Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Moms Who Write

By Amy MacKinnon


I love this Boston Globe article -- no, not because both Lynne and I are featured -- but because it strikes at the heart of what it is you and I are trying to do: write. We will write no matter the barriers, no matter the external pressures, no matter the doubt. We will write.
Thanks to Grub Street for letting us have the photo taken there. If you've read the article, now you understand why I'm a proud Grubbie.


19 comments:

Hallie Ephron said...

YAY, Lynne and Amy!! Wonderful article in today's Globe! I thought you had some powerful insights into this writing thing, and what we women/writers get from one another.

Amy, I'll be looking for TETHERED this summer. And Lynne, LIFE WITHOUT SUMMER in winter '09 (sounds like we have books launching at the same time... my NEVER TELL A LIE comes out in January/February '09...maybe we can coordinate a few events together).

Congratulations! And fingers crossed for mega-sales.

- Hallie
(www.hallieephron.com)

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Thanks, Hallie! I can't wait for NEVER TELL A LIE--I remember the vivid excerpt you shared at a Grub reading. I'm so looking forward to reading more. And of course, a shared reading or two would be an honor!

Lynne

mohanley5 said...

A last minute change of plans this morning gave me a half hour to tear through today's newspapers...and look what I found! Congrats to you both, and of course, Hannah and Lisa as well...you all do so much for those of us who keep plugging along, hoping to get our writing "just right".

Mo

Amy MacKinnon said...

Hallie, as you'll read in the acknowledgment page, this would have been an inferior book without you. Ever since that class when you read the beginning of NEVER TELL A LIE, I've been looking forward to reading it. Now it's nearly here! I can't wait to see you in Scituate at FrontStreet Books next Friday!

Mo, I love a person who reads the morning paper. And thanks for stopping by and commenting. I can't wait to congratulate you on your success.

Heather Murray said...

Hi, Amy and Lynne,

I loved the Globe article! I think it's important for people to realize most writers starting out don't have the money or time to write full-time, and there are many sacrifices (sleep among them) to be made if you are going to accomplish your goal. I've heard many times, "If only I had the time and money, I'd love to write a book." It sounds like a good excuse until we hear stories like yours. Very inspiring!

I also loved when the writer of the article asked, "Why pick solitude, intensity, and lack of validation when stay-at-home mothering already embodies those things for many women?" What a good question; I guess your passion for writing was undeniable.

Congratulations and good luck to you both!

Heather

Carleen Brice said...

Lynne, I spoke with my buddy at TC at BEA and he's interested in your galley, so I'll be sending it on.

Amy, I got a galley of Tethered!! I also posted a picture of the poster of your cover that was displayed in the Crown booth.

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Heather,

Thanks for weighing in. Yes, we all wish for the luxury of more time to write. Yet if there's a story begging to be told, you make the time. Good luck with your writing.

Carleen,

Your generosity is stunning! Thanks for passing SUMMER along. Can't wait to hear all about BEA. I'm sure it is amazing. Thanks again, Lynne

Amy MacKinnon said...

Heather, you're absolutely right. It's about pursuing your passion.

Carleen! Thanks so much for the picture. You've made my day!

Ello - Ellen Oh said...

Wow, awesome article! and great picture ladies! The article is so right, I do feel like a masochist because it is a difficult path to pursue when you have so many other responsibilities to your time as a Mom but it is so fulfilling to see your words come to life and one day perhaps into print.

Amy MacKinnon said...

Thanks, Ello. It is a challenge organizing your time, no doubt about it. When I was working and mothering, some days I had to get up at 4:00 AM just so I could write for a few blissful uninterrupted hours. It's not easy, but I'm not lugging water four miles each way 10 times a day -- with a baby on my back.

Larramie said...

Reading the article made me smile at the thought you're just regular suburban Moms. Sure, and I'm a real-life fairy godmother who knows your dreams have come true through blood, sweat and tears.

Amy MacKinnon said...

Larramie, I am first and foremost a Mom and never could have become a writer without first having shed the blood, sweat, and tears of parenthood. Like Lara JK Wilson said, it brings you to the edge of everything.

Melissa Amateis said...

What a great story. Congrats, you two!

Amy MacKinnon said...

Thanks, Melissa.

Patry Francis said...

How did I miss this? Well, at least, I'm glad I got a chance to follow your link. Wonderful insights--and yes, you both look gorgeous.

Unknown said...

My sister saved a copy of this for me to read. She's a writing mom, too. She defended her dissertation and gave birth about a week later.

Anyways, I enjoyed it a lot. Your stories are so inspiring. And I love the photo--you both look strong and beautiful and also, that's the room I always teach.

Amy MacKinnon said...

Patry, yes,insight into the moms who writer: we're desperate for some control, a world of our own, and the chance to be seen. I should have just said fear makes me write. Let's plant that garden soon.

Grace, yes, the room where you inspire so many. Your sister sounds amazing! I marveled at that story. Women can be pretty fierce.

Anonymous said...

Not sure how I missed this post, but I'm so happy to have found the article. I included a link to it from my website where I pose a question about mothering and writing: How is one to do both things properly? I've always thought someone should write a book on this subject. It is obvious by the comments on this post that it is a very popular topic! Inspiring as always! Thank you.

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