Rolemommy

Meet the Author of Somebody's Always Hungry

This week, we caught up with Juliet Johnson, mom of three and author of the new book, Somebody's Always Hungry. Juliet tells us about her life B.C. (before children) and how she's transformed her life A.D. (After Diapers). So find out how another amazing mom has found a way to do what she loves while loving her children!

Role Mommy: What did you do before you became a mom?
Juliet: I believe I slept through entire nights. I also worked as a producer/director's assistant on movies and tv shows, as well as being a dramaturg for a small theater. In the very deep past, I also worked on a horse farm.

Role Mommy: When did you decide to reinvent your life?
Julie: At 34, we started having our kids, and I stayed home. I was used to working freelance, so I just sort of jumped into it like I would any new freelance job. It's best not to know what you're getting into. I continued writing from the middle of my seven year long (so far) motherhood gig. A year ago, I decided to put all my mom essays together (some published, some still virginal) and see if I could get them published as a whole funny motherhood book.

Role Mommy: How have your children influenced your career path? Juliet: Before my kids, I wrote/published other stuff. Since the kids, I wrote (mostly) about them. They take all your time, but if you're really plugged into them, you get a gripping view of life and mortality. Plus, being a mom was so taxing on every INCH of my personality, my writing began exploring this soul-squeezing yet funny new experience. I sure wouldn't have written a motherhood book if I hadn't had kids! They gave me a great new excuse for exploring the biggies: life, death, love, family, friendship, society and sanity. You know, humanity. Same stuff I was writing about before, just from a lower perspective, from hip height.

Role Mommy: What's your favorite "Time Out" tip for moms?
Juliet: I wish I had one that worked. Not having friends over seems to be the only threat they take seriously. Lately, at night right before bed, I'll lay in bed and talk with the child who had some trouble that day. In that relaxed state, it's helped me (and the child) to gain some understanding of what went wrong, as well as being really comforting - a way to figure it out and then let go of it. Seems to make things go easier for both of us the next time there's a behavior issue -- less screaming, more let's-work-it-out compassion. Teamwork.

Role Mommy: What does your book offer to moms?
Juliet: A chance to laugh, and to feel normal. Reassured. Not all alone at the helm of your own pirate ship.

Role Mommy: What do you hope for your own kids?
Juliet: That they grow up learning to be helpful, kind and free-thinkers. A strong heart makes a kid trust their own guts, so we work on growing a big, feeling heart to help them when they're on their own in the world. I hope they take in as much as they can of everything - cultures, traveling, literature, education, raw experiences - and become aware of their valuable contribution (whatever it is) to the future and to other people. I hope they act with passion, and with care. (And with grandkids for me.)

Role Mommy: Who is your Role Mommy?
Juliet: My own mom. When we were little, she was great. Patient, natural, calm, loving, took time to listen to us, let us learn things by doing. I base a lot of the things I teach and do with my own kids on what she let us discover when we were little.

To find out more about Juliet and to order her hilarious new book, visit her website at www.somebodysalwayshungry.com.

Posted in: Blog, Book Club, Moms of Reinvention on 04/26/2008