STORY INFO
Birth Mother
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Author
Amanda Lieser
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Categories
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Danh mục
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Update
1 year ago
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Part Chapter
1/??
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Reads
179
Content
I stand in a perfectly pristine kitchen. The counter tops are covered in flour. She stands at them, waiting for me. She’s rolling out the cookie dough in deep, even strokes, like the ocean kissing the beach. Her soft humming fills the kitchen with love. Her hands lift me up; I'm in a navy blue sundress with little yellow sunflowers on it. “Here, sweetie,” she hands me an apron and I lift my little arms obediently to her. She ties it around my waist. A little teddy bear clutching a rolling pin in one soft, brown paw is splashed across my t...
Outstanding reviews
I think what I most enjoyed about this story was the diction and the fact it was written through the POV of a child, even the wording and the descriptions are child-like and suitable to that narrative style. The introspection and the idea that the MC knows she's different yet feels concerned about what she saw in her dream, was a cool play on identity.
Hello!As I have said before and I will say again, I really love your work. This feedback means so much to me. I am so hopeful that this piece will strike a chord in individuals. I love that more stories of trans-racial adoptions are being told. Thank you so much for your feedback. As always, please let me know if I can ever look at a piece and comment for you!
Hello!As I have said before and I will say again, I really love your work. This feedback means so much to me. I am so hopeful that this piece will strike a chord in individuals. I love that more stories of trans-racial adoptions are being told. Thank you so much for your feedback. As always, please let me know if I can ever look at a piece and comment for you!
Hi Katie,I’m so glad you loved this story. I would be HONORED to join you. I submitted the form and said I don’t own copyright since I got inspired by the prompt. I also would be INCREDIBLY excited to speak on the podcast on this piece and I would love the opportunity. Please let me know any other details surrounding this opportunity. Thank you!!
Fantastic! Thanks for filling out the form. Yes, I credit you and also Reedsy for the prompt per their terms of use. That would be great! I'm in the beginning phase of rolling out author interviews so I will reach out with more info on that. Also, if you think of any links you want me to include besides your Reedsy page that could direct listeners to you, feel free to send them my way anytime. I'll comment here when the episode is up :)
Hi Katie,I found the episode, it is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for featuring me!
Hi Katie,I found the episode, it is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for featuring me!
Hi Katie, I am so excited!! I have sent in the form.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear your feedback! Feel free to leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Podchaser :)
Your delicious descriptions bring me right into the scene. All so vivid and lively and warm. The wonder of the narrator trying to make sense of the world, dream or not, is captivating. Making Christmas cookies is so primal, it brought me back to my own memories of that time with my mother and siblings.This is so rich and inspiring. Congratulations on the well-deserved win.
Your delicious descriptions bring me right into the scene. All so vivid and lively and warm. The wonder of the narrator trying to make sense of the world, dream or not, is captivating. Making Christmas cookies is so primal, it brought me back to my own memories of that time with my mother and siblings.This is so rich and inspiring. Congratulations on the well-deserved win.
Your delicious descriptions bring me right into the scene. All so vivid and lively and warm. The wonder of the narrator trying to make sense of the world, dream or not, is captivating. Making Christmas cookies is so primal, it brought me back to my own memories of that time with my mother and siblings.This is so rich and inspiring. Congratulations on the well-deserved win.
I love this story would love to see more about this!!!
Hi Mads!Thank you so much! I don’t know where this piece would go next which for me, means the story has to end as is. But maybe I’ll step back someday.
thanks so much!! I understand
What is the main point of this story you would like people to know. Like a lesson or something?
Hi Julia!I don’t think I have a specific lesson I want people to take from this story. I want it to impact each reader independent of my own will. I will happily send you a comment so look for it soon. :)
I really liked this story! The child's POV really worked well for it. The descriptions were awesome! Congrats on writing such a wonderful story.
Thank you so much for the kind comment!
Wow!!! Very well written! I love how you describe things! I think I need to work on that more.Loved it!
Thanks Ariana! I’m headed over to read your piece shortly.
You did a great job with the voice and mentality of the child.
