Women, Wisdom and Writing are three very big Ws. This is an apt subtitle for "Feminine Writes," a kind of writing genre all its own.
Compiled by Sheri' McConnell, president and founder of the National Association of Women Writers, this book is a little of many things. This could be the kiss of death for a book--the very path to self destruction; in this case it works very well. The first five chapters are composed of inspirational works culled from essays by members of NAWW--a huge organization that is growing every day. Covering subjects like "The Identity of a Woman" and "Passion and Creativity" they appear in this book by invitation and Sheri' has been careful to include only the best. These are lovely pieces that should be read by any writer, whether she journals only for her own needs, is a hardworking reporter or writes creatively. These pieces may be read one by one and savored or devoured nonstop. Intended for women, many would be of value to men. The second section is designed to give a writer experience but also to "Ignite the Woman Writer's Soul."
Section three is all (or almost all) about the practical. It answers 25 commonly asked questions about the writing life. A woman writer may find something here that she had thought to ask but never had, or a new slant on an answer that she long thought she had the answer to.
At the end is a "Directory of Wisdom." There is a surprise here that I shall not reveal. It may be sufficient to say that wisdom does not always spring from expected sources.
"Feminine Writes," edited by Angel Brown and Julie Ann Halick, is available at no cost to a writer who chooses to become a member of NAWW; it is one of many perks. Or it may be ordered on Amazon with the rest of this spring's reading. I highly recommend this book. It is, in part, a mass memoir. Women share their innermost selves with other writers. It is a workbook extraordinaire. All in all, it is a book full of camaraderie. If I used a star system for rating, I would wave a flag full of them for "Feminine Writes." A pretty pink flag, for women writers everywhere.
(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, "This is the Place," has won eight awards. Her newly released "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered" has won three.)
Section Two 75 Writing Exercises to Ignite the Woman Writer?s Soul
Section Three 25 Common Questions Women Writers Ask