Final Stages before Submission

For those of you not in the writing world, I am rapidly approaching the cliff, labeled "Submission."  Writers work and work and work and work some more.  Our goal is to complete an amazing manuscript, fix and polish it, and prepare a killer query letter that makes an agent or publisher want to read our manuscript.  Then you stand with your toes at the edge of the cliff, mustering all the courage you can, and send your baby manuscript off into the great beyond, leaping into the open air, trusting your work is good enough to interest someone.  The week of December 2nd will be my time to leap off the cliff, "Submission."  (Sidenote:  I will be sending my manuscript to one agent, whom I met at a conference, because I want her to be my agent.  Otherwise, I'd be spending December researching agents, looking for who is interested in my genre and topic, is accepting new clients/unpublished clients, etc.)

Some big things have been happening. 

Step 1, I finished my novel.  I know I should elaborate on that and share how I celebrated.  Truth be told, I cried.  I was so moved by my character and his story, and I was sad the story was over. 

I was also incredibly nervous to start Step 2:  Revisions.  I braced myself for brutal honesty, because I picked family, friends, and critique partners I trusted would give me honest feedback (Sidenote:  I did not ask my husband.  I won't be asking him until maybe right before/after submission, because I care too much about what he thinks).  I got my coffee from Starbucks, sat down in the bustling room, opened a spreadsheet, and prepared to put comments in the "Suggestions" and "LOVE" Columns.  The suggestions filled up first, and I found them actually very helpful.  But soon enough, the LOVE Column slowly trickled in, rivaling the Suggestions.  By the end of my last beta reader's document, I was in tears again, so incredibly moved that my beta readers were DEMANDING I send them the next part and how much they loved it.  I have made some very necessary changes, I believe, including their names.  My main character's name was Edward, and because of Twilight's vampire, Edward, I had to search for a new name.  I mourned and snapped at anyone who stepped in between me and the name Edward.  But eventually I called my sister, Kristi, who is currently pregnant (hopefully with a boy), and asked her permission to use a boy's name she adores, Owen.  She agreed immediately and assured me she probably won't be allowed to use it anyway.  So Cinderfella's real name is now Owen.  His foster mother's name is now Madelyn, instead of Marianne, after my daughter Adelyn.  And a special girl in my novel calls herself Violet (and that was one of the hardest ones to name).  As I changed these names, I found I had to fix the manuscript as well.  One particular day had me lost in my manuscript until 5:30 p.m. (thankfully, my girls napped about 3.5 hours that day).  This past Wednesday, I finished my own revisions of the story, as my beta readers have been too busy to send me back feedback (except you, Sharon!  Wahoo!).  That was so freeing!  I'm still going to go back through as a skeptic and look at it as if someone else wrote it.  But that was a huge feat!

Step 3, I have been inspiring people.  I really apologize if it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn, but in this industry, if you're not excited about your work, no one else will be.  I have had at least four people in the last week ask to read my story, and I have received some amazing compliments on my writing style, my descriptions, the suspense I create, the reality of the setting, and even the idea itself.  This Wednesday, I was thrilled to run into a couple of old coworkers.  After catching up, I shared my dream and what I'm doing, and I actually inspired HER to follow her dream of writing.  How incredible to stir someone else's fire to pursue their dreams!  Her parting words to me were along the lines, "I think I just had a divine meeting in Starbucks!"  That touched me so!  And that's exactly what I hope my novel does for its readers!  I hope it inspires them to rise above their injustices and trust that their futures can be whatever they want them to be.  They can still rise above the circumstances they are given.

Step 4, I will be working on my query letter.  Sometimes the query letter can be more painful than the revisions, because this is what gets the agent to read the novel.  I won't be working this week, because my husband and I are celebrating our anniversary in Nashville.  But the rest of this month will be finishing my revisions on my novel and my query letter.  Then before/after Thanksgiving, I'll be submitting my query letter to another amazing author I met at the conference (check out Mindy McGinnis's book, "Not a Drop to Drink") to get feedback on my query letter.

Then Step 5, the leap, SUBMISSION!

To conclude, my mom asked me what I'm going to do after I'm done.  "Why, write the next book, of course!"  I'm already thinking through the next plotline, because the Epilogue sets you up for the next book.  And then I'm going to finally read all the books I want to read, starting with writer friend, Diane Bradley's, adventure MG novel, "Wilder's Edge."  Then I still want to read Mary Balogh's latest book I have on my Kindle.  You get the picture.

