Parents Who Write
Erin P.T. Canning
Repeat after me: "I cannot do the dishes until I sit down and write for at least 10 minutes."
Welcome to Parents Who Write, the podcast that helps you pursue your writing dreams.
Join host, Erin P.T. Canning—an indie author, editor, writing coach, and mom of two young boys—as she helps you to regularly make time for your writing, strengthen your voice, and gain confidence and direction, so you can own your identity as a writer and thrive as an author.
You’ll hear from other writers and authors as they share (1) how and why they make time to write, (2) what keeps them inspired, and (3) what they’ve learned throughout their journey, including publishing and marketing tips. Their experiences will inspire you and help you find solutions to the struggles that many writers face.
We’ll also talk about the craft of creative writing, including my personal favorite genres of fantasy and romance, and discuss techniques you can apply to your own manuscripts.
Enjoy the laughs, the writing tips, the occasional parenting stories, and the relief in knowing you’re not alone. Episodes release every other Tuesday.
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Best episodes
Top 10 Parents Who Write Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Parents Who Write episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Parents Who Write for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Parents Who Write episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
01/02/24 • 17 min
It’s that time of year again when we ponder what we want to achieve in the new year. For parents who write, our lives are exceptionally busy, so planning our writing goals is crucial to our success. However, we also need to intentionally set writing goals that we can realistically achieve.
So if you haven’t already sat down to plan out your writing goals for the new year, use this template that is tried, tested, and true. Help set yourself up for success and ensure that whatever story is living inside of you does, in fact, come to life.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Digging deep into why you write
- Setting realistic goals
- Tracking your progress
- Planning ahead
- Identifying potential obstacles and solutions
- Finding the right accountability community
- Conquering self-doubt
- Telling your inner judge to wait their turn
- Identifying your audience
- Connecting with one person
- Redefining what it means to be a writer
Editing w/ Parents Who Write:
Ready to stop circling around your manuscript? As an experienced professional editor, I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction. Learn more by visiting ParentsWhoWrite.com/editing, and book a free 30-minute call with me to discuss what’s right for you.
Connect with Parents Who Write:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentswhowrite
- Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/parentswhowrite
- Book a free 30-minute consultation call to learn about my editing services: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
11/21/23 • 19 min
Ever wonder how some authors are able to cover come the hurdles that most, if not all, writer’s face?
Welcome back to part 2 of our journey through the 2023 Write Women Book Fest in Bowie, Maryland.
In this episode, you’ll hear from seven women writers, each with their own compelling tales, as they offer insights into their passion for writing, the challenges they've overcome, and the messages they're eager to share with you.
From holiday contemporary romance to high school fiction, fantasy, children's literature, poetry, and contemporary fiction, we uncover the unique voices behind these diverse genres.
Their stories will rekindle your creative spirit and remind you that, with passion and dedication, you can do this too.
Authors included in this episode:
- Katie Eagan Schenck, https://keschenckauthor.com/
- Liv Macy, https://livmacy.com/
- LT Kodzo, https://www.kodzobooks.com/
- Meg Edson, https://www.zigzagzeph.net/
- Sandra Dee, https://www.facebook.com/simplysandradee/
- Sarah Birnbach, https://sarahbirnbach.com/
- Terri Simon, https://fallentreepress.com/ & https://www.terricsimon.com/
Connect with Parents Who Write:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentswhowrite
- Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/parentswhowrite
- Website: https://parentswhowrite.com
- Book a free 30-minute consultation call to learn about my editing services:
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
10/24/23 • 29 min
In this episode of Parents Who Write, Michelle Summers shares her inspiring journey as an urban fantasy author who brought mythological characters to life through the power of human beliefs.
Listen to her discuss her experience as a mom of three, her background in studio art and martial arts, and how she transformed her writing dreams into a reality.
But here's a delightful twist: Michelle and your host Erin share a long history, going back to their high school days, making this episode a nostalgic journey through decades of friendship.
We're diving into Michelle's journey as a writer, her experiences, and the development of her Guardian series. You'll hear about her early attempts at writing, her struggles with getting started, and the turning point that led her to embrace her passion for storytelling.
And be ready to discover the touching story behind a significant revision in Michelle's book and how real-life inspiration found its way into her fantastical world.
Michelle's story is filled with determination, resilience, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers and parents who share her passion for storytelling.
