The Mailbox Giveaway
In her debut novel, Marybeth Whalen has created a beautifully written story about second chances. I couldn't put this book down. I read it in 2 days! A fun, easy to read novel that engages you from the beginning and leaves you wanting more in the end. And guess what?!? We are giving away one copy of The Mailbox right here!All you need to do is email me with your name by July 13 for a chance to win this incredible book!
Here is an interview I did with her in July discussing motherhood and pursuing her dreams.
Michelle: How many and what are the ages of your children? Marybeth: I have 6 children, ages 18, 16, 14, 10, 8, 5 Michelle: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? Marybeth: I have written since I was a kid. I think I expected to outgrow it, but I never did. :) Michelle: How do you balance writing with mothering? Marybeth: Not very well at times! I have learned out of necessity to be very organized. And to prioritize. I think the biggest challenge is to keep my family above the writing. And to re-evaluate constantly. Oh, and to learn to write with LOTS of interruptions and noise! Michelle: Did you ever have guilt for pursuing your dreams while being a mom? Marybeth: Of course! I think that motherhood is synonymous with guilt! But one thing I've learned is that these kids won't be around forever. We want them to become adults and have their own lives. I don't want to be left wondering what to do with myself when they're gone, so investing in my dreams now feels like the right thing to do. I don't want to be one of those needy, clutchy moms when my kids go off on their own. I want to have my own life while they have theirs. That's my theory at least. I won't know for many years if I am right or not! I think also that it's good for my kids to see me pursuing my dreams. Hopefully this will be part of the legacy I leave them-- that it's okay to go after your dreams. I hope that this has made me a more interesting person to them. Michelle: Where do you think you will be at with your passions, writing, mothering in 10 years? Marybeth: Since my youngest will be 15, life will look a lot different just as far as how many kids I have at home. I hope to be still putting out a novel a year and pouring into my kids' lives. Plus I like the idea of being able to go out with my husband by then without having to get a sitter. After 18 years, that sounds really nice. :)
To read more about Marybeth Whalen, visit her blog at www.marybethwhalen.com