I leave you with a picture of Ella, my fierce dragon, when she's mad or impatient or hungry.  This is the life of a Writing Mom, dealing with dragons during the day, and writing during naps.

3 Under 4: Wedding Edition

Hi, everyone!  I hope you're enjoying your October.  Yesterday, we were blessed with perfect weather for my brother's wedding.  It was located at a local barn with picturesque landscape.  The gorgeous green grass sloped around the large red barn, leading us to rows of chairs. 

I'm at total genius (here's my sarcasm sign!) and left the girls' dresses at home.  My wonderful husband ran back to get them (10-15 min. away), so I was alone.  My son was ready to stun them in his khaki pants, white button-down shirt, navy blue jacket with gold buttons, and yellow-striped bow tie.  I slipped the adorable brown cowboy boots on my girls, ready for the rehearsal.  They weren't ready yet.  So I have my son take the twins' hands, calling for them to follow me down the aisle.  Screaming and ripping their hands free, the girls took off in opposite directions.  Ella yelled, "Mama!" and ran for me.  Addy laughed and ran AWAY from me, back up the aisle.

Everyone arrived, including my husband, and we readied for the actual ceremony.  My brother escorted a gorgeous blonde down the aisle, my mom with spiral-curled blonde hair and a sleeveless purple dress.  Next, it was our turn.  My wonderful sisters, Kati and Kelli, each grabbed a girl, and we sent them down the aisle.  I sprinted around the front to urge them down the aisle.  My niece, Alaina, also was a flower girl, and they tentatively stepped towards me.  Lil Rudy helped the girls, who did not want his help, so he came down and joined me. Adelyn and Alaina are the adventurous girls, so they moseyed their way down the aisle.  Their adorable eyes grew large when they realized all these people were watching and waving at them.  Adelyn's face lit with a smile, and she raised her little hand and returned their waves.  The guests laughed and cooed at her, and she didn't even spare me a glance.  Ella saw me, smiled, and came running.  Ultimately, all 4 of them made it down the aisle.

Those of you with little kids know what happened next.  Lil Rudy lay on the ground and played games on my phone.  Ella and Addy played with their leaves, baskets, dresses, and then were ready to play.  They began to scream, since they couldn't break free of my firm hold, so I hurried away.   Strapping them into their stroller, I listened to the adorable letters my sister-in-law had written to my brother and watched her surrender her purity ring to him.  Tears filled my eyes, and I was a little thankful for my squirming toddlers to distract me from the overwhelming emotions.  I took the girls to the hill across from the wedding.  The yellow leaves covered the vibrant grass, and in our meandering, I lost both Ella's bow and my necklace piece.  (Sad sigh)  I looked everywhere...twice.  As my brother and his bride raced beneath a rain of leaves, I started pushing the stroller towards the side of the barn for family pictures.  A gentle aching in my neck and head changed sharply into stabbing pains stretching across my forehead and down the back of my head.

It took a lot of help, but we completed all the family photos, and thanks to my sister-in-law's sister, they even made it in the bridal party picture.  I led my 3 under the age of 4 inside the barn and crashed across from my parents.  The girls sat serenely in their chairs, while my mom and grandpa fed them graham crackers from the best favors (S'mores mixins).  My lovely videographer and sister, Kristi, fetched me a glass of water, and I enjoyed a few minutes of rest.  Then the graham crackers ran out, my son spilled water across the table, and my husband was preparing to announce the bridal party (he was their MC).  Everyone stepped up to help.  The stroller was fetched, table dried, and kids strapped in.  Then my husband announced the bridal party and family would eat first, and I rejoiced.  I led my son through the line, crying and pouting, and returned to our seats with food for everyone.

So you finally got to sit down and eat and relax?  No.  :)  I cut up chicken for lil Rudy and the girls, until my husband finished eating and forced me to sit down, eat, and relax.  He brought me more water, and everyone took turns helping me with the kids.  I got to dance with my dad and sisters during the Father-Daughter Dance and with my son during the Mother-Son Dance.  I was really impressed.  I was even sent back for apple pie before we left, so I wouldn't miss out on anything.  The best part was we were on our way home by 8 p.m., which means the kids went straight to bed.

