I’m happy to announce the forthcoming publication of Here’s The Story. . . Nine Women Write Their Lives, edited by Andrea Simon, Bedazzled Ink, pub date March 2024. I have three essays in this anthology: “Book Parties a la Audrey Kirkpatrick,” about my mother’s lavish generosity, culinary and otherwise; “I Mak Siccar (I Make Sure),” about my extended family reunions; and “Dad’s Last Blessing,” about my brother’s wedding and my father’s memorial service, which unexpectedly occurred in the same weekend. The collection evolved from an online writing class I took through the Story Circle Network.

Advance praise for Here’s The Story. . . Nine Women Write Their Lives:

“These stories encompass a wide range of lifetime experiences, from childhood memories to adult challenges to literary pursuits to coping with the pandemic. Each story in this collection is told with a refreshing blend of honesty and openness, infused with the author’s authentic voice. By delving into their personal challenges, the authors not only invite readers to empathize with their struggles but also encourage them to view their own trials from a fresh perspective. The power of storytelling as a form of healing resonates throughout this heartfelt volume, offering a soothing balm to readers. I highly recommend finding a comfortable spot, putting up your feet, and delving into this eye-opening and powerful collection. These stories provide firsthand insight into the personal growth that can be achieved when taking the risk to share and connect with others through writing.” —Helen (Len) Leatherwood, president and online class coordinator, Story Circle Network

“Here’s the Story. . . Nine Women Write Their Lives is a charming and heartfelt collection of essays, stories, and poems by and about women.  The narratives engage the reader on a wide variety of issues yet often come back to themes central to the lived female experience: girlhood memories, struggles with our mothers, the passions that enlist and enliven our imaginations, how we survived the pandemic.  Each piece of writing represents a labor of love shared by the contributing authors and sets the reader on a soul-searching path of self-reflection and self-discovery.  This is a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that celebrates the female experience even amidst stories of pain, loss, and heartbreak.” —Mary Caputi, Ph.D., feminist, professor, and author of Feminism and Power: The Need for Critical Theory

“Here’s the Story is an absolute pleasure to read. This extraordinary essay collection from a remarkable group of writers takes on all aspects of life, the good and bad, mothers included.”—DV Stone, author of No Past Tense: Love and Survival in the Shadow of the Holocaust and A Fairy Tale Unmasked: The Teacher and the Nazi Slaves

“Originating in a class called “Writing about Your Mom without Guilt,” the stories, essays, and poems in this anthology range far beyond the mother-daughter dynamic. Surprising, provocative, exciting, this collection brings together a group of writers whose wisdom shines through. Whether describing Covid-era lockdowns, childhood friendships, or the art of writing, the nine authors’ work will draw you in, envelop you, and make you want to keep reading until the end.”—Deborah Kalb, writer, editor, book blogger, and author of the novel Off to Join the Circus 

“So many of our lives and our families’ experiences are unknown and untold. Read this wonderful collection of voices, then ask yourself what stories you, too, haven’t told yet. We all need this kind of inspiration.” —Ruth Pennebaker, essayist, public radio commentator, and author of the novel Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough

Hope you will enjoy this anthology. May it inspire you to write your own story!