A supportive writing community can make a world of difference in an author’s journey, and that’s precisely where I met Jenn, who publishes under J.M. Guilfoyle. Our local writing group hosts more than just educational monthly meetings; the group features a number of “paths,” based around interests. From a critiquing group to a tech path (which Jenn leads), there are an incredible amount of ways to … [Read more...]
Responsible Parenting & Mommy Blogging: My Commitment to Safety, Privacy, and Consent
When I originally launched this blog in 2015, I intended to cultivate a place where I could write about parenting and all the oops and daisies that come with raising kids. I wanted it to be a space to talk about the challenges while also celebrating the joys, with other moms like me. But over the years, I realized that as, what some might call, a ‘mommy blogger,’ I walked a fine … [Read more...]
5 Benefits of Journaling Despite the Busyness of Life
My very first diary, from fourth grade, was an American Girl-branded notebook that only provided a handful of lines to write about my day. A few decades later, I easily fill three to five-ish pages every day, even though I only spend about 15 minutes a day journaling. It’s a practice that has gotten me through life in more ways than one. When I don’t know what to think about a situation? I … [Read more...]
Oops, Daisies, and Plot Twists: My Life as a Writer
I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest childhood memories is of me, sitting at a desk in my third-grade classroom, flipping through a hardcover encyclopedia for the letter ‘S,’ because I wanted to research the sun for a short story I was working on. I’d even asked my teacher, Mrs. Engle, to let me stay inside during recess so I could work. Despite the … [Read more...]
Creative Writing: Why I Welcome Criticism
I write every day, clicking away at my keyboard. This is, naturally, a solitary activity, unless you count the dog who usually cuddles by my side or my kids who are often upstairs for quiet time (when they’re not asking me for a snack for the millionth time). Sometimes I’ll join my writing group, particularly during Nanowrimo, for a write-in, where we focus on getting words onto paper. Even then, … [Read more...]
