A Feeling of Community

Notes From Motherland: The Wild Adventures of Raising Humans is a heartfelt collection of essays capturing the rollercoaster that is motherhood. Why was this an important book for you to write?

It is easy to feel isolated and alone on the motherhood journey. This book is important because it gives voice to the wide variety of experiences people have as they approach motherhood and while on the path itself. I wanted a resource for people that spoke not only to the joy but to the myriad other feelings people have. Sadly, people often find it difficult to find places to express their more vulnerable feelings about such a common thing as being a mother. My hope is that this collection provides a place for people to get a look into the breadth of feeling and experience that accompanies motherhood, that they find a sisterhood, and they the feel less alone.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

That there is not just one “valid” experience of or approach to motherhood, that we are all different and bring different things to the journey and experience of motherhood. Again, my hope is that people find this to be a supportive, informative resource. It’s not a “how to” resource but one that hopefully engenders a feeling of community.

How did you decide what to include and leave out in your collection of essays?

We invited a variety of authors to share their experiences and reflections and it was their choice what to share. So we did not hand-pick the topics or experiences that were offered.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your anthology?

I hope readers take away a sense of inclusion, support, and hope that they are not strange or bad or alone in their mothering or in their perhaps ambivalent feelings about the experience. Motherhood is SO complex. I think it is unreasonable to expect people to only feel joy and yet the cultural message that is often delivered is that there is something wrong with us if we have less than happy feelings about it.

Chris Chandler Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Sierra Melcher Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

This is a heartwarming anthology written by a diverse group of women, sharing their experiences, trials, and triumphs in the journey of motherhood. From the joyous moments to the challenging times, these stories paint a vivid picture of the wild and wonderful adventure of raising humans.

Through laughter and tears, these women reflect on the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the growth experienced through motherhood. Each story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that defines the mother-child relationship.

Notes from Motherland is a celebration of the universal joys and challenges of motherhood, offering insight, support, and inspiration to mothers everywhere. Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or simply curious about the complexities of motherhood, this anthology is sure to resonate with you. Join these women as they share their stories, reminding us all of the beauty and chaos that comes with raising humans.

Coauthors:

  • Chris Chandler
  • Jennifer Rhode
  • Sandi Phinney
  • Audra Romeo
  • Sierra Lynn Riddle
  • JoEllen Leigh Irizarry
  • Jessica Stokes
  • Erika Hull
  • Brandee Melcher
  • Ashley Wize
  • Reah Hagues
  • Rena McDonald
  • Frances Trejo-lay
  • Sierra Melcher

Posted on December 1, 2024, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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