Why Women?

So when I finally “launched” a few people (*cough* men *cough*) asked me, “Why only for women?”

My answer was, “Not only women.”

But maybe that needs some clarification. So to close out Women’s History Month, I thought I would explain my pro-women stance.

I work with plenty of men. I have no problem with my male clients, I have no problem with my female clients. It’s not about leaving anyone out.

So what is it?

It is about inclusion.

It is about wanting to put more female friendly work out into the world.

It is about loving to read a book that makes someone—anyone—confident or inspired.

It is about being disappointed when an author clearly becomes concerned a female character is too strong, so suddenly she is bursting into tears over nothing or unable to do something simple—and it is totally out of character for the amazing independent woman that was originally created.

It is about reading flat portrayals of women when the male characters in the book are fully fleshed out.

We need to see all of the different humans out there inside of our books. It might just change the path someone is on. Imagine reading a book and thinking, “I can do that!”

I got that when I was young. I don’t remember who gave me the book, Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce, but it is still one of my favorites. The first time I finished it, I had the most magnificent dream that I was a knight fighting in the Black City.

It was the first time I had a dream about doing anything other than singing or being chased by Frankenstein. (Don’t judge my kiddie nightmares!) I woke up in awe, and then I quickly tried to go back to sleep to relive the dream.

Tamora Pierce put so many important little elements into that book. She nonchalantly discusses the onset of womanhood, for goodness sake!

I recently found out that she was inspired by my favorite author, Anne McCaffrey. It goes to show how important it is to continue this chain of female authors inspiring other strong women.

Who will you inspire?

Were you inspired by a writer? Tell me about it in the comments below.