Diverse authors write book about motherhood

Writing has always been in Michelle Richardson’s blood, and she now got the chance to feature in an anthology about motherhood.

Michelle, from Linmeyer, Oakdene, is one of the authors of a book titled Motherhood Honesty, an anthology with 27 contributors from three continents.

“This is a book for everyone, especially mothers. Why not share it with not only the women in my community but women all around the world?” Michelle asked.

The book was launched on March 8, which is International Women’s Day.

The RECORD spoke to Michelle to find out more about her exciting journey.

Motherhood Honesty

The 27 women shared their motherhood journeys, resulting in a book filled with magic, wisdom, love, joy, passion, loss, pain, sadness and struggle.

Most of all, this book is filled with lessons learned and insights gained.

The authors are mothers, grandmothers, non-mothers and daughters from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Cape Town, Matatiele, Emalahleni, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon and Colorado.

No such big collaboration has been done before in the name of motherhood.

These stories allow mothers, those who wish to be mothers and those who hope to understand mothers to consider diverse perspectives and worldviews. Through the stories told here, one can see motherhood as extraordinary, mundane, fulfilling, frustrating, infinitely simple and incomprehensibly complex.

“It holds space for the possibility of societies that condemn gender-based violence and in which we all strive to understand and respect one another. Join us on a journey through this powerful collection of stories in which mothers claim their voices and shed light on the work and value of motherhood.”

Each author had a different amount of words used and each author shared their own story.

“The book features genuine stories. We held nothing back. Readers can expect to learn a lot and go through a lot of emotions while reading the book. People can relate to a lot of the stories.

“I am still floating on air, and it feels surreal being able to change people’s lives with my words. This is a dream come true, especially working with all these different writers who are all so phenomenal,” she said.

Cheesecake for the soul

Michelle has had a love for writing since a very young age, and when she got the opportunity to be part of Motherhood Honesty, she grabbed it with both hands.

Growing up as an introvert, she used writing as an escape and way to express herself.

Her piece in the book, called Cheesecake for the soul, was written while she was having coffee and a slice of cheesecake.

“It is based on losing my mum and friendships and to know that taking time for oneself is a must.

“My mother used to treat me with a slice of cake on my birthday, and after her death, I carried on with the tradition,” she said.

For her, it was important to share with readers the importance of making time for yourself.

“It is alright to be alone but not feel lonely. It is all about taking care of yourself because then everything else will fall into place. We take care of everything and everyone except ourselves.”

The main message is that you need to take breaks regularly.

“Have your ‘me-time’ and then go out and be a good wife and mother.”

She said love begins with yourself.

“If you don’t love yourself, how do you expect others to love you? It is like charging a cellphone battery. The cellphone can do a lot of multitasking, like a mother, but if the battery is dead, none of that can be done.”

What the future holds

One of her goals is to someday do screenwriting.

She also has three draft novels she still wants to finish.

Michelle started writing her first novel, a mystical story about a girl who likes books and is drawn to bees in 2007.

“I am making it my mission to finish all three. Other goals are to just be happy, enjoy every phase of motherhood, appreciate the small things and create memories.”

A multitasking genie

Michelle is a jack of all trades. She does something of everything and loves giving.

“I am an empath and can immediately pick up when someone is happy or sad. Making someone’s day with something small is something I like to do regularly.”

When she is not writing, she is busy with house tasks, being a mother and a wife and promoting her business.

According to her, writing allows us to share experiences and the most intimate of thoughts and emotions.

“There is real power and healing in writing. Writing has been a huge part of my life and has transformed my life in a way that words can’t explain.

“I see writing as a hobby and something that motivates me. It gave me lots of positive thoughts, energy and vibes.”

A challenge for her is that writing is time-consuming and sometimes she feels like there are not enough hours in a day to do everything she wants to do.

Her favourite authors are Joan Aubele, Jann Weeratunga and Erina Bridget Ring.

“I enjoy reading their books, as they are all humble and inspiring. I took away something different from each of their books. They interact with their readers and love to share.”

Another person who inspires her is Victorine.

“She is just this amazing person who is dynamic, open, supportive and kind-hearted.”

Today, she is in the process of expanding with a creative, sublimation business in Johannesburg South.

A daughter, a wife and a mother

Michelle grew up in Linmeyer in Johannesburg with her brother.

She went to Regents Park Primary School and matriculated in 1985 from The Hill High School.

At 26, she met her husband, Gary, while at karaoke with his brother, who is one of her best friends.
“We just fell in love. The rest is history.”

They have two sons, Riley (18) and Dylan (16).

“My boys are my world and showed me the true meaning of love. They made me a mum, and for that, I am so grateful.”

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching a series on Netflix and cooking.

“I also enjoy being creative by doing vinyl projects, woodwork, designing and embroidery.”

A perfect day for her is in front of her laptop, enjoying a cup of coffee and all nine of her pets with her in the room.

“My love for animals is endless, and I have been involved with animals and helping them.”

She lost her father, mother, brother and grandmother in a short time.

“They all have played such important roles in my life. My dad taught me how to use my head and have integrity, while my mum showed me it is the small things that matter. She taught me simplicity and how love can change the world.

“My brother was my biggest fan and sporty. I always looked up to him and followed him. My granny taught me to listen to my heart. All four of them were such amazing human beings.”

Something few people know about Michelle is that she’s terrified of heights.

Her advice to the youth is to listen to their parents.

“Your parents may not always be right, but they are the only ones who truly care about you and they will do nothing to harm or hurt you.”

Second, she wants the youth to be themselves.

“Become a trendsetter, and if something is negative, let go of it and make a change.”

If she could change one thing about the world, it will be to remove all hatred.

“There should be more goodness, acceptance and love between each other.”

The best advice she had ever received was from her mother, Denise: “This too shall pass.”

Michelle concluded with her life motto: “Own the day or the day will own you.”