Hello!Thank you for the feedback! I noticed you have a substantial body of work and I’d love to comment on a specific piece you’d like me to read. Please send over the title. Thank you! Amanda
Amanda,Either "Still" or "Uncle" are two stores I worked on. I would love a comment on either one of them. Thank you so much, ahead of time.
This was an amazing story. Amanda, you have talent and do not put it to waste. You should continue following your dreams!
Hello!Thank you so much for the kind words. They mean the world. I am deeply honored that this piece was so impactful for so many readers!
Hi Amanda Lieser!My name is Tran Hong Giang, a Vietnamese writer. I have read your profile and know you are an American female writer. I would like to have your short story "Birth Mother" translated for our magazine "Writers & Life". So I hope to get your consent.Thanks and waiting for your reply!Tran Hong Giang
Hello!I would be delighted to grant my consent to have the work featured. Would it be possible to get information so my husband and I could order a copy of the magazine? Please email me: [email protected]. Thank you so much for reaching out. Also, be sure to credit Reedsey for the prompt.
Hi, I know I'm late for the party. I'm an adoptee from Korea, and the scene at the appointment felt like a word-for-word reenactment of my first time going to the eye doctor. This story really resonated with me. Thank you for writing it, and congrats on the win!
Hi Emma!Thanks for the kind comment. It warms my heart to know you felt seen!
Wonderful story! Only critique? This line “I watch the muscles in his taunt arms ripple” - assume you meant “her”. That’s all, the rest is enchanting!
Hey Liz!Yes, that critique did come back a few times and per the contest rules I am not permitted to change anything once it closes. Thank you for your feedback. Let me know when you write a story and I would love to read and comment!
Oh I’m very sorry, didn’t know about that rule. Thank you for letting me know
No worries! It's one of those little rules that takes a minute to learn.
I'm commenting on the same line, but with a different observation (and the no editing after the contest closes sure is annoying! I ALWAYS catch errors after leaving a story alone for awhile.) "I watch the muscles in his taunt arms ripple with the pressure..." I'm commenting on the usage of taut vs. taunt.This is beautifully written. I enjoyed the POV of the young girl-some of the things she found delight and distraction in married really well with some of her worry and concern.
Esta es una historia esta super, me encanto mucho, sentí que estaba siendo llevado en un viaje a través del tiempo, realmente sentí que estaba allí con el personaje estas historias nos ayudan a identificarnos o ponernos en el lugar de otros, a ser empáticos. leyendo esta historia puedo decir que definitivamente eres una gran fuente de inspiración y aprendizaje.
Thank you so much for your feedback! I admit, I am not a Spanish speaker and I was so touched to read your comment. Thank you so much for the kind words!
Wow, this is such a brilliant story!! Love it so much, Amanda. I have a doubt. What is the little child's name? Is he/she a boy or a girl?
Hello!This is one of those stories I purposefully designed to have the MC be as anonymous as possible because I wanted every reader to be able to identify with this character. Thanks for the kind feedback!
Hello!This is one of those stories I purposefully designed to have the MC be as anonymous as possible because I wanted every reader to be able to identify with this character. Thanks for the kind feedback!
Hi Sasha!Thank you for the feedback. I really loved this piece. It was one of my most favorite stories to create. I will also look at your piece very soon!
Hey, this was an amazing story. I loved the vivid description, I really felt like I was right there with the character when I don't relate at all.I'm new to writing and I'm twelve years old. I have a lot to learn and just from reading this story can tell that you are definitely going to be a great source of inspiration and learning. Keep up the great work! :)
A great story! It was all about the little girl and her experiences. I like the dream and how it plays out in her real life, too. A wonderful read and worth winning :)Do you have a thing for pearls? You use a pearl in your current story, too.
Hello!Yes, I’ve always had an affinity for pearls. I love when people point out those things because I hadn’t even noticed the trope in my writing. Thank you so much for reading!
I'm like that with food. It somehow always makes it way into my stories, haha.
I so enjoyed reading your story this evening! Your story kept my attention from start to finish. Your timing was perfect as the story shifted and moved, and the narrative voice so honest and pure. It also touched my heart as the mother of an adopted child...so important to read and understand from the perspective of a child. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Erin,Thanks so much for your comment. I just read one of your pieces. I appreciate your time and lookout for my comment!
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