several motherhood focused print and online magazines and communities that articulate this unique viewpoint by giving both expert and novice writers a place to illustrate a mothers’ perspective while offering a supportive environment to hone and promote their craft.
Mothers who Read About Motherhood
Sophisticated and satirical writing as well as parental and pregnancy information offered in a strong and opinionated manner characterizes the scope of these literary magazines geared towards the needs and interests of mothers who love to read and appreciate writing
- Brainchild Magazine-This innovative and sophisticated literary print and online magazine began in 1999 by two mothers with journalism backgrounds who appreciated writing about motherhood beyond the usual recipes and parenting advice. When they were not able to easily find this, they decided to write about it themselves. This magazine is comprised of personal essays, feature stories, debates and opinion pieces that are always tru-to-life and relatable to their audience written by experts and novices alike.
- Mothering Magazine-Parents are considered the experts in this print magazine focusing on natural parenting that began in 1976. The natural holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting is the focus of this magazine that appreciates strong opinions and compassionate debate about the issues affecting parents today. The magazine appears in print and has a strong online component. Articles both novices and experts are accepted for both the print and online version.
- Literary Mama -“For the maternally inclined” is how this online literary magazine describes its focus on the many facets of motherhood which are examined by, “mama centric” writers through creative fiction and non-fiction, poetry, columns, book reviews literacy criticism and blogs. Writers are encouraged by monthly writing prompts and regular requests for submissions. The magazine also supports the academic literary community by promoting academic studies on mothering issues and by reviewing literary works.
- Happy Woman-This irreverent online magazine is a satirical parody of traditional women’s magazines. They specialize in rewriting traditional articles about diets, cosmetic surgery and the joys of parenting in a pointed and spirited manner that is both humorous and smart. They accept submissions regularly; however, they do not pay for online articles unless your article is chosen for their print anthology.
Communites for Mothers Who Write
Connectivity, communication and the sharing of ideas through writing and reflection characterize these social networks geared towards mothers whom express creativity through reading and writing.
- Type A Mom-“Real Mom’s Sharing Real Advice” is the focus of this online community that began in 1997 by a mom of twins who was looking for a way to communicate with other moms’. This expansive community consists of a wide variety of mothers from liberal to conservatives whom all discuss the issues and ideas that are common among the most diverse mothers. The site offers moms who write a chance to submit articles on the topics they are interested in and to share in the profits they earn from those articles.
- Divine Carol-This vibrant and busy online social community enables women to connect and communicate with each other through the writing of personal essays, tips, ideas, explanations and thoughts on topics as varied as financial planning, parenting, pregnancy, dreams, travel and style among a multitude of other issues. Members of this site can have the privilege of immediately posting their writings and can receive and make comments of the writings of others.
- WOW! Women on Writing-This online magazine offers writers, authors, editors, publishers and agents a place to communicate and share ideas about writing. WOW promotes and teaches writing skills by offering writing contests, resources for writers and online classes all geared towards increasing writing skills. Their goal is to raise writing standards by becoming a one-stop-shop for the writing community.
Communities that Inspire and Support Mothers Who Write
The growing network of innovative print and online magazines as well as the ever expanding online communities and networks that promote and support mothers who enjoy reading about and writing about their experiences as mothers, are providing a outlet for their unique voices and point of view that is fresh and exciting.
References
Sultan, Aisha Mompreneurs offer things made by moms, for moms St. Louis Dispatch (MO) Sept 19, 2009
Grand Rapids Press, Writer finds Children Inspire Fresh take on life and Language, September 21, 2009.
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