Recent Work

Meet the Staff for Literary Mama

Meet the Staff for Literary Mama

For Literary Mama. As a child, I was fond of telling dramatic stories. In fourth grade, I wrote a one-act play called “Tornado.” Four sisters lost both parents in a devastating natural disaster and were dispersed around the country only to meet up in their 20s at a Broadway audition. I directed….

Why Can Anxiety Increase at Night

Why Can Anxiety Increase at Night

What might be causing your nighttime anxiety and how to keep it in check, so you can get some sleep. If you wake up at night or have trouble falling asleep, you aren’t alone in your misery. You might be experiencing nighttime anxiety, a condition that affects people...

A Horrible Mother

A Horrible Mother

Click here to read the article on Brain, Child Summer camp had just begun and it was the first hot day of the year. The air outside looked wavy. I strapped my child into her car seat and kissed her chubby cheeks. She was my third so I’d learned to take the time to do...

Em Shotwell’s Newest Story Releases Today

Em Shotwell’s Newest Story Releases Today

Magic Spark, featuring THESE ROOTS RUN DEEP, by Em Shotwell Magic Spark on Amazon.com --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776ZP5ZX Only 2.99 or FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED! “These Roots Run Deep” by Em Shotwell: Spitfire, New Orleans weather girl, Cheyanne Murphey has...

Pitch Wars and Other Writing Accomplishments

Pitch Wars and Other Writing Accomplishments

Pitch Wars and Other Writing Accomplishments in 2017   My manuscript was showcased in Pitch Wars 2017. It is a significant writing accomplishment and I'm proud. If you haven't heard of Pitch Wars yet, then I'm sure you will learn more about it this year. Pitch...

Article published in Kveller

Article published in Kveller

When I learned my husband’s company was relocating us from New Jersey to London during my energy-filled second trimester, I was elated. We made a bucket list and travelled nearly every weekend to dramatic places like Venice. I was due in December so once mid-October...

Vision Board and Happy New Year – 2017!

Vision Board and Happy New Year – 2017!

My Vision Board The other day I noticed my vision board wedged behind the printer in my office. Although I ‘see’ it every day, I don’t really ‘see’ it. So, I stole a moment to read the inspiring cut out images and words. I created it over a year ago when I attended...

The Writer’s Digest Conference 2016-My Takeaways

The Writer’s Digest Conference 2016-My Takeaways

Where else but The Writer’s Digest Conference can a writer find access to so many industry experts in one place? I have yet to find another event that offers the same value. Of course I enjoy the benefits of my standing writing group and I constantly take classes to...

My Life is Full

My Life is Full

Please click here to read on Sammiches and Psych Meds I am a mom. A wife. A friend. A daughter. A teacher. A writer. I try to be so many things to so many people that when I stop to think, I sometimes come up feeling like I am nothing much to anyone. My life is full....

My Writing Retreat

My Writing Retreat

The Scenario My family sent me for a writing retreat as a gift for Mother’s Day last year and it was a total hit. I had such a fulfilling adventure that I indirectly reminded my husband how much I appreciated the gift again this year as Mother’s Day drew near. Since I...

Color Me Mine – A Review By My 10 Year Old Daughter

Color Me Mine – A Review By My 10 Year Old Daughter

guest post by my 10-year-old daughter   Color Me Mine is one of my favorite things to do. I love going there with my family. It isn’t just painting a vase or something. When we go it is family time. We talk, laugh and help each other. I love Color Me Mine. If you...

One in One Hundred – February is Heart Month

One in One Hundred – February is Heart Month

guest post by Christa Frankos Duggan In my heart, I thought what happened to us was one in a million. But, we are much less unique than that. We are one in one hundred. I realized my life had changed after I was in the recovery room from having an emergency C-section....

Suspend Your Inner Critic

Suspend Your Inner Critic

My almost ten-year-old looked out the window this morning, mesmerized by the snow. She breathed it all in for a few moments - the peace, the quiet, the wonder. Then she suspended her inner critic and said, “Mom, if I jumped off the rooftop of the swing set into the...

You Can’t Parent Happy

You Can’t Parent Happy

My friend, Irene Macmillan, an inspiring blogger and a wonderful person wrote this post about parenting in our generation. It certainly gives me, the quintessential Gen-Exer, pause to think. Please click here to read YOU CANT PARENT HAPPY Irene Macmillan Law graduate....

Happy New Year – 2016!

Happy New Year – 2016!

2015 brought many things to my life for which I am happy and thankful. It also brought some sadness as I'm sure it has for many. FAMILY AND FRIENDS I am mostly thankful for health and good fortune. I am amazed by my children as I watch them grow and embrace life. I...

Gun Violence – How do I Talk to My Kids?

Gun Violence – How do I Talk to My Kids?

“If anyone ever comes into your school and uses a gun — play dead.” My kids looked at me shocked at what I’d just said. “I’m serious, pretend you were shot and play dead so the bad guys leave you alone.” That’s what I said. Good or bad, I needed to say it.  I stiffen...

‘Lost Dog’ Guest Post on DorriOlds.com

‘Lost Dog’ Guest Post on DorriOlds.com

This is a guest blog post on DorriOlds.com Lost Dog: Feeling Loss When a Dog Goes Missing “Please keep calm,” said Tamara, our British pet sitter, “Quigley has run off in the wood but we’ll find him.” We were American Ex-Pats living in the UK and we were visiting home...

Holly Rizzuto Palker

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