Hi! My name is Erin. I started Mommy on the Spot in 2009 because I was a stay-at-home mom who needed a creative outlet, a place to put down the thoughts that were just rattling in my head when I was home with a preschooler and an infant. I also needed to feel connected to other people, which even though I was going on playdates, it was hard to move the conversation into deeper places while chasing babies around.
Starting Mommy on the Spot saved me and put me on a new path. It helped me find a medium for my passion – writing. And when I started to follow this passion, a long, winding adventure began to unfold. I started going to blog conferences and learning more about social media. I began work as a freelance writer and contributor on other sites, which felt amazing and validating.
One thing led to another, and I began teaching a social media strategy class at a local business college. I also did some freelance work as a social media manager. I even became a regular on a local news show, Live in the D, on the Moms Panel segment where we talked about current events.
I thought this was what I always wanted – I was writing and teaching and working with social media – all from the comfort of my couch when the course became fully online. And every once in a while, I would put on real clothes and share my opinion on local TV. I had the flexibility to be home with my kids but had an avenue to make some income. I felt so lucky that I had all of this.
And yet.
And yet, I felt like something was missing. I knew I always wanted to write a book, and I thought once my youngest was in kindergarten, I would just magically find the time. But between part time jobs and doing all of the things (all of the things!) a mom does who is the primary caregiver with a husband who travels a lot, I couldn’t find the space.
I started to regularly practice yoga, and every time the class was asked to set an intention, I asked for help. Please, Universe, send help. Send me a mentor. I don’t know how to get started.
About nine months of asking the Universe for help, I received help by being chosen for Elizabeth Gilbert’s Magic Lessons podcast . Elizabeth helped me get started by asking me to write my story, a permission slip she called it, and had Cheryl Strayed share her advice on how she combines motherhood with writing. I write more about that experience here and here. Later on that summer, Elizabeth checked in on me when I flew out to New York City to meet her which was part of the Nightline interview, which still feels unbelievable!
After all of this magic (pun INTENDED!), I went deep, deep, deep into the writing cave. Six years and several drafts later, I am now revising my manuscript in the Write Your Memoir In Six Months class and getting it ready to find a place for it out in the world.
In the meantime, I would love to connect with you. I want to share updates on my book and insights I have on combining motherhood and creative living, but I am not updating Mommy on the Spot.
For now, I am going to use my newsletter as the place where I am going to give updates on my life, manuscript, creative projects (like Then She Did.A Quest for More, the podcast I cohost), and things I’m into .
I have been in the writing cave for so long and miss the feeling of connecting like I did when I was blogging. I would love it if you signed up here to get on my email list (and I promise not to bombard you with emails). I also love Instagram and can be found on Facebook and Twitter , too. I would love to hear from you and talk about honoring your creativity and combining that with the other responsibilities in your life!
erin janda rawlings, writer 