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Allison Deraney's avatar

Nothing is perfect. Except pizza. And the love a mom has for her daughter.

I love that you two put your art out into the world. It's a beautiful way to show up.

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Julie Fontes's avatar

It’s a whole thing, and in the darkest times neither of us were creating anything. I need her to see me trying—even if she sometimes thinks I’m dorky. And I guess sometimes a mom needs a pep-talk from a daughter. The craziest thing is that both of us are working several service jobs and still squeezing in creative projects. Our cups are not only running over, they are spilling all over the place.

I’m sure you can relate, and I know your kids are watching you pursue your passion too. Keeping your creative spark alive is one of the best things a mother can model for her child.

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Allison Deraney's avatar

Our kids are always watching - it's so true. They see the sparks when they rise out of us and it helps ignite theirs. Thanks for this reminder to let Caroline see me trying (especially when the trying feels like dying) LOL

And I'm convinced Caroline loves me best when she utters, "Mom, you're so weird" When we're dorks it gives them permission to dork out, too! They want that and just can't admit it. xoxo

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Julie Fontes's avatar

TRUTH. She loves it when you’re weird! I know it because I love it when my mom is weird. It’s what makes her so very uniquely mine and not like the others.!

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Katie Bean's avatar

I can relate, Julie. About the book and the pizza! Reading my book out loud for the audiobook challenged my opinion of it- I kept finding sentences I would alter if given the chance, and whole themes I could have elaborated on. I also found 3 typos which haunt me! The editor I worked with at the time reminded me when I published, especially for memoir writers, the book is a snapshot in time. It's how I felt or what I thought when it went to print. Not the book I would write right now.

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Julie Fontes's avatar

THANK YOU! Authors need to talk more about how much they hate their books (I guess that’s not helpful for selling them, though).

It’s crazy because writing the book changes you into someone who wants to write a different book! Oh it’s just a snake eating its own tail, this writer’s life.

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Katie Bean's avatar

Omg yes! Exactly!!

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