Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/40669
"When I look at the things that others have weathered," she explains, "I'm thankful that it's just stolen money and not [some- thing like] a child dying. I try to begin each day gratefully and not expect much. I'm happy with a good cup of coffee." Though it's easy to spend time looking back, Mitchard is focus- ing on each day ahead. "It's not a final chapter here yet," she adds. "This tragedy could have happened to anyone. You think you're set for life, but then you're not. [So], I decided that I want to be a teacher and pass on what I've learned to others." As if she hasn't accomplished enough, Mitchard is heading back to school this summer to begin working toward a master of fine arts in creative writing at Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to her workload as a degree-seeking student, she will be a teaching fellow for four semesters while also receiving teaching lessons from her supervising professor. "Returning to school at my age has its challenges," she says. "It will be a great deal of work, but it should also be fun. Everyone at the university is very supportive of me, and they specially created this program so that I could do this." The low-residency MFA only requires her to be on campus 20 days per year so that she can spend time with her kids. The course- work will primarily be accomplished remotely. She is also an ad- junct faculty member at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Building on this momentum, Mitchard hopes to find a permanent teaching job after earning her degree. Of course, she's also got that writing gig that keeps her plenty busy. She has a new novel, "Second Nature: A Love Story," com- ing out next month and has also recently penned articles for several national magazines. "I tryto begin each day gratefullyand not expect too much. I'm happy As she forges ahead finding new roles for herself, her family is adjusting as well. Her husband has found new work with a proper- ty management company. Her older kids are working at their own jobs and her younger children are adjusting to the new realities of their financial situation. They even have ideas on new projects she can tackle. "They think I should just write the next 'Harry Potter,'" Mitchard says. "Why didn't I think of that?" she adds with a laugh. While her career continues to evolve and the hallways of her home just outside of Madison grow loud with laughter, she has come to appreciate the beauty of a quieter life. "I love being with my kids, dancing to Aretha Franklin in the kitchen. I treasure non-material things much more. I always did, but now my friends, my relationships with them and my readers— they're my very breath," she says. "All that really matters are re- lationships between people. They are the only things that endure." She pauses. "It wasn't worth the price I paid to learn this," she adds with her trademark wit. "I could have learned this from a really good book!" ••• August 2011 bravamagazine.com 45 good cup of coffee." with a