It was a crazy, hectic, exhausting time with 3 under 4 starring in my brother's country wedding. But it was a beautiful experience.  I'm completely aware this is my last time with them this age.  By our next family wedding, the girls will probably be closer to my son's age, and I'll miss how adorable they were at this age.  But that's how life goes.  It flies by, leaving nothing except photos and memories of each stage of their childhood.  I'm thankful for this memory, and I'm also thankful it's over! :)  Haha!

Struggling with Doubt

Hi, everyone!  The reason it's been so long since I've written?  I've been wrestling with doubt.  From the other blogs and posts I have seen, I'm not the only one. 

It started with asking my husband to read my first five pages.  No response.  Then, "it's good."  I know people say not to have your spouse critique your stuff.  But I wanted an honest, male opinion.  I resorted to starting a fight with him, so he'd tell me really what he thought.  "It's too choppy.  Hard to follow.  I don't really care about your character."  I completely disagreed.  I finally got him to talk about it.  Once his irritation with me subsided, he asked me question after question about what was going on.  Finally, he said, "Now, that sounds interesting." Ultimately, I needed to bring in more comparisons with his first memories, plug more of the plot into my opening scene, and understand his frustration was feeling cut off from what was really going on.

Then, I took a look at the manuscript as a whole.  All my creative juices seeped through all the holes.  My passion to tell the story fizzled out.  I put it down and out of mind.  Also, I got really busy.  We're talking 8 hour worship retreat and practice.  Fighting over our drama's script for Sunday with my husband, which we were also starring in.  But when I went to bed, the story kept coming.  I lived through the next scene and the next scene.  I became desperate to write a scene that comes later.  So the next couple days I submerged myself in being Mommy with no distractions and then outlining during nap time.  Can you believe it?  Me, a "pantser" style writer, COMPLETED an outline.  And just in time.  The next morning was my writing day.

Finally, on my writing day, I opened my outline, labeled a new Word document with the number in the outline, and disappeared in my writing.  End result was 2,700 words. Not bad.  It has really helped me to take tiny sections of scenes and work on those.

Today, my only goals were to do my work searches, pay the bills, and get everything ready for the small group I lead.  In addition, I also wrote this post on my blog.  It's everyday small victories that lead you to large ones.  And it's your friends and support who keep you going.  Besides, it's God who gives me the ideas and scenes.  My job is to do my part...today.

Reflections from my first writing conference

"Wow!  That was amazing" were the words pouring from my lips, as I left the hotel and climbed into my car.  I will keep my reflections brief, but I want to share with you the great experience I had at Northern Ohio's SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) Conference in Cleveland.