Get her books:
- The Predecessor: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/4hbaitb32j
- The Chosen One, My Ass! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZQCQ68P
- The Chosen . . . Two (forthcoming Nov. 16, 2023): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BZQH7FT6
Connect with Michelle:
- FB page: https://www.facebook.com/msummerswriter
- FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/michellesummerssuperheroes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msummerswriter
- Website: https://msummerswriter.com
More about Michelle:
Michelle Summers writes urban fantasy / paranormal romance with strong female main characters who save the day and their love interests. As an author, she finds catharsis in writing the situations that arise when human characters have to handle fantastical elements in their everyday world. Family dynamics and relationships play a big role in Michelle’s stories, as do sarcasm and humor.
Michelle is a mom of three inspiring (and exhausting) children whom she is raising to be their own superheroes. In addition to having a blue belt in karate, she is PTA president and an avid crocheter, and while technically a stay-at-home mom, she likes to think of herself as a domestic goddess instead.
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
35. What is a chapter?
Parents Who Write
02/21/23 • 7 min
Do you keep toying with an idea for a novel, but you’re not even sure what constitutes a chapter?
In today’s episode, you’ll learn not only why we use chapters but also what to include in them, their average length, and different ways to end chapters.
So tune in to find out how to identify the purpose or goal of your chapter and thus what to write next.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Defining chapter
- Including internal and external conflict
- The average length
- Different ways to end chapters
- Identifying your chapter’s purpose or goal
- A challenge for your chapters
- Know at least this when starting a new chapter
About Erin:
For 15 years, Erin has worked as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals. When she became a parent, she set aside her own writing aspirations to focus on her family. As the years passed, she grew increasingly anxious, depressed, and angry until she realized that she had forgotten who she was beyond being a parent.
Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again. She first created her blog, Life Beyond Parenting, and then created the Parents Who Write podcast. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help parents pursue their writing dreams.
She earned her MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she has finished the first draft of a fantasy-romance novel. She lives with her husband and their two young boys in Maryland.
Connect with Erin:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning
- Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
- Book a free 30-minute consultation call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
27. Planning realistic New Year’s writing goals
Parents Who Write
12/27/22 • 17 min
It’s that time of year again when we ponder what we want to achieve in the new year. For parents who write, our lives are exceptionally busy, so planning our writing goals is crucial to our success. However, we also need to intentionally set writing goals that we can realistically achieve.
So if you haven’t already sat down to plan out your writing goals for the new year, use this template that is tried, tested, and true. Help set yourself up for success and ensure that whatever story is living inside of you does, in fact, come to life.
In today’s episode, Erin shares 6 specific steps on how to set your writing goals for the new year. These steps include digging deep into your big why, identifying pragmatic and quantifiable approaches, creating a new perspective on writing, and thinking out of the box.
Even if you take only one of the six steps when planning your writing goals for the new year, the chances of your success will go up exponentially.
So tune in to today’s episode and ensure your writing success this new year!
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Digging deep into why you write
- Setting realistic goals
- Tracking your progress
- Planning ahead
- Identifying potential obstacles and solutions
- Finding the right accountability community
- Conquering self-doubt
- Telling your inner judge to wait their turn
- Identifying your audience
- Connecting with one person
- Redefining what it means to be a writer
About Erin:
For 15 years, Erin P.T. Canning has worked as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals. When she became a parent, she set aside her own writing aspirations to focus on her family. As the years passed, she grew increasingly anxious, depressed, and angry until she realized that she had forgotten who she was beyond being a parent.
Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again. She first created her blog, Life Beyond Parenting, and then created the Parents Who Write podcast. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help parents pursue their writing dreams.
She earned her MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she has finished the first draft of a fantasy-romance novel. She lives with her husband and their two young boys in Maryland.
Connect with Erin:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning
- Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
- Book a free 30-minute consultation call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
65. Scenes, Characters, Series, Oh My! Taming the Chaos of Multi-Project Writing w/ Edward Green
Parents Who Write
03/12/24 • 28 min
What happens when have twenty million ideas all jumbled up in your head, and you struggle with multiple projects—or worse, multiple, multivolume series?
Joining us today is Edward Green, who is a prolific writer.
During this episode, Edward shares not only his writing journey but also the answers to questions that used to plague him too. Like, when you have so many ideas screaming for attention all at once, how do you keep track of all those random scenes that pop into your head?
You’ll also learn how to keep track of hundreds of characters and know if you’re on the right track with your story when it could go in so many directions?
Oh, and by the way, if you were ever curious to know why authors enjoy writing erotica or erotic romance, then you’re in for a bonus treat. Edward’s answer might just surprise you.
