This Reimagined Empty Nest
Stories and Poems for Moms Embracing New Chapters
Join the book launch party on August 1, 2024
Giveaways and drawings all day!
New opportunities, self-discovery, and personal growth come with the empty nest!
This heartwarming anthology brings together twenty-two diverse voices and experiences to support and inspire you as you step into a new chapter of life.
From the joyful to the bittersweet, our contributors share personal stories, poems, and reflections on embracing change, redefining relationships, and finding renewed purpose after the kids leave home. You’ll discover topics such as:
- Discovering who you are beyond the role of parent
- Pursuing new passions and interests
- Strengthening relationships with your spouse or friends
- Prioritizing mental wellbeing
- Deepening your spiritual growth and faith in God
- Establishing new routines and traditions
- Exploring career changes and professional development
- Handling the emotions of loneliness and letting go
- Navigating communication with adult children
- Dealing with unexpected outcomes and less-than-perfect situations
- Celebrating newfound freedom and taking solo adventures
- Laughing at the quirks and funny experiences of empty nesting
Whether you’re grappling with the quiet of an empty house, figuring out what to do with your children’s old rooms, or adjusting to kids who come back to visit or stay, This Reimagined Empty Nest is more than a collection of stories. It’s a source of encouragement, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of the beautiful possibilities that lie ahead.
All books in the Life Repurposed Compilation series include some sort of repurposing, regeneration, and renewal theme that helps people find hope in the trashy stuff of life. This compilation will include a blend of short fiction, first-person essays, and poetry (see writing guidelines for all the info).
Find out about more compilation books in this series.
What writers who have contributed to other compilations with FCL Books have said:
“Having been a contributor to two of Michelle Rayburn’s amazing compilations, I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Michelle is a fantastic cheerleader, excellent editor, and makes the entire process fun. I have loved reading the final products, seeing a topic from so many different points of view, and enjoying the sense of community with other like-minded writers.”
“Working with Michelle Rayburn is a real treat. She is professional, approachable, and gracious, and her compilations reflect that. Her talent and creativity cause each contribution to shine like a gemstone in the perfect setting.”
“Professional, organized, goal-oriented and thorough each time . . . She offers appealing marketing tools and easy to implement strategies. Most of all I appreciate that her goal is to honor Christ and draw people to him. I trust my own reputation in her hands.”
“The entire process was so well-organized. Michelle provides clear guidelines and due dates, communicates effectively with contributors, and produces a beautiful, professional book that writers are proud to be part of.”
“Michelle has been a true professional. She does what she says she’ll do. She explains everything that’s going to happen which was so important to a rookie like me. . . .The whole process was enjoyable!”
“Michelle took my story and smoothed it out so it flowed better. She's a wonderful/knowledgeable editor, easy to work with, and wants only the best for her authors. I look forward to submitting to future anthologies!”
“As one who loves this kind of teamwork and has collaborated on nearly twenty such books over the last several years, covering a variety of topics and with numerous publishing houses and overseeing authors, I find Michelle’s work to be outstanding. . . Being one of her authors has brought me an abundance of joy!”
“Michelle created an opportunity to experience a fun project from start to launch. Not only did she stretch me to write my best, she advocated for me in the mailing process. The launch was a breeze with memes and giveaways and created a great teamwork atmosphere. I'm grateful for the journey!”
“[Michelle] encourages, equips, and motivates us to do the best work we can do from the submission process to marketing the book. . . . I'm very grateful to the Lord for being a part of Renewed Christmas Blessings!”
“Michelle Rayburn is gifted at bringing the best out in all her author friends. Being in her compilation books is an honor and a joy. She is a gracious, godly leader. Michelle is organized. talented, professional, AND terrific at marketing too!”