edited by Andrea Simon 

"Nine Women Writers Find a Place of Their Own" — NextAvenue

"Q&A with Andrea Simon" — Book Q&As With Deborah Kalb

"Lone Star Excerpt: Here's the Story" — Lone Star Literary

“These stories encompass a wide range of lifetime experiences, from childhood memories to adult challenges to literary pursuits to coping with the pandemic. Each story in this collection is told with a refreshing blend of honesty and openness, infused with the author's authentic voice. By delving into their personal challenges, the authors not only invite readers to empathize with their struggles but also encourage them to view their own trials from a fresh perspective. The power of storytelling as a form of healing resonates throughout this heartfelt volume, offering a soothing balm to readers. I highly recommend finding a comfortable spot, putting up your feet, and delving into this eye-opening and powerful collection. These stories provide firsthand insight into the personal growth that can be achieved when taking the risk to share and connect with others through writing.” — Helen (Len) Leatherwood, president and online class coordinator, Story Circle Network

“Here’s the Story is an absolute pleasure to read. This extraordinary essay collection from a remarkable group of writers takes on all aspects of life, the good and bad, mothers included.”—D.Z. Stone, author of No Past Tense: Love and Survival in the Shadow of the Holocaust and A Fairy Tale Unmasked: The Teacher and the Nazi Slaves

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“Originating in a class called “Writing about Your Mom without Guilt,” the stories, essays, and poems in this anthology range far beyond the mother-daughter dynamic. Surprising, provocative, exciting, this collection brings together a group of writers whose wisdom shines through. Whether describing Covid-era lockdowns, childhood friendships, or the art of writing, the nine authors’ work will draw you in, envelop you, and make you want to keep reading until the end.” —Deborah Kalb, writer, editor, book blogger, and author of the novel Off to Join the Circus 

“The very point of this fine and heart-rending collection of life stories by nine women who met online [is that] ​so many of our lives and our families’ experiences are unknown and untold. Read this wonderful collection of voices, then ask yourself what stories you, too, haven’t told yet. We all need this kind of inspiration.” —Ruth Pennebaker, essayist, public radio commentator, and author of the novel Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough

​“Here’s the Story . . . Nine Women Write Their Lives was just the tonic I needed! Reading the stories and poetry that shared the lives and seminal moments of this group of women was very much like having deep, funny, and heartbreaking conversations with people who become your friends the more you read. This wonderful collection provided valuable insight into women’s lives and prompted reflection and the emergence of long-buried memories and stories of my own. This book is a treasure.” — Lene Andersen, health and disability advocate, and author of Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tools for Managing Treatment, Side Effects and Pain