the other mother - free writing workshop for moms

Sister, Sister

As I write guest blog posts and visit with groups discussing my new novel, The Orphan Sister, I find I'm thinking more and more about the sister-content in the book. Clementine is the odd sister out; she is a triplet, but her sisters are twins and she's fraternal. They match, she doesn't.

As a theme for the novel, a lot of her emergency in life is finding her other, her match, and realizing at the same time she's whole herself. But those of us with sisters know it's never that simple.If you don't have the book yet, please pick up a copy. It's paperback and easy to tote (and easy to buy!). If you want a signed bookplate, send me an email at [email protected].

Meanwhile, I have a writing topic for you sister acts out there, for anyone who has a sister, or if you don't, imagine what it might be like if you did.

Write: Ten differences between you and your sister.

Ten samenesses.

How has your sister embarrassed you (and how have you embarrassed her)?

What has she done that makes your proud?

From my newly-minted editor and her farrier sister to a new friend who says she no longer even knows where her sister lives, there's closeness and distance.

Write a thank you note to your sister. Thank her for something old and something new; thank her for what you share and how you compete. Post your work here!Happy summer, all! Happy sisterhood!

Doppleganger

Sometimes you're holding three extra items that don't fit in the little basket you picked up at Trader Joe's and wondering whether you're out of dried blueberries and how hot it will be in the car and someone stops you and says, "Annika? Is that you?"

I am not Annika (nor do I look anything like an Annika, I think, but that's irrelevant.). But I look like Annika. And Annika is so nice. And isn't that great, kids, she reminds us of Annika! And I may lose my hold on the packet of organic asparagus, but somehow, I'm still honored. Because I look like Annika, and Annika is so nice. Because, as we often learn, we have dopplegangers.Maybe they're nothing like us. Maybe they live in Romania and wear leather trousers. Maybe they're even not nice, but we won't say that, not yet--you may choose to write it, though.

In honor of one core subject in my new novel, THE ORPHAN SISTER (do you have it yet? Oh, do pick one up--it's a paperback, so you can bring it to the beach/on the subway/to your mom's house/on a plane. Or you can get an e-book in format of your choice. I think you'll like it, really, I do, even if it doesn't look just like Annika.) twindom, belonging, and pairs:

write about meeting your doppleganger. Maybe you meet her in Trader Joe's, or maybe you meet her at a party where people invite people they think look like twins. Wherever you meet, start with a dialogue. I want to hear if you sound alike, too.