Life of a Power Mom
We are exactly one week away from the official launch of Chicken Soup for the Soul – Power Moms, and two weeks from the relaunch of my novel, Four Wives, in paperback. Needless to say, I am in the throws of promoting! Two days ago I was in Florida chasing my 5-year old across a pool deck, and today I have already had two interviews for the books (one requiring make-up of all blessed things!). For anyone local, check out channel 12 tonight starting at 5pm! And for anyone wondering what this is like – promoting a book – let me just say that my life has never felt stranger than it does right now…
I had this fantasy while I wrote my first novel in the back of my minivan. It went like this: write fabulous novel, appear on Oprah, make enough money to take a long breath, meet George Clooney (inside joke). Of course, none of these things can actually drive a person to finish a novel – what makes you finish is the intense desire to have the scrambled thoughts in your head find themselves as words on pages, and in a form that someone else might actually be able to understand and relate to. This part, the actual writing, is the part that makes me feel whole and sane and able to spend the majority of my days being a mommy. And this writer’s life, the one where I dropped the kids at school and spent a few hours alone with my laptop, felt normal after a while.
As the fantasy turned out, I wrote the novel then edited Power Moms for Chicken Soup for the Soul, and without Oprah, the book has to be promoted the old fashioned way. With a team of publicists, the message of the book gets out through print, radio, blogs and TV. Word is spread cross the internet over facebook, twitter, personal blogs and emails. And, for good measure, over 500 mailings are sent. By the time it winds down, I will have done a handful of TV spots, a dozen or so radio and print interviews, and at least three book events.
I have moments when I’m speaking about my work in public when I want to hit the pause button on the whole scene. I feel passionate about my work so telling others about it has never been the problem. But there is a whole other piece that I can never adequately convey. It’s a quintessential Power Mom piece. There I’ll be, dressed nicely, hair blown, make-up on… and I’ll be speaking with confidence and (hopefully) articulation about the book. And it all just feels so put together and picture-perfect when the reality is that an hour before hand, I was probably driving my minivan with my slippers on, hair dirty and pinned up, three kids in the back needing good parenting or appropriate discipline or positive reinforcement and my brain fully focussed on the task – my work, my other work, will be the last thing on my mind. I probably had a cold mug of coffee clutched in one hand, the other on the wheel, and I was probably drinking it because it still gave me a shred of comfort after a hectic day. And when the interview or book signing is over, I will rush home, wash off the make-up, put the slippers back on and kiss my kids good night or help with homework or whatever is needed at the time. And I will feel like I have been living in two alternate worlds.
So, yes, it is strange because most of the time, as I am discussing my work, what I really want to do is hit the pause button and say, as loud as I can, does anyone know what my crazy day looked like? Really looked like? Not to mention what I really look like most of the time …
The beauty of promoting Power Moms is that most of you do know. And it is my mission for the next few months to promote these books and share our stories with the world!
Stay tuned!
Wendy,
This post so resonates with me! I got chills reading it. I am fortunate to be one of the moms in the book. I re-read my story the other day (over the shoulder of a friend who was reading it) and remembered the experience all over again.
They really are two worlds that, in my case, sometimes collide! That working from home thing and being a professional out in the world is a juggling act. It’s been so nice to see that so many others identify with the challenges and blessings.
I think this book is powerful because it gives voice to the awesome energy of stay at home and work from home moms. We are changing the world and it is good! I think these story show just how powerful women are.
I’ve often said that women make the best entrepreneurs – you can see why when reading the stories.
Thank you so much for your role with the book – and with the universe. You are appreciated in many ways.
Best,
Diane
Wendy – I’m so happy for your success and thankful that am able to be part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms family with my story “Two Mothers.” I hope to see you at the New York event!
Rebecca
Thanks for the good laugh, Wendy. I never thought I’d be a “housepants” kind of mom, but there I am, changing into my stretchy exercise type sweat pants and crocs the minute I walk in the door. And now I even manage to leave them on for quick runs to pick up daughter at daycare or even run into the pharmacy (heavens!)
I, too, find much comfort in my split personalities as writer, editor, mother, launderer, short order cook, etc. Without my brain work, mothering might push me over the edge by noon vs 5 pm. Without mothering, writing might be more desolate. We’re fortunate when it all fits together. But it sounds like your days are as messy as mine – and as fulfilling in their craziness!
Wendy!
It’s me, Tolly.
Just had to agree with Diane, and tell you how much I loved this post. I feel so lucky to work with someone as articulate and passionate as you are, and feel doubly blessed to have gotten in on the ground floor! Keep up the good work, and I can’t wait to see where the FW paperback and Chicken Soup takes us.
–TM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
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Thanks!