1. Conference 101:  I was so nervous and anxious (and my husband was eager to push me out of my comfort zone), so I arrived for the beginner's session at least 35 or 40 minutes early.  I sat down at a table in the empty room to review my folder of information.  Within a few minutes, some other newbies trickled in.  I recruited most of them to my table and surprised myself at my outgoing behavior.  The session itself was formatted in Q/A, and I surprised myself again, as I knew most of the answers to the questions.
2. First business card swap:  I was very fortunate to have my best friend bless me for my birthday with professional business cards and case.  It was at that table full of newbies I made my first swap of business cards.  The first card I received in return belonged to an adult mystery author, transitioning to children's fiction.  That was thrilling!
3. YA Panel:  I had the great honor of my first session introducing me to a panel of Young Adult authors, whose first books were debuting this year.  I was laughing before the panel even began.  These authors amazed me.  They were hilarious, helpful, and eager to push us out of our comfort zones.  After they finished their talk, I pushed the shy person next to me to go up and meet the panel with me.  The first person I met was K.A. Barson (aka Kelly).  I ended up talking with her for several minutes and barely had time to grab bookmarks and business cards, giving a quick wave to the others on my way out the door.  
4. Dinner Table:  First thing I want to say about dinner is to pick your seat carefully.  I found myself sitting next to my best friend of the conference (and a lifelong friend) and an agent.  When I walked in, I felt completely overwhelmed.  So many people and most of them had already picked seats and were deep in discussion.  I walked to a table near the door and turned to a couple women, saying, "Now, the awkward part.  Are these seats taken?"  They laughed and said no.  My table quickly filled and had to be the best table in the room.  Other than my two new friends, my table held an author and illustrator we were celebrating that evening, another awesome new guy friend, and an agent and illustrator friend of hers.  When the agent introduced herself as Karen, I laughed and said, "I'm Karen, too.  Karen Mahara."  We chatted about what I was working on, and she was very excited, saying she had just helped a client of hers land a deal for her retell about the Pied Piper.  I was very excited for her.  I was so nervous, at one point, I turned to my new friend on my other side and said, "I am soooo nervous!"  Deciding to be bold again, I turned to Karen and began another conversation.  Before I knew it, we were deep in conversation about our relationships, my family, hobbies, and anything else that struck our fancy.  She was unbelievably approachable, sweet, caring, and willing to share about herself and ask all about me.  Before the speaker began her address, I pulled out my business cards and asked if she would like one, which she was happy to take.  To my great surprise, she took out one of her cards and gave it to me.  That was the single greatest moment of the conference.
5. Our evening address was Linda Epstein's debut address.  She was amazing!  She had a great speaking personality.  She made jokes, shared her heart, and kept everything engaging.  She taught me several things.  First, writing as a career can begin anytime, whether it is a career as a writer, editor, or agent (which Karen also showed me in our conversation before Linda began). The lesson that has stayed with me is when your writing career begins, own it.  I am a writer!
6. Outlining Book and Structuring Chapters session was the one session I needed more than any other.  I am what you call a "pantser" (to my nonwriting friends, this means I don't outline and plan out my book, but I have the idea in my mind and pour it out on the page), so structuring my chapters and writing is a definite weakness of mine.  The speaker helped break up each book into acts and explained the structure each chapter should have.  This is going to be very important as I go back and revise my manuscript.
7. Anatomy of a Query Letter:  This was put on by the awesome Linda Epstein.  Her central theme was that a query is a business letter, so it needs to be professional and short and sweet.  Most important points are the following:  correctly spell agent's name, follow the guidelines provided on agent's website, keep out all personal details unless it applies to your manuscript, and only try to sell your strongest work, aka ONE book at a time (there will be plenty of time to discuss future projects).  Your first paragraph should capture their interest.  Start with a hook and tease them (do NOT tell every detail of the story).  Make sure each word counts.  Your second paragraph should give title, genre, subgenre, word count, and mention your manuscript is complete.  Include necessary information about you that is relevant to writing and/or your manuscript.  DON'T FLATTER!
8. Rejections—not good fit, needs work, or won’t sell (market’s not ready).  I have over 100 examples of rejections, but they mostly go with these three reasons.  Agent Karen had some great examples, stories she loved, that just weren't right for the editors.  The market is a complicated place, and only great stories are making it, unless they are published by an author/illustrator.  Best piece of advice is make sure your story is very strong and beloved by your crit group.
9. YA Panel 2:  Yes, I went back for more.  This time the panel went through each story of how they got their agent.  It sounded like a combination of things that made the timing right:  right manuscript (completed and strong) to the right agent (do your research) at the right time.  The biggest thing is to FOLLOW THE RULES for your query (make it punch and capture their attention, so they have to read it; be specific, don't generalize) and submission guidelines on their website.  They also said you can sneak in a couple chapters under the query in the body of the email.  I'm super excited to start that process, but first...I have to finish my rewrite/revision.  The BEST PART was they forced us to sit down for 3 minutes and write down our 1-2 line of your pitch.  (Side note, if you haven't written your query, start with your pitch or logline; this will keep your query pitch/synopsis on track).  Then they all came to us individually and asked us what our book was about.  I was thrilled and terrified when it was my turn.  I shared my pitch or logline 3 times, and I was given a business card to help me when I write my query.  Awesome!  Guess what?  Yesterday, I was asked what my book was about.  Without batting an eye, I recited my pitch (with a few "uh"s and "um"s).  Thanks, @classof2k13.
10. Critique:  The last thing I am going to share is my critique.  I submitted my critique by August 2nd, so you can imagine how much my manuscript has changed.  I learned in my research about passive voice and keeping my story chronological.  Most importantly, I knew I'd have to "vamp up the action several notches," which is exactly what my critique person said.  The positive comments overflowed the section with comments on my "vivid imagery," dialogue punctuation, POV, interest created by beginning of story, and foreshadowing.  Some things pointed out for me to work on were transforming my telling into showing and making Edward's name change be a process, as well as his determination to overcome his circumstances.  Well, time to get to work and transform my manuscript into its new self.

