Call for Submission: Mothers of Children with Developmental Disorders

Posted by Lynn Moore Jul 10, 2006

This came across my desk. I wanted to share it with you so that you may share with others.

Are you the mother of a child with an emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder such as ADD, Asperger's,, Autism, Bi-Polar Disorder, Non-Verbal Learning Disability or PDD?

We are currently soliciting essays for an upcoming anthology Special Gifts: Women Writer's on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child. (Wyatt-MacKenzie Major Releases, May 2007).

Below is an idea of what we are looking for, but please don't feel limited to these topics...

- Heartfelt, emotional essays from mothers dealing with their child (or a relative) with special needs. Tell us about your emotional journey. When did you suspect that your child was different from other children? Was there one defining moment or a general feeling? How did the news impact you? Your spouse? Your other children? Your parents? How is your child unique? Have you learned to see beyond the label? How? How does your child relate to others? What are his greatest difficulties? What are his greatest strengths? What has he taught you that you might not have learned? How has having a child with special needs impacted your relationships with your friends? Are you nervous about the future? What does the future hold? Is your child aware of his differences? How do you explain them to him and others? What are you scared of? What are you happy about? What are you angry about?

We are NOT looking for advice and tips, but rather essays on your emotional journey. We do not need happy endings and neatly tied-up stories. We are more interested in raw emotions and truthfulness. Essays can be funny, sad, angry, or whatever you are feeling. They can be in any format or voice and there is no word count requirement or restriction.

You will receive a byline and short bio in the book. You will also receive 5 copies of the book. Contributors will be provided with the tools to market the anthology at book signings, radio interviews, and elsewhere.

Please send your essays to aschusteff@aol.com. Please paste the submission into the email, do not send an attachment. Please include your name, address, phone, e-mail, name and age of your child, and any publishing experience. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006. We look forward to reading your submissions. All those accepted will be sent a release form and marketing plan.

Blessings . . . L.