A Tribute to Marsha

by Tanya Parker Mills

Some women are indeed superwomen. I know it's supposed to be a Mormon myth among Relief Society sisters, but I'm here to tell you today that superwomen really do exist.

I remember when I first met Marsha at the LDStorymakers Conference in April of 2009. Very new and uncomfortable in a gathering where everyone seemed to know each other, I ducked and ran for cover every chance I could get. Even though I was a Whitney finalist that year and had been asked to take part in a self-publishing panel discussion by another superwoman, Annette Lyon (where I met still more superwomen--Joyce DiPastena and Sarah Eden), I felt very out of place and apologetic about even being there. After all, I'd only written one book.

I only attended the Saturday session, during which the panel appeared, and nervously placed my books for sale in the bookstore, not hoping for much. Some time in the afternoon, I took a spot at a table with Marsha for book signings and got my first full measure of the woman. I found her unique and had to kick myself for falling prey to the visual kind of stereotyping we all do. Sure, she wears hats I'd never have the guts to put on. But then, I look lousy in any hat and she can pull it off with flair.

From the beginning, she bent over backwards to teach me. She showed me her nifty little netbook (I now have an Acer...thank you very much, Marsha) and her new book trailer (giving me the guts to make my own months later...thanks again). I don't recall if it was that conference or this last one where she tried to explain the workings of Twitter (but I'm now on it...still need some tutorials there, Marsha).

Anyway, I had no idea what ANWA was when I went to the retreat last October up near Bellingham at the invitation of Liz Adair (also definitely a superwoman), nor did I have an inkling of Marsha's founding role in this organization. I was just happy to see her again and gain new insights (as well as a free download of yWrite5...thanks once more!).

Gradually, the whole story has come out and I'm grateful and amazed. Grateful that she thinks enough of us to build an organization for women who write in the Church. Grateful that she stays up late so many nights to see that it continues and flourishes. Grateful for all the sacrifices she makes on our behalf. And I'm amazed that she can do so much and still make time for her own writing.

I'm even more amazed now that I've seen how much she did, not only for ANWA, but for Storymakers, as well. She was doing all their website, except for the membership pages, I believe. Do you know how big a responsibility that was? So big that now, as the new Publicity Director for that organization, I'm splitting that job up into three parts at least, for three different people. Why? Because all the superwomen I know are taken or otherwise engaged, and I'm no superwoman.

Marsha, thanks for being so awesome. My hat's off to you! (You'll wear it much better, anyway.)