Topics discussed in this episode:
•Edward’s writing journey
•Biggest difference in his writing career
•Character richness
•Balancing feedback
•Craft game changers
•How to head hop effectively
•The inspiration and joys of writing erotica
•Roadblocks overcome
•Keeping track of tons of characters
•Pros and cons of scheduling your pre-orders
•BONUS: Top tip & learning the craft
About Edward:
Edward Green writes erotica, fantasy, and science fiction with an understanding of the chaos that life, insecurity, and personal goals impose on characters and the sweetness, humor, and tragedy that can result. He writes due to the accident of having begun and then found it is a part of his identity. His imagination creates characters, and he takes tremendous joy in bringing their stories to life and sharing them. As well as writing, Edward is the designer for the Him and Her Erotic Steel range of adult toys.
Get his books:
•Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Edward-Green/author/B001KCK1J2
•Meeting Him: https://a.co/d/0DCaGz3
•Meredith’s Journey Begins: https://a.co/d/9mKji7M
Connect with Edward:
•FB page: https://www.facebook.com/EdwardGreenEroticAuthor
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erotic_author
•Website: https://www.edwardgreenauthor.com/
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
52. Turning a blog post into a book w/ Hilary Kinney
Parents Who Write
09/12/23 • 24 min
Have you ever wondered if a seed of an idea could become a whole book? What would that process look like? How would you even go about verifying if you have enough content?
In today’s episode, you’ll find out how Hilary Kinney figured out the answers to those very questions and successfully published her first book.
Hilary is a blogger, nonfiction author of Project Management for Parents, and a mom to one pre-teen.
So stay tuned to discover how you can turn a blog post into a book.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- When a non-writer gets an idea
- Taking action and actually writing
- Blog post triggering a book idea
- Moving past the TOC
- Writing while the kid is home
- Compiling a marketing plan
- Tip: Know your audience
- Time and organization hacks for parents
- Favorite books
- BONUS: Books that influence our writing
About Hilary:
Hilary Kinney is an award-winning blogger and author of the non-fiction book Project Management for Parents. She wrote this guide to teamwork and organization during the pandemic, to help families reduce stress and streamline life at home.
Her day job is as a corporate executive where she has spearheaded global projects across The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels. She is also the proud mother of an elementary school student. Her recent parenting accomplishments include teaching him to plan his day independently, make dinner, and get his chores done without complaining—most of the time.
Hilary earned a BS from Cornell University and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute. She lives with her family in the Washington, D.C. area.
Get her book:
- Project Management for Parents: https://www.projectmanagementforparents.com/book
- Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Management-Parents-Teamwork-Together/dp/1631956337
Connect with Hilary:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentsProjects
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmforparents/
- Website: https://www.projectmanagementforparents.com/
Books discussed during the show:
- Ruins and Redemption by Erin P.T. Canning, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CHDFWHBC/
- Song Yet Sung by James McBride
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
54. Giving yourself permission to write now w/ Megan Clancy
Parents Who Write
10/10/23 • 41 min
For many parents, moms in particular, society perpetuates the idea that we should sacrifice everything for our children. So how do we push that aside and give ourselves permission to write now and pursue our creative dreams?
In this episode, you’ll hear how Megan Clancy did that—not only for herself but also the writers she coaches. Megan is a writer of upmarket women's fiction and queer contemporary romance, a book coach, a former high school English teacher, and a mother of two young children.
Needless to say, she has a lot to say on this topic.
So stay tuned to learn how she’s overcome these obstacles. And bonus: Find out how to own your identity as a writer today.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Losing yourself and writing in parenthood
- Fighting against societal norms
- Changing your mindset
- Setting boundaries with the family
- Owning your identity as a writer now
- Addressing the impossibility of writing dreams as mothers
- Getting past mom guilt
- Finding your confidence
- Sapphic women’s fiction
- Favorite books
About Megan:
Megan Clancy is a writer of upmarket women's fiction and queer contemporary romance. She has a BA in English/Creative Writing from Colorado College, an MFA from the University of Melbourne, and worked as a high school English teacher before becoming a full-time writer and book coach. She loves to travel, which frequently inspires her writing, and has lived and worked in Australia, Nepal, and the United States. She currently lives in California with her husband and two young children.
Get her book:
- The Burden of a Daughter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937818993/
Connect with Megan
- Website: http://www.meganaclancy.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclancyauthor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclancyauthor/
Books discussed during the show:
- The No-Show, by Beth O’Leary
- Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
- Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, by Ashley Herring Blake
- The Magic Treehouse, by Mary Pope Osborne
- Dragon Masters, by Tracey West
- I Built a House, by Chris Van Dunsen
- Maybe, by Kobi Yamada
- The Remember Balloons, by Jessie Oliveros
- Robin and Her Misfits, by Kelly Ann Jacobson
- Tinkerbell and Wendy, by Kelly Ann Jacobson
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
53. Becoming an author through journaling w/ Erin Leigh
Parents Who Write
09/26/23 • 44 min
Ever wondered if journaling can lead to more than dear diary entries?
