Today is my daughter’s eighth birthday and also the third anniversary of the publication of my first book, Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids from Writer’s Digest Books.
And in honor of this momentous occasion, I’m giving away five signed copies of Writer Mama on Saturday, March 20th, to five lucky subscribers or reviewers.
All you have to do to be eligible to win is write a book review on any book review site about Writer Mama OR subscribe to my e-zine, The Prosperous Writer OR subscribe to this blog via Feedburner. Any one of these things will make you eligible, though you are welcome to do them all.
Be sure to comment here, in this post, that you accomplished one of these tasks, and then on Saturday, I will choose five winners and announce them on Monday, March 22nd, right here.
If you’ve read Writer Mama, you know that I feel a strong connection between my writing career and being a mom. I also feel that I set a strong, healthy example for my daughter of what a woman following her calling looks like. Most importantly, I cultivate my career in a balanced way, deeply authentic way, not at all like the way moms are portrayed in this article that recently appeared in The New York Times.
I’m not a brand. I don’t view myself as a brand. And I don’t build my brand instead of caring for my daughter’s needs. My name is Christina Katz. I’m a woman, a wife and a mother. I’m a freelance writer, teacher, speaker and author.
Above all, I view myself as a professional. I’ve built my writing career slowly and steadily. My creativity is my work, my job, and it belongs to me, not some corporate sponsor or group of corporate sponsors. Not even to my publisher, whom I view as a partner, not a make-me-famous machine.
I get to have this amazing career because I serve others and support their desires to publish quality writing. The other important job I do is to train others to slowly and steadily cultivate their own writing careers, so that they can also produce quality writing with integrity and authenticity.
I’m proud of the work I do. It’s extremely gratifying and that reward comes regardless of the way women and mothers are portrayed by the media.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it, NYT. And try to be more careful next time you generalize about mothers who write and blog. If you are not going to conduct a thorough investigation, then perhaps you should not generalize at all. Certainly you should not imply that mothers who write neglect their children. Unless, perhaps, you’d like to come over here and interview my daughter.
I think you will find that she is quite the opposite of neglected and that creative, communicative mothers actually make quite decent parents.
Even though you won’t read about it in The New York Times, it IS possible to have a writing career and balance it with motherhood. It’s not easy. But what is? And naturally it takes time and sustained effort.
And I can’t think of anything lasting and worthwhile that doesn’t also take time and effort.
Can you?
Comments on this entry are closed.
Excellent post!
“And I can’t think of anything lasting and worthwhile that doesn’t also take time and effort.
Can you?”
No, I can't either. Well said. All of it.
Christina, I didn't react to the NY Times article the same way you did. Despite the title of the article, I thought they portrayed these women as responsible and thoughtful, and (while not yet where you are in your career) professional.
And, I am surprised that you do not view yourself as having a brand — you do — you're the Writer Mama/platform building expert. I've not read Writer Mama, but I have read Get Known Before the Book Deal, and it was terrific. As a marketing executive, the way I read that was all about building a brand. Platform=brand.
Congrats Christina. The issues you raise have been on my mind lately, too. It's not only balancing the motherhood and writing, but balancing the integrity versus success. Do I want to sell or do I want to explore what matters. Do I want to keep some of my privacy or use the personal to increase readership. Even at 50 with teenagers, the balancing act is still a challenge.
I have so enjoyed your emails and all the wonderful information you send. Thank you very much. And it is funny how your article about health came at the very time that I am trying to get over a bad case of shingles and not doing so well with it. Salud!
Happy 10 year anniversary Writer Mama! And congratulations on all of the baby writer mama's that you have nurtured through the years. (I would write “from your biggest fan” if it didn't sound so creepy!)
Whoops! I got ahead of myself: Happy 3 year anniversary! (my writer mama brain is a bit scrambled today!)
Hey, and how perfect that I just bought your book! Happy Anniversary. 🙂
I'd love a copy of your book. Please keep my in the running…I'm a loyal subscriber and reader of your page.
http://www.thewritersnotion.com
Christina, I am new to your blog, but you're speaking my language! So happy to have found you! I subscribed to your feed, and would love to win a copy of your book!
I am a stay-at-home mother of a 3- year-old, and a nap-time writer. My son is my first priority, which creates all sorts of challenges when I allow myself to compare my snail's pace writing progress with others who are going gangbusters with their blogs, books and branding extravaganzas. It's a constant challenge to ground myself, regroup, clarify my priorities, and give myself permission to take it slowly. My son is only going to be this little for such a very short time longer! Before I know it, I'll have much more time available.
