Pen Parentis Launches its New Season of Virtual Literary Salons

There are moments in a writer’s life when the next chapter feels especially meaningful. For me, this is one of those moments.

Tonight, I step into the role of co-host for the Pen Parentis Virtual Literary Salons—a space where the creative and the personal, the literary and the lived, come together in real, sometimes messy, always inspiring ways. I’ll be joining the ever inspiring M.M. DeVoe to welcome writers who are also parents—people who know that creativity doesn’t pause for school pickups or bedtime stories, and that the urge to write is as persistent as the needs of our children.

2026 Literary Salon Season Launch

I’m not just stepping into a new role. I’m stepping into a legacy. For years, Christina Chiu has curated these salons with heart, wisdom, and a deep belief in the power of community. She’s built a place where writers can show up as their whole selves. It’s an honor to follow in her footsteps, and if you want to know more about the incredible work Christina has done, please visit christinachiu.com.

Why does this matter so much to me?

Because I know what it is to be a mother and a writer. I know how hard it is to carve out creative space in the midst of family life, and how easy it is to feel like you’re falling short on both fronts. I know the relief of finding a community that not only understands, but embraces, the dual identities we carry. Pen Parentis isn’t just an organization—it’s a lifeline. It’s grants, accountability, and genuine connection. It’s a place where writer-parents thrive, not in spite of their responsibilities, but because of them.

Tonight, M.M. and I will be welcoming three remarkable poets—Diana Whitney, Teresa Dzieglewicz, and Theresa Burns—for a conversation that promises to be as authentic as it is inspiring.

We’ll talk poetry, parenting, and the creative journey with all its joys and challenges. And we’ll invite you, our community, to join in, ask questions, and share your own stories.

As I look ahead, I’m energized by the possibilities. The Book Biz Insider Podcast is launching this month, Brooklyn Writers Press continues to publish award-winning books, and I remain committed to showing up for writers at every stage of their journey. Because I believe in the power of storytelling—and in the communities that make those stories possible.

Join the Pen-Parentis Writer-Parent Community

If you’re a writer-parent—or simply someone who believes in the power of creative community, I hope you’ll join us tonight or consider becoming a Pen Parentis member.

When you join Pen Parentis, you gain access to:

• Opportunities to read your work at acclaimed Literary Salons (virtual and in-person)

• Weekly Member Accountability Meetups to keep your writing on track

• Access to exclusive grants and fellowships for writer-parents

• A vibrant, supportive network of peers who understand the realities of writing and parenting

• Personalized support, resources, and connections to help you thrive—no matter your genre or stage

Let’s get together, connect, and see what we can create together.

Here’s to new beginnings, to showing up fully, and to the stories only we can tell.

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P.S. Learn more about my fabulous co-host, award-winning writer and Founder of Pen Parentis Milda 'M.M.' De Voe