21. Unearthing my identity beyond mom

Parenthood brings unmeasurable joy, but it’s also possible to feel lost in a new world of responsibility. For writers, this radical shift in priorities can move writing to the bottom of their list.

In today’s special episode, Erin’s friend and colleague, Maria, interviews her. Erin shares the lead up to losing her identity and her motivation for writing after parenthood, as well as how she found the resources to get back to expressing herself through writing, dreaming, and being the kind of parent she’s proud of.

Erin and Maria also discuss breaking the cycle of generational trauma. You’ll hear what led Erin to create this podcast and her future dreams.

Vulnerability is key to self-awareness and change, so take the first step to reconnect with yourself by tuning in now.

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Erin describes her journey as a writer and editor
• When and why Erin lost her motivation for writing
• Struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety
• Erin’s breaking point and impetus for change
• Breaking the cycle of trauma and its constant work
• What helped Erin reconnect with herself and her writing
• Erin’s favorite way to eat a potato!
• Where does Erin see herself in 15 years?
• Progress in Erin’s relationships, fulfillment, and self-nourishment
• Why Erin is sharing her story and how she’s already meeting her goals

About Erin:

For 15 years, Erin has worked as a magazine and book editor. When she became a parent, she set aside her writing aspirations to focus on her family.

Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again to unearth her identity beyond being mom. She shared her journey through her blog, Life Beyond Parenting. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help parents pursue their writing dreams.

She earned her MA in Writing and has finished the first draft of a fantasy-romance novel. She lives with her husband and their two young boys in Maryland.

Connect with Erin: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning 
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning  
• Book a free 30-minute discovery call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting 

About Maria:

Maria Secoy spent more than a decade in the classroom helping students grow as authentic writers. She wrote and published her first romance novel, Alongside Lucy, in February 2022, which has since reached #4 on the Amazon Best Sellers List. 

After hearing stories of editors gone wrong, flopped cover designs, marketing, and anxiety over the self-publication process, she launched All Write Well, which includes a team of supportive experts to meet the self-publishing needs of writers.

Connect with Maria:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msecoywriter 
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/msecoywriter 
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awwromance 
• All Write Well: https://allwritewell.com/ 

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