Query Letter

I just spent 3+ hours working on my first query letter for CINDERFELLA.  I am attending my first writing conference this weekend in Cleveland, and I wanted to have a query ready for one of my sessions.  I am so excited and ready to learn more.

I wanted to give a few links for those interested in good websites about query letters, pitches, etc.

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-10-dos-and-donts-of-writing-a-query-letter
http://www.writeforapples.com/p/query-sign-submit.html
http://beccaweston.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/thewritersvoice-building-your-twitter-pitch-wvtp/
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/successful-query-letters

Time for a lunch break, but I wanted to end with one thought.  Every day, I learn more and become a better writer.  I am so thankful for the writing community, because they are so open, honest, helpful, and motivating.  Every time I begin to doubt or feel out of my league, they pull me back in with some encouragement and remind me of why I am doing this.  I received my awesome birthday present from Amanda Gordley yesterday.  My first business cards!!!!  I want to leave you with my quotation I used on the cards.  "There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you" by Zora Neale Hurston.

Happy Birthday to me! :)

Just wanted to stop and give a quick blurb on my birthday.  First, I started yesterday with bad news.  I was not one of the 60 selected for Pitch Madness.  BUT I have gained new insight into CINDERFELLA.  I read through the selections and through some great conversations on Writer's Unboxed on Facebook.  I realized two things:  1.  Most of the pitches were for characters over 15.  2.  I have been seriously boxing myself in trying to make it MG.  I am so excited to get back to business and loosen the strings of the love story in this book.

Since I know the entire story inside and out (it's finished), I can dig in and let the scenes unfold the way I experienced them when I wrote them.  I mean Cinderfella and a princess is a LOVE story.

I have also made another writer friend who is in the same boat as I am.  It's so nice to share things with each other.  The writing community really binds people together.  I am excited to get a critique partner or two and get to work.  I really want to be querying after the new year.

The exciting thing is I have no idea what exactly is in my future.  I am just taking this journey one step at a time and loving every minute of it.

FREEZE: The Football Game

I hope all of you enjoyed your Labor Day Weekend!  I usually do, because my birthday comes riding behind it.  Of course, this Saturday, I will turn 30.  YIKES!

So a lot of my weekend was focused on enjoying every moment with my husband and kids.  As I went about my day, I was looking for moments that I just wanted to capture and hold onto.  I tried to take pictures when I could.  But some moments are too long for a picture and too short for a video.  They come and go like seasons.  As soon as you settle in and hold them in your hands, they're gone.

We started our weekend with a local high school football game.  My husband and I met, fought, and fell in love at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, so we like to visit their home games when we get a chance.  You all know what these games are like:  loud, crowded, not the best place for toddlers.  My son, age three, dove right in, cheering and chatting with friends in the stands.  Addy, the younger and larger of my twin girls, was ready for the adventure.  Intimidated but captivated by all around her, she was smiling and pointing within minutes.  Even our friends' little boy, a couple months older than our twins, was clapping his hands and cheering.  So precious!

Now, I bet you know who I am about to mention and what exactly HER response was:  my little Ella Bella.  She screamed, rolling in my arms, trying to curl in a ball on the cold, cement aisle.  I sang to her, soothed her, rocked her, gave her a drink and a snack, stood with her, bounced her, checked to see if she needed changed.  NOTHING WORKED.  So, like the AWESOME husband he is, Rudy traded twins with me.  I got a few minutes of rest and enjoyment, while Addy smiled and giggled like an angel.  Every minute or so, I'd look over at Ella.  I could not hear a single sound coming from her, the crowd and announcer were so loud.  But her face was red like a painful sunburn, and her mouth cracked open with that adorable bottom lip sticking out.

Like the wonderful mother I am, I took her back from my husband, but only after he removed her shoes.  When I took her in my arms, I was astonished to see she had stopped screaming, but was whimpering, "Mom, mom."  I gave her a drink again, which she drained in a few seconds.  Then we went on a special walk, away from the people.  It was a magical moment, watching her smile, eyes lighting up as the colors of players moved to our end of the field. 

