As the weeks are passing, and the Mother Muse deadline is quickly approaching, I have fielded many questions on what specifically will be sought in the selection process. I cannot say for sure (as this is of course the subjective side to editorship). What I can say is that I have not read enough about motherhood. Keep those quality submissions coming.

A few pointers that may help:

- Be concise. Think Cup of Comfort or Chicken Soup for the __ Soul sorts of essays and poetry under about 2-3 pages typed. Don't stress if an essay or story is a little over that, but that's a general guideline.

- Be descriptive & sensory. Let the readers experience what you're sharing; don't just tell us about it in broad terms. Oftentimes, we as humans gloss over scenes, etc., because our minds fill in the sensory details. If your reader has not had your experience, how is he or she to know quite what was going on unless you tell him or her?

- And overall, stay positive - I aim for this collection to be an uplifting sort, just as the original Mother Muse was, so even when you treat challenges in your pieces, be sure the overall tone and 'message' remains positive.

Those are the key thoughts at this time. Keep spreading the word about this collection and its upcoming deadline. And certainly email me with any questions you have along the way.