Calling all Moms with a Pencil: A Mother’s Day Essay Contest


In celebration of Mother’s Day on May 13th, my website, MotheringHeights.net is having an essay contest for moms who own a pencil, pen or computer. Many of you have great stories about raising your kids, grandkids and even the kids next door. Now it is time to share.

Theme
I decided to narrow down the essay to a theme or starting point. Instead of waxing and waning about those magical moments of motherhood, it’s time to delve into your past and contemplate:

Are you the mother you thought you would be?


For example, before I was a mother, I swore my kids would never eat sugar, go to bed late or watch television on a regular basis. I wouldn’t say ‘because I said so’ or ‘please stop talking.’ Instead, all of those things seem to be taking place in my house with increasing frequency.

Rules
Feel free to go wherever you want with this question. There are only two rules to follow:

1. You must be a mother (or a father who feels like a mother).
2. The essay should be 800 words or less.

Judges
A panel of talented writers and artists will select the winning essay in a blind review process. We are looking for an essay that is funny, poignant, personal and relatable to others.


Prizes
The lucky winner will receive the following prizes, everything she needs to enjoy a relaxing afternoon:

1. A Caffeine Basket from Starbucks
2. A Summer Reading Collection from Hachette Books
3. A Pair of Rainbow Sandals from Hobie’s of Laguna Beach
4. A Mother’s Day Tiara from MotheringHeights.net

And finally,

5. Publication in The Laguna Beach Independent, May 11, 2007 and on the home page of MotheringHeights.net

Submission Details
Deadline: May 4, 2007

Include your name and contact information (phone and email)

Format: For email submissions please put your essay into the body of the email. Send to submissions@motheringheights.net

or mail a hard copy to:

Mother’s Day Essay Contest
The Laguna Beach Independent
410 N. Coast Highway, No. 415
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Sharpen your pencils and get writing! It’s time to share your story of motherhood with others.