The September/October 2022 issue of Literary Mama
“Reframing our perceptions of the time we have to read, write, and think—to value the incredible and varied insights of mothers—is so worth it. We’re grateful and honored that you’re here to dip into this September/October collection of mama writing.”
Amanda Fields, Senior Editor
Read the Complete Letter From the Editor
Creative Nonfiction
Fog and Sun
by Dorian Kingman Chong
So Done
by Sarah Kovatch
Fiction
Back at the Start
by Joanna Garbutt
In This Country All Mothers Are Goddesses
by Prarthana J.A.
Noelle Strodemeyer Sucks
by Kim Magowan
Literary Reflections
Creativity and Motherhood Are Not at Odds
by Janelle Sheetz
Poetry
sink
by Luciana Francis
when i was a cloud
by Elizabeth Cranford Garcia
There but for the Grace Of
by Catherine Gander
Premature
by Jillian Barnet
Departures
by Rosalind Adam
What Is True
by Catherine D’Andrea
I Spend Two Nights Away from My Husband and Son
by Richelle Buccilli
When the principal asks if we experienced any boundary issues
by Batnadiv HaKarmi
incompetent
by Kristina Pfleegor
Profiles
Describing the “Pain-Thing”: Jody Keisner
by Bridget Lillethorup
Leap Through Quickening Sky: Mary Beth Hines
by Brianna Avenia-Tapper
Truth is My Jam: Taylor Harris
by Christina Consolino
Reviews
Understanding Identity: A Girlhood: Letter to My Transgender Daughter
by Heather Frese
Connecting to Find Her Voice: Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature
by Holly Rizzuto Palker
Embracing Challenges: Ain’t That a Mother: Postpartum, Palsy, and Everything in Between
by Tamara MC
Many Lives, Many Seasons: Winter at a Summer House
by Libby Maxey
Essential Reading: Essential Labor: Mothering As Social Change
by Jennifer Fischer
Buy Books and Support LM
In each issue of Literary Mama, we feature loads of great authors and books. When you see one you want, visit the Literary Mama page at Bookshop.org or click links provided in articles. Purchasing books through this site supports local bookstores, as well as Literary Mama.
Check Out Our Blog
Now Listening
Check out the list of audio books and podcasts Literary Mama editors and staff members are listening to.
Writing Advice
Read Managing Editor Jenny Bartoy's 100 words of writing advice.
#MamaAnd | Community News | Calls for Submissions
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Has Literary Mama Inspired You?
If you’ve found inspiration for your own writing, recognized your own motherhood experience, met a new author to love, discovered a favorite among our book reviews, or found a home for your own writing on Literary Mama, please consider a tax deductible gift of any amount to help support this non-profit online publication.
Submit Your Writing
Literary Mama seeks top-notch creative writing, as well as book reviews and profiles of mother writers and artists.
Please see our submissions guidelines for more information.
We are especially looking to hear from traditionally underrepresented writers such as those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and from other diverse backgrounds.
Share Your Response
The #MamaAnd prompt for September is:
Mama & Back to School
Be sure to tag Literary Mama or use the #MamaAnd hashtag when you share your responses on Instagram or Twitter.