A Question of Balance: Artists and Writers on Motherhood

by Judith Pierce Rosenberg

Twenty-five artists and authors describe the nurturing relationship between motherhood and their work

Genres: Writing

276 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anybody (particularly women) who are in creative fields and raising children. I am somewhat enthralled with this subject right now since I fall into the aforementioned category; I sought out this book. It's too bad there aren't more books on this subject. Being an independent creative minded-person is different than being a working mother in a different field. The thought processes are different and it's more difficult to compartmentalize your life. All of the women interviewed in this book have struggled with this juggling act. It's interesting to read about how they found ways to succeed in both realms.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reading, but this book is essential for any practicing artist or writer preparing to experience motherhood. Great interviews with lots of artists about how they experienced balancing between creative production and being a mom. Inspiring too just to read about the practices and processes of all these people, how they make work.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is rather dated but considering the lack of books on this topic (and availability; couldn't get this at the library), I appreciated it. I was probably reading with an agenda in mind, so to me, the book seemed essentially to say "It's hard. Do it anyway" (the statement being applied to both your art and having children).

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for mothers, particularly mothers who are artists, writers, or who have other interests besides parenting.

[Nyssa Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pivotal to my life as a professional artist and mother.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series of interviews with female writers and/or artists, who are also mothers. Though it was written quite a few years ago, I really appreciated it for multiple reasons, the primary one being that I learned from reading it that many of my feelings/experiences that I felt were specific to me, or perhaps flaws in my personality, are really quite common to creative women who are also mothers. Loved it!