I wanted to freeze that moment.  My daughter, no longer screaming, smiling and happy.  Life is hard and mean.  Things happen, and we rarely know why.  I don't know how long I'll have with my loved ones, whether it be one day or one century (hope not).  But I freeze these moments in my mind and cherish them, just like Mary, mother of Jesus, did.

What happened next?  We returned to the stands and had a glorious time.  At one point, both of the twins were walking in the aisle behind our seats until they met in the middle and grabbed hands.  Another moment to cherish.  There will be countless other moments to freeze.  Here is one.

So Why Write?

Sometimes people ask the question, "So Why Write?  You sure have your hands full.  How do you even find time to write?"  My response to them is this:  "How can I NOT?"

My days...and nights...are filled with children and house work.  As I go about my day, my brain is filled with chaos:  Did I get the bills sent out in time?  Do we have all the ingredients I need to make that for dinner?  Oh, doesn't Adelyn look like a fairy princess?  How long has lil' Rudy been playing on my phone?  I need a break.  Sometimes I delve into books or a television show.  Usually, it has to be something short or something I can pause and finish later.  That's why I love writing.

Instead of trying to make sense of the Mom chaos, I get to sort through the strands of stories in my mind.  Cinderfella has dominated a lot of my mind lately.  But now, I am so excited to write the prequel to Cinderfella and tell the stories in full that I mention in my novel.  I also have a couple picture book ideas in my head I would like to work on as well.  These many ideas swirl around in my head, and writing lets me focus on one and carry it out until completion.  I get to soothe the creativity building up inside me and find satisfaction, watching my characters come to life on the page.

So am I too busy to write?  NEVER.  Writing brings sanity to the chaos that is the "Writing" Mom.

Why write?  How can I NOT?

Welcome to my world!

Yesterday began with a rude awakening at 3 a.m.  Ella, the older of my twin girls, was crying.  She is sleep-trained, and has been retrained twice so far, so I was hesitant to pick her up.  But since she fell asleep early, I sensed there was more going on.  Diaper--drenched.  So I changed her, wiping the white paste across her diaper rash.  However, the crying didn't stop there.  Knowing her tendency towards dehydration, I filled a sippy cup with whole milk, which she almost knocked over in her frantic attempts to grab it while I was pouring.  I'm thinking, "At last!  She'll be happy!"  But, no.  She throws her head back and screeches in that glorious yell that can only compared to a dragon.  I cling tightly to her and the cup, which she is now trying to hit out of my hand, giving little scream snaps.  Oh, the words she'd say if she were fluent.  At eighteen months, she prefers her own language to ours.  I sink into a rocker and control my frustration, as I battle with her over taking a drink from the cup.  Finally, the precious liquid drips past her lips, and she grabs the cup from me.  She drinks it down and falls asleep as I sing to her.

Peace at last.  Until I lay her down, and her twin sister, Adelyn, hears Mommy and stirs.  Her cry is argued as louder than that of her sister, but it's song is pathetic yet heart-breaking.  I rub her back, and she latches her arms around my neck.  She's like a little wrestler, bouncing out of her bed and seizing me.  Her hugs are so precious, and I hate to pry her hands free.  I know in the morning her hugs will be forgotten in her attempt to tackle the world's adventures.  As I lay her down in her crib, I sneak out, steeling my heart against her pitiful cries.  Thankfully, she falls back asleep within minutes.

But can I sleep?  No.  Now, I am faced with every "writing" mom's dilemma:  do I try to sleep or get up to write for a couple hours?  But, I remember my nephew will be coming in the morning, and I will have four youngsters to chase around the house all day.  My nephew may only be 6 weeks older than my son, but that doesn't stop my almost four-year-old son from bossing him around all day. 

I finally fall back asleep, jolting awake minutes before my brother-in-law arrives.  So much for some writing time in the morning or warm cinnamon rolls for the boys.  "Writing" Mom is starting off the day down, but thankfully Wednesday is an entire day devoted to the "writing" part of my job.

Today, I wrote the plan for the drama ministry's next series, did some research on writing platform, and created this blog.  My time is up already, but I get to pick up those adorable munchkins and love them to pieces! 

Any other "Writing" Moms out there?  What's your story?