I look forward to reading more from you! Happy anniversary!
Cheers!
Alexis
Happy Anniversary, Christina! And well said. That NYT writer ought to read your book. It's been so helpful to me. Congrats on your continued success, and thanks for all you do to support and educate writer mamas.
Thanks, Lydia. For this and all of your support. 🙂
Hi Colette,
You're right. But I can't get past the title. It makes me really ticked. So typical. Ugh.
I think a “brand” would box me in too tightly. Writer mama is part of my identity…part of who I am. But brand? No thanks.
Instead I see it as something I share with other mom writers. Quibbling, probably. But I think most writers don't want to be brands.
The whole branding biz is slippery and somewhat false, for me.
I much prefer the power of unlimited identifying. The power of shape-shifting my identity with each book I write. And most of all the power of absolute freedom and flexibility.
If I have a brand: it's my name. Don't wear it out. 😉
Thanks for sharing, Wendy. I vote for integrity and exploring what matters, with some privacy, as it suits you best. 🙂
You are very welcome, Debbie. I hope you feel better soon!
I am having a couple of ten year anniversaries this year. It's been ten years writing for publication. Almost ten years teaching. And in June is our tenth wedding anniversary. So you said it. 😉
Thanks, Becky! I've been selling yours through our local library. Need to get a copy for myself before they are all sold out. 🙂
Will do, Danielle. Thanks for subscribing!
Amen, Alexis. I hear you!
I think my complaint really is more with the paper than the reporter. She did a good job by their slant was just demeaning. Thanks for your kind words and support!
Thanks for the always welcome reminder to take care of myself. So often I get caught up in deadlines and my family that I forget about taking care of me too. I signed up to the blog as a great reminder! Thanks!!
Congrats!
Joe and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary in February. Funny to think that you and I were making wedding plans at the same time, before we knew each other, and before anyone knew us as writers. 🙂
Loved this post! I am a mother, writer, reader AND subscriber of this blog! 🙂 I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. Thanks!
Hi Christina, I recently subscribed to your e-zine newsletter and just now signed you onto my Google reader. Count me in! I am currently reading Get Known Before the Book Deal and learning so much!
Congratulations on your anniversary, Christina! I remember when I first started seeing your name around these literary circles we inhabit. Few stay the course and benefit from the hard work and successes like you have. Congrats, Writer Mama! And Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Thanks so much for posting your take on the NYT article. I fully expected to hate the article as much as you did. You're right about the title. It's so VERY demeaning. The takeaway I bring home, though, is that these women have found an outlet for their creativity (writing and other art forms) that also allows them to connect with other writer moms to talk about the things that matter the most to them. Stay-at-home moms often suffer low self-esteem, don't think they contribute anything, and want grownups for playmates. Mommy blogs provide a creative outlet, a place to show personality, panache, and pizazz.
As you and I know so well, the path to traditional publication is still a difficult one to navigate. I say hurrah! to the mommy bloggers who have found a way to be heard and get paid for it for now. Some, like Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, will turn their blogs into books, cookbooks, and other how-to info products. And they'll join the ranks of the traditionally published writers then. Until then, the upside is 100% positive for stay-at-home moms because they can be at home, do their work anytime 24/7, virtually, and never have to leave the home fires unattended for long.
Thanks again for your commentary on the article. Your post is an excellent 'thought piece' that's kept me thinking about it all day today.
Hi Christina, I would like to be entered into your giveaway. I just subscribed to your ezine and your Feedburner feed through Google Reader. Congratulations on your anniversary and a blessed birthday to your daughter!
Thanks, Christina, for a great post! I've been writing for a while but only recently decided to get serious about publication. I have two little ones and am working on that balance every day. You make great points!
I also signed up for the feed, so happy to be entered in the drawing.
Thank you for this post, Christina. I am new to the ins and outs of writing. I love writing, but quite frankly, I'm not a fan of the business end of it. Of course, I will do what needs to be done to be published one day, but like you, I don't agree with 'branding' myself. I want the freedom to write whatever and wherever my thoughts take me.
The NYT article hit me as demeaning and condescending. I think most writers will interpret it as you did, Christina and I think you are 'right on'. I am so happy that a professional, such as yourself, feels the same about branding as I do. One less thing to take my mind away from writing.
It's me, again!
