Tips for Women Writing About Their Experiences

 

For many of us, being vulnerable and opening up about our personal life is easier said than done. Speaking in private to someone we trust is one thing, but writing it for the whole world to see? That’s a whole different beast. For women writers in particular, putting their experiences down on paper and turning them into stories can be intimidating when living in a patriarchal society. When given the proper tools, however, it can be wildly empowering.

Award-winning author of Life and Other Shortcomings, Corie Adjmi is no stranger to taking her experiences as a woman and turning them into stories that entertain, empower, and enlighten. She shares a few tips for women writers who are also looking to put their own stories on paper.

Here are Corie’s top 3 tips for women looking to write about their experiences in a patriarchal society:

Tip #1: Read resource books
The pursuit to better your craft is everlasting, and reading books about writing is not only informative and inspirational, it will immediately place you inside the writing community. You will come to understand the joys and struggles writers face and get an inside view into the writing life. The Artists Way by Julia Cameron is the perfect resource if you’re looking to pursue a creative dream, and Julia’s “Morning Pages'' are a great way to get started. Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing every morning. There is no stopping or judging yourself, or your writing, as you do this practice. 

Tip #2: Participate in a writing class or workshop for women
You truly never stop learning, so participating in a class or workshop catering specifically to women writers can be ineffably beneficial for a number of reasons. More obviously, you’ll be working on your craft and fostering skills to strengthen your writing, as well as your confidence. There’s also the social aspect- you’ll be surrounded by women who share the same passions and interests you do. This is also the perfect opportunity to find a mentor! A woman you look up to who can hold you accountable and guide you on your journey as a writer.

Tip #3: Read what you want to write
Whether you want to write fiction or nonfiction, a short story or novel, reading fosters ideas, sparks imagination and leads to inspiration. You may form an opinion or feel moved by something you read, and a beautiful sentence or an exquisite metaphor can be a springboard, a spark, to grow your own thoughts.

Corie’s newest book, The Marriage Box has been a work in progress for over 20 years. This coming of age story is brimming with Jewish family drama to fascinate and make readers laugh out loud. It also highlights the struggles of a young woman, who is forced to decide between traditional Jewish cultural values and finding her own power. Whether you are Jewish or not, this book is sure to delight your senses and evoke powerful feelings about what it’s like to be a woman.

The Marriage Box has already been named a “Must Read 2022 Book” by Zibby Owens on Katie Couric Media.