S.L. Martin

I am currently seeking representation for two manuscripts:

I am a mother, a writer, and an educator. Each of these distinct identities are bonded by one concept:

Connection.

Connection (or attachment) is the most basic need we have as human beings. More than food, shelter or clothing, people need strong, trusting, and meaningful relationships in their lives.

The moment I became a mother, I understood on a primal level just how important it is for my kids to grow up with the feeling of safety; knowing they will be ok. How do we provide that in a world that is unstable? Giants in the field of Developmental Psychology, such as Gordon Neufeld, Vanessa LaPointe, Maggie Dent, Dr. Shefali, Daniel Siegel, and Janet Lansbury, teach us that there is one way; we have to create an environment for our children in which they can make deep and meaningful connections with the trustworthy adults in their lives. These all-important trust relationships create pathways in their brains that allow them to feel safety and security, even during challenging moments. Resilience!  Does that mean I get it right all of the time? Of course not. But, it means that each day I strive to be a better version of myself. 

As an educator who has worked for many years with primary aged children in low socio-economic conditions, I have seen some of the devastating effects that insecure attachments can create. When children do not have a strong and trustworthy adult compass in their lives (all it takes is one), they turn to their peers for that connection. Sadly, since kids cannot protect and nurture kids, what inevitably happens is wounding. I have based my career on creating connections in the classroom between myself and the kids that I teach. When it happens, it can change the lives of children who may otherwise bear the baton in the cycle of generational trauma. Again, does that mean I don’t make mistakes? I can tell you that I do. But, it means that when I do, I pick myself back up again and try my best to repair any damages to the affected relationship.

And so, as a writer, my lens has been crafted by this foundation. I believe that books have the power to change lives. My hope is that my work resonates with the beauty of these deep relationships, or the loneliness that occurs without them. I hope to inspire readers to believe that a better world is possible, while making them smile fondly at a familiar character and laugh at a recognizable incident. Albert Camus said it best, “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”

Do you agree or disagree with me? Click on the contact link below and let me know your thoughts. If they are thoughtful and well written, regardless of your position, I will add them to this website to help fuel the discussion on how we can create a better world for our children. (Discussion page currently under construction. Thank you for your patience).