Christine Platt | Mama’s Writing
"I don’t know if I would have necessarily been open to her living a creative life if I hadn’t been brave enough to do it myself."
Mama’s Writing is Raising Mothers’ monthly interview series, created by Deesha Philyaw and curated by Sherisa de Groot.
(she/her) is a multi-genre author and advocate for representation in literature, lifestyle, and wellness. Also known as the Afrominimalist, her work centers on honoring Black voices and experiences—past, present, and future.Connect: @iamchristineplatt on Instagram
How has the experience of raising children shaped your own personal growth as a writer and as an individual?
Raising my daughter has taught me so many valuable life lessons (I often like to say that through mothering my daughter I also learned how to mother myself!) Of course, our experiences have been the inspiration behind many of the stories I write for children. But being a mother—her mother—helped me grow more personally than professionally. At every stage (even now as an empty nester), motherhood continues to teach the necessity of being introspective, the power of self-assessment, how our perceived weaknesses can inevitably lead us to discovering our greatest strengths. Without a doubt, I would not be the woman I am today if I were not a mother. This is not to say that I would be better or worse—I simply would not be who I am. And for that, I am grateful (because I love the woman I am and who I’m becoming!)
If you could go back and give yourself advice before becoming a parent, what would it be?
I would tell myself, “Girl! Calm down! It’s not that serious!” hahaha. Everything seemed so serious, every decision so destined to change the trajectory of her life. I would certainly give myself a break, and extend myself a lot more compassion. And I would laugh more at parenting shenanigans rather than cry over them. Looking back, the moments that drove me absolutely bonkers are now some of our family’s fondest memories.
How do you navigate societal expectations or stereotypes as a Black parent in your writing while staying true to your authentic voice?
I don’t think I’ve ever not used my authentic voice when writing stories—whether for adults or children! I truly believe that storytelling is a tool for social change. And leveraging the power of transformative stories only works when they are honest. Even with children, especially with children, I believe in writing truthful narratives about the beauty and complexities of the African diaspora through the lens of joy (we can teach hard history without centering trauma!)
What themes or topics do you find yourself drawn to explore in your work since becoming a parent, and why?
I have always been drawn to teaching about lesser known narratives, those “historical footnotes” as I often like to say. Because when it comes to Black literature, we tend to hear the same stories, the same themes, the same tropes. And if we don’t want people of the African diaspora to be seen as a monolith, we have to be mindful. As Chimanda Adichie so eloquently expressed in her popular TED Talk, there is very real danger in a single story.
How do you handle creative challenges or setbacks?
Well, being under contract for a book kind has a way of forcing you to overcome creative challenges. Hahaha And in the event that I simply cannot move forward, I have learned to simply ask for more time, for an extension on the project, rather than struggle. The days of staying up 24 hours in the hopes of finishing something by a deadline are behind me. Having proper rest is a non-negotiable priority.
How do you navigate the fine line between sharing personal experiences in your writing while respecting the privacy of your family?
That is a fine line indeed. I would never share any personal experience that has the potential to threaten the privacy of my family. And with stories where I want and/or need to include a family member, I (1) ask their permission before I start writing the piece and (2) give them the opportunity to read and approve of the final piece before it’s published.
How do you carve out time for self-care, down time, and creative expression?
Now that I am almost 50 years old, these three essentials are all connected. But there was certainly a time in my life when they weren’t! It’s taken many hard-burnout-lessons for me to understand that self-care is necessary for me to be a good person—let alone being a good parent and writer! It’s required for creative expression. I also feel the same about down time (working nonstop just isn’t the solution to any problem). I used to feel like I was wasting time or being lazy. But one day, I came across this quote by philosopher Bertrand Russell: “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” That reframing was a game changer for me.
How has your parenting journey impacted your perspective on your writing career and artistic aspirations?
My daughter is a musician, a composer. She plays the violin and piano. She’s just brilliant and absolutely loves her life. I honestly cannot imagine her pursuing any other line of work that would bring her such personal and professional fulfillment. And I don’t know if I would have necessarily been open to her living a creative life if I hadn’t been brave enough to do it myself. So it’s been beautiful nurturing and parenting her gifts from childhood through young adulthood.
How have other mother figures you have encountered in your community influenced your parenting? Your writing?
You know, every mother is a teacher. And we educate each other by sharing our stories (especially those survival stories!) This is our real power to influence—by reducing stigmas and shame, by sharing tips and advice, by simply giving a hug or taking hold of another mother’s hand and saying, “I know it’s hard. You got this! And if you don’t feel like you have a handle on things, be honest and tell me so I can help.” So many women have contributed to mothering me—friends and strangers. I am grateful for them all!
What advice would you give to other mothers who aspire to pursue their writing goals while raising a family?
Give yourself grace and release the guilt of carving out time for your dreams. Showing her children how to balance pursuing their goals without being completely self-sacrificing is one of the greatest gifts that we can give them.
Who are your writer-mama heroes?
Awww, so many! Too many to count and name! And I’d never forgive myself for leaving someone out. All writer-mamas are heroes. Every single one.
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