Every year, I seem to make some big boo-boo and leave someone off the Anthology that was supposed to be in it.  This year it was Stephanie Brambila's essay, Time Travel. 

Ever thought about having a conversation with your former self? Stephanie writes about her.

It is VERY interesting and edgy and one of my favorites. 

The winners of the Mother's Day Essay Contest and Photo Contest will be announced this afternoon. As will a winner from the Online Anthology!

Meanwhile, check out the Contest Prizes!

 

What a pleasure it has been to read your essays and share a part of
your lives. Some nights, I can't sleep--I lie in bed thinking about
your story and what you have experienced as a mother.

The hard work has begun as Mother's Day fast approaches and we needed
to get the book of chosen essays out into the world. I have requested
revisions from some of you which should not be interpreted in a bad
way. If you saw the list of entries, you would know that even the
most distinguished writers have been asked to reduce their word count
or change a title.

Over the next week, I will be putting together a compilation of
essays favored by myself and the Publisher. We will then review the
manuscript and make the final decisions of who will be in the printed
book and who will appear in the online anthology.

We hopefully will have the final list by March 24th. Thanks again
for sharing your lives and words with us.

We have just added PHOTOS to the Mother's Day Essay Contest.  The publisher has agreed to publish select photos in the book.

I am SOO excited because while I am woman of words, I am also a woman of pictures!

Please check out the details and send me your FUNNIEST photos. 

I am trying not to hit the PANIC button, but I have not received any essays for the contest in a couple of days. I hope you are working on them...

Click here for details.

p.s. Please do NOT feel shy. Some people told me they feel intimidated by last year's winner and her incredible life.

This year,  there will be many ways for your essay to shine. In either the printed book or the online anthology. Please share your thoughts with us.  We need to know what YOU are thinking about motherhood.

Thank you for helping me get the word out about the contest! Here are some places where it is starting to show up:

Newport2Newport 

Guide to Literary Agents 

Did You See That? 

Keep me posted on more sightings... 

Okay Moms, it's time to start writing your essay for the 2nd Annual Mothering Heights Mother's Day Essay Contest. I have worked hard to secure a publishing deal for the contest and need your words!

I have posted the details and press release. Please HELP me by spreading the word to fellow writers, bloggers, musers, goddesses, grandmothers, granddaughters, and all women who have stories to share.

We can learn from each other if we just sit down and write... 

I am very excited and thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Mothering Heights Mother's Day Essay Contest!  This year's theme is

What do you know now as a Mom that you wish you’d known before giving birth? What wry, witty, honest and personal observations do you wish you could share with Mothers and Mothers-to-be everywhere?   

Twenty essays will be chosen and printed in a hardcover book to be published by West-Coast Bias Press for release on Mother's Day 2008.  How exciting is that?

1000-1500 words. I am looking for humor, poignancy and personal anecdotes – no lists or tired old clichés, please. 

Start writing MOMS. This is too exciting to miss. Details to follow. 

Please read LeeAnne Langton's "Expecting," a wonderful essay that was highly praised by the Mother's Day Essay Contest Judges.  For some reason, it slipped through my gray matter and I did not get it posted with the debut of the Anthology. 

Help me feel less guilty about my oversight and check out LeeAnne's essay now up and published. 

 

The official Mothering Heights Tiara made its debut this week on Leah Coleman, daughter of Rachel Coleman (Winner of the 1st Annual Mother's Day Essay Contest).  They were filming the Signing Time episode "Once Upon A Time." 

She looks absolutely gorgeous, with or without the Tiara.  

I was waiting for Rachel Coleman's picture of herself in her Mothering Heights Tiara that she received for writing the winning essay when she wrote and told me she broke her arm!  Ouch.  I know how painful that can be having broken my collar bone and such.

Leave a nice message for Rachel in the Comments area.  I want to make a Get Well page for her. 

Yeah for our fabulous essay contest writers whose work is finally up on Mothering Heights!  (And for me who stopped writing to get it all posted!) Be sure to check out all the essays and comment. I am aready getting fabulous feedback which leads me to believe I have been right in my assumption that there are not ENOUGH women's voices in the media. 

 WRITE ON, MOMS!

We have a winner, Praying for Patience written by Rachel Coleman, an amazing mom who faces her challenges with an amazing attitude and compassion.

Please read her essay and share with others.  Her story is incredible. 

You moms are amazing. We have received so many amazing essays .  I have been moved to tears, laughter and pure smiles.  The judges have their work cut out for them.

Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.  I know what it took....believe me, I do.

I applaud you for the art and elegance of your words. 

 

Only 48 hours or so before the writing contest closes!  The Caffeine Basket alone is enough reason to write to win!  Starbucks just threw in some chocolates I consider a food group along with coffee.

Don't be shy.  Share your story and send it on over. I'm waiting...

There are six more days left until May 4th, the deadline for the Mother's Day Essay Contest. So send the kids to the park or the husband to the grocery store, make yourself a nice cup of coffee and jot down your thoughts on motherhood and whether you are the mother you thought you would be.

I have received a few notes from readers who are impressed with the judges but also feel shy about writing for them.  I want you to know that this is NOT a writing writing contest but writing about the heart and soul of motherhood. If you feel shy, just take a look at my writing--Dorothy Parker I am not!

For contest details, click here.

On Friday, I will be announcing the details for the 1st Annual Mother's Day Essay Contest.  Sharpen your pencils and get ready.  A bevvy full of fabulous prizes awaits you and your brillance!