I'd like to wish your daughter a very Happy Birthday and congrats on the anniversary of publishing your first book
Many congrats on your anniversaries and here, here on the NYT nonsense. Oh, it really made my blood boil. Thanks for setting the record straight!
I think one of the major shortcomings in the NYT article is that is lumps all mama bloggers into the same category. Each person has her own reason for blogging, but the reasons are vast and many. Not everyone is recording snapshots of life for distant family to see, and while some may choose to be, not every women is an online blogging billboard for advertisers. Some of us, and I include myself here, are serious writers with serious goals. We don't necessarily blog with the hope of being noticed, though of course that would be nice. We blog because it is one of many ways we work at laying the foundation for career in writing.
Christina,
My copy of your book is so dog-eared and scribbled in (from me, not the kids, for once!).
I love the encouragement you give to this very special population called moms. We need all the encouragement we can get, right?
As I'm writing this, my dressed up ironman came to ask me a question. Where else can you be that ballerinas, fairy princesses and ironman all come to speak to you on a regular basis?
Thank you for all the help you have given me!
S'okay, Janine. 😉
Thanks, Michele. I'm working on revamping an article that contains this message. It's one we probably can't hear enough.
Thanks, J. 🙂
Great! Thanks, Kathleen. 🙂
Thanks for your thoughtful response, Debra. Good insights that ring true. I do feel that my beef is with the paper much more so than the reporter, who I don't think was demeaning her fellow bloggers. 🙂
Thanks, coreen. There's always a lot to juggle it seems, no matter what her age. 🙂
Thanks, Andrea and welcome!
I think that a better goal might be to become a known name. I mean doesn't that make sense, that a writer's goal is to become a known name, not a brand name? Makes sense to me!
Thanks, Cynthia!
Thanks for chiming in. 🙂
I think these are all good points, Emily. The problem with labels, like “mommy blogger,” for example, is that they can be demeaning, and they can also imply that all moms who blog are the same or very similar, which of course is not true. For some reason, writer, and even writer mama, I'd venture, don't carry this same label stigma.
Your welcome, Polly. Thanks for commenting. I'd be fine with the “real” Ironman (Robert Downey Jr.) interrupting my writing any time. 😉
Christina, I am a subscriber to the Prosperous Writer ezine and also newly pregnant-as in, my husband and I just found out today! I'm looking forward to becoming a Writer Mama too 🙂
I am still really amazed at how strongly everyone is reacting to the word 'brand' (which is hardly even mentionned in the article itself.) When did the word brand become a bad thing? I come from a different world (marketing) where brand is a critical component. And when I read books like “Become Known…” the messages ring true because building a platform is all about building a brand (defining who you are and what you offer) plus extending your reach.
Brand doesn't have to be a bad thing unless you let it be.
Hi Christina,
I'm writing to you from Abu Dhabi in the UAE. I found you through Writer's Digest (lucky me!) and I've signed up for your blog and e-zine. I'm a writer – though not a writer mama, but I wholeheartedly support your message and have passed on your blog address to writer colleagues who are indeed raising their careers alongside their kids and who, in the process, have encountered the criticism you describe.
I look forward to reading your future posts on this and author platform development.
Best regards
Janet
Happy Anniversary Writer Mama,
I am a subscriber to your e-zine…I am appreciating the fruit of your work. Like you I am a mom, wife and writer….keep it up and thank you for the wisdom you share with us.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Thanks for subscribing, Janet. Great to have you here. 🙂
I think that folks in marketing would be wise to realize that most creatives don't view themselves as brands. I would say that most creatives, who are professionals, do occasionally brand ourselves for one need or the other, but most creatives are not thinking like a veteran marketer on a day to day basis.
Branding is not evil, it's just overstated to the point of becoming a cliché, for me. So, I'm not saying so much here what people should or should not do, as much as I am pointing out how creative people think.
Also, I think it's important for creatives to not become boxed in by their brands or their idea of themselves as a brand, as this is not a great thing for the expansive nature of creativity.
When did the word “brand” become a bad thing? When the word became so grossly and gratuitously over-used. Again, this is for me, and from the perspective of a person who identifies with writers and other creatives. Not saying it's right, just saying it is what it is.
I address this issue throughout Get Known Before the Book Deal. Maybe what I'm really saying is that people who want to spend the lion's share of their time creating, really need marketing people to expand and enhance their reach.
I'm a huge DIYer and I still think this is true. Do as much as you can, writers, but don't forget that there are marketing pros out there who can help.