Friends, in this week’s blog post I’m pleased to share some writing-related news.

But first — Sunday, May 10th is Mother’s Day, and I understand that it can be a day of difficult emotions for some. If this applies to you, please feel free to skip over the next two paragraphs. I don’t want anything I write to add to your discomfort.

In case you’re looking for a gift for a special grandmother in your life, may I suggest Chicken Soup for the Soul: Being Grandma? You may remember back in March, I shared the good news that my personal essay, Birthday Buddies, is one of the 101 stories included in this heartfelt collection. 

In addition, did you know there is a Chicken Soup for the Soul podcast? I’m so pleased to share that my story, Birthday Buddies, was recently featured on the Chicken Soup for the Soul podcast, in the episode titled, “Two Stories about Play Dates with Grandchildren.” The entire episode is about fifteen minutes long, and my story begins at about 7:05 into the podcast. (You can access the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. And, please feel free to post a review!)

And, I have one more writing-related bit of news to share! I am so delighted and proud to tell you my personal essay, “On a Scale Of…”, has won first place in the 2026 Streetlight Essay/Memoir Contest. My essay, along with the second and third place essays, will be published in the 2026 Summer Issue of Streetlight. I’ll let you know when it’s available. 

Just the other day, I had told my mom I was getting one rejection after the other. Because that’s how it works in the writing-world, at least this is how it generally works for me. 

I write. I submit. And usually I get rejected. 

Last week, I received an email stating, “Unfortunately, this piece is not the right fit for the anthology at this time,” and three days later another email (for a different submission) telling me, “Unfortunately, the other nonfiction editors and I have decided not to accept your piece for our upcoming issue.” (These are actual quotes I pulled from two different email rejections.) 

So writer friends, keep at it. Keep writing. Keep submitting. 

Honestly, I almost didn’t enter the Streetlight contest. But then again, there is no chance of me winning anything or getting published unless I submit.

Please note: I am including a link to buy the book that I’m highlighting this week. If you use my link, I do make a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. I am working with Bookshop.org which also sends a portion of the profit to support local, independent bookstores.