Joining today’s conversation is Erin Leigh, a writer, author, and mother of four. In this episode, Erin shares how a lifetime of journaling not only strengthened her writing but also lead to her publishing her first nonfiction book and becoming an author.
Bonus: She also shares the positive impact journaling has had on her family, as well as two tips from her award-winning parenting book, Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond: A Mother’s Guide to Routine, Sleep, Fussiness, and Self-Care.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- A lifetime of journaling
- The shift in journaling as a new parent
- Different forms of journaling
- Journaling tips for parents
- How journaling helps our creative writing
- Self-care through journaling
- Writing a manuscript and referencing old journals
- The learning curve of self-publishing
- Two parenting tips from Erin’s book
- BONUS: Asking for help
About Erin Leigh:
Erin Leigh has enjoyed nonfiction writing since she was a child. Her passion for research and writing were the primary reason she pursued a career in law. Finding writing to be rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling, Erin writes nonfiction pieces about parenting, motherhood, self-care, and outdoor adventures, and is also a contributing writer for Her View From Home, Motherly, and Motherzing magazine. She also writes a monthly author newsletter.
Erin is the proud mother of three sons and one daughter. She and her family reside in Northern California. Prior to having children, Erin practiced health care law in the legal department of Stanford University. She enjoys swimming, running, reading, hiking, playing the piano, and spending time outdoors as much as possible.
Get her book:
- Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond: A Mother’s Guide to Routine, Sleep, Fussiness, and Self-Care: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578361868
Connect w/ Erin Leigh:
- Articles: https://linktr.ee/erineileenleigh
- Website: http://www.erineileenleigh.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erineileenleighauthor
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/erineileenleigh
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/erineileenleigh-author
Resources discussed during the show:
- Reconnecting with Myself: A self-reflection journal for parents, by Erin P.T. Canning, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJDJ67XY/
- SPARC plan article, “Good Parenting During Stressful Holidays – Dayna Abraham,” https://www.happilyfamily.com/good-parenting-during-stressful-holidays-dayna-abraham/
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
38. Writing about family and difficult memories
Parents Who Write
03/14/23 • 40 min
Do you have personal moments of your life that you want to write about, but you're not sure how to approach difficult memories? Or you fear backlash from the people you'd have to write about in order to tell that story?
In today's episode, I'm going to share how I navigate those issues, after I read for you one such story that I wrote.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Reading of Erin’s personal essay, Erin Go Brách: How My Irish Heritage Found Me
- Why Erin wrote this personal essay about her father and heritage
- Three ways to prepare writing about difficult memories
- Waiting until the right time
- Gaining internal permission to write these stories
- Knowing when you’re ready to face and share your wounds
- Returning to our big why for telling this story
- Writing to help yourself
- Writing to help others and overcoming fear of judgment
- Addressing fear of backlash
- Identifying your intention behind telling this story
- Notice what language you’re using
- Exploring the other person’s point of view
- Play worst case scenario and make a plan
- If you fear physical harm
- Changing details to conceal your identity
- Approaching writing about these moments with caution
- Have a TLC plan in place post-writing
About Erin:
Erin P.T. Canning has worked for more than 15 years as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.
She always planned to write a book. Then she had kids. While she focused on them, she stopped writing—for six years. Something deep inside was missing. Depression, anxiety, and anger forced her to search for herself, both for her sake and her family’s.
Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again. One journal entry led to one blog post that led to her creating her podcast, Parents Who Write. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help others pursue their writing dreams.
Finally, she finished writing her own shitty first draft and will release her first novel in 2023. She earned her MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she lives with her husband and their two boys in Maryland.
Connect with Erin:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning
- Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
- Book a free 30-minute consultation call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Resources discussed during the show:
- Read my personal essay here: https://lifebeyondparenting.com/Erin-go-Brach
Feeling stuck in your author journey? As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.
Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.
https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting
Bonus! Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Parents Who Write have?
Parents Who Write currently has 74 episodes available.
What topics does Parents Who Write cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on Parents Who Write?
The episode title '65. Scenes, Characters, Series, Oh My! Taming the Chaos of Multi-Project Writing w/ Edward Green' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Parents Who Write?
The average episode length on Parents Who Write is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of Parents Who Write released?
Episodes of Parents Who Write are typically released every 7 days, 7 hours.
When was the first episode of Parents Who Write?
The first episode of Parents Who Write was released on Jul 1, 2022.
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