Mid-Month Musings from adoptēre
Let’s talk stories, prompts, boost nominations, and timeliness!
Good morning my friends!
I don’t know about where you are, but around here, Spring is in full bloom! Working in my garden has always been a very therapeutic activity for me, so I’ve been glad to get my hands back into some dirt and enjoy the sunshine after long, dark days cooped up inside during winter.
This year, adoption and adoptee rights have been in the news more and more as states around the nation wrestle with legislation around adoption, adoptee access to birth records, and the rights of children in the state’s care. Adoptees are speaking up and out in record numbers, and their stories are beginning to shift the narrative of what adoption means to the children involved.
This is so exciting, and I want adoptēre to be a strong voice in this conversation!
I’ve never mentioned it, as I was learning the ropes, but I am a part of the Boost Nomination program, meaning I can nominate any of your stories submitted to my publications for a Boost! I’ve had 54 pieces boosted during my tenure on Medium, and the increase in exposure and reach is even more exciting than the boost in earnings.
I want to nominate YOUR stories! I want to showcase the enormous talent here at adoptēre, and I want your stories to get the reach and exposure they deserve. Only through continuing to share our experiences and stories does the true narrative of the institution of adoption emerge.
There is but one “expert” on adoption, and that is adoptees.
I want your tough stories, and I want your positive stories! There is no one “right” way to express your experiences as an adoptee; each person and their story is unique and valuable.
In that vein, here are some prompts for Spring 2024. I welcome nonfiction and poetry submissions:
- Birth Mother/First Mother: examine your thoughts about the woman who brought you to life.
- The Natural Father: examine your thoughts about the man who provided your DNA.
- Childhood Narratives: what story were you told about your adoption? Explore how it shaped your perception of adoption and even yourself.
- Parenting: how has becoming a parent altered your view/opinion of your adoption, if at all? Explore your parenting through the lens of an adoptee.
- Reunion: have you reunited with family? Describe the experience, your emotions, the aftermath…
As we build our library of stories here at adoptēre, my goal is to work towards releasing an anthology of works (an actual printed book!) just in time for November, National Adoption Month. The anthology will be released on Amazon in physical and e-book format. (If you are interested in submitting artwork for the anthology, please contact me to discuss!)
Ideally, this would become an annual anthology of our best works to celebrate the work of adoptees and to help further the mission of auditing the narrative of adoption.
I’d like to highlight our fabulous cast of writers, without whom adoptēre would not exist (except as an echo chamber of my writing alone, which would admittedly be lame) and by whom I am consistently awed and impressed. In no particular order:
KaliLou, Aaliyah Kissick, Amanda Jane, Akara Skye, Rebel Angel, Beach Hippie, Becca CO 🌵, Doris Cardwell, Dr. Deborah M. Vereen-Family Engagement Influencer, Donna Gerard, David Graham, Gmcphie, Hannah Matthys, Harper Callaghan MSW, RSW-Harping mental health., Missy K, John Welford, Simply Sophia, Lcoppolastories, Mindy Stern, Patricia Ann Knight Meyer, Pete JJ, Pseudo Pompous, Rae Mischell, The Onyx Phoenix., Robert Monroe, Shanta Loecker, Stacey Patterson, J.D., Teresa Drosselmeyer, Ted Leonhardt, Shane Bouel, Hannah Andrews, Yustine Alvares
Oh, and if you haven’t already, make sure to follow adoptēre on Facebook!
One last request: I have a podcast, The Light at the Other Side, where I share stories of resilience, healing, and hope — I’d be honored to read any of your stories, and in fact, I am actively seeking content [other than my own] to share on the podcast. I have listeners in over a dozen countries and over half of the United States, so your words will have even greater reach and impact. If you’d be willing for me to read one of your pieces on an episode of The Light at the Other Side, let me know! I’d be honored and ever so grateful! (And if you’d rather read it yourself and send me the audio, that would be incredible, also!)
Thank you, thank you, thank you for trusting adoptēre with your words, your experiences, and your heart as you share your truth as adoptees. I am honored to host this space elevating your words to reach a wider audience. I look forward to more growth, more followers, and more excellent stories in the coming months!
With my greatest appreciation,
