This book provides guidance and insight for women who write about family. Award-winning women writers from all walks of life share their experiences in planning, composing, editing, publishing, teaching, and promoting work in a variety of writing genres. Readers will learn to tackle sensitive family issues and avoid pitfalls in memoir writing, poetry, fiction, and others. Filled with tips, exercises, and anecdotes, this anthology is appropriate for both well-seasoned writers and those just beginning.
Women Writing on Family
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Family is what creates us, sustains us, bedevils us, confuses us, loves us, destroys us, and defines us. For writers--particularly women writers--family is also a rich vein of subject matter that can be both nourishing and overwhelming, often at the same time. This volume examines a wide variety of family-related issues from points of view that range from the practical to the philosophical, but all focused on how they impact women who write.”
--Eleanor Lerman, author of The Sensual World Re-Emerges (Sarabande Books, 2010) and Janet Planet (Mayapple, 2011), among other volumes
"Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing is like a good conversation with writer-friends who share their experiences and help you think about your own approach to writing and publishing. If you want to preserve your family history for future generations, write a memoir, or just explore your own family's stories, this book is full of accessible and useful suggestions."
--Ellen Bass, poet and faculty in the Pacific University MFA program; The Human Line (Copper Canyon Press, 2007)
“From how to deal with relatives who feel betrayed to finding bits of time to write while raising children to blogging and writing for the internet, Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing is a major resource for women who write about family in nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Lela Davidson’s essay about using research and creative imagination to bring your ancestors to life on the page, Rosemary Moeller’s on writing with respect about devoutly religious families and communities when you are a freethinker, and Kezia Willingham’s on taking the risk to write your own truth are just a sampling of the gems of advice, technique, professional tips, and encouragement that make up this valuable book.”
--Linda Rodriguez, Heart’s Migration (Tia Chucha Press), 2010 Thorpe Menn Award for Literary Excellence
"This is a comprehensive work that belongs on any nonfiction writer's bookshelf. Not only does it address the legal and emotional costs that come with the challenge of writing about family, it offers insights into how one can nurture a rewarding writing career in conjunction with a demanding day job and family obligations."
--Jennifer Tang, New York City librarian and freelance writer for Newsweek, L.A. Times, and Fitness magazine
“This extraordinary collection of insightful, well-written essays will serve splendidly as both guidebook and motivator for any woman who is writing seriously and living her life fully. Matters as diverse as family dynamics, realistic time-management, marketing strategies---even ways of writing more effectively—are covered here with great sensitivity and common sense.”
---Marilyn L. Taylor, Ph.D., Wisconsin Poet Laureate, 2009-2010; Going Wrong (Parallel Press, 2009)
“Writing about family carries out the writing instructor’s dictum of writing about what you know, but brings along the very family issues that draw writers to the subject in the first place. Besides a range of thoughtful pieces that capitalize on family strengths yet confront any issues head on, Women Writing on Family offers new writers sage advice on finding the time to write, using the Internet to advantage, and successfully publishing their work-–on any topic.”
---Phyllis Holman Weisbard, University of Wisconsin System Women’s Studies Librarian, and Publisher, Feminist Collections: A Quarterly of Women’s Studies Resources
“With all the rhetoric today about family, it is nice to see a volume that actually deals with family in way that is creative, honest, and tasteful. Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing provides sensible guidelines to use and savor. Not to be missed by those studying family history. The stories and ideas contained within are jewels of wisdom that women will find useful. Oh and men can get something out of this book too!!!!”
---Robert G. Weiner, associate humanities librarian, Texas Tech University; contributor, History of the Holocaust (Routledge, 2011); Editor, Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero ( McFarland, 2009).
“The essays in Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing are written by experts in the field who balance keen intellect and practical tips with a sensitivity for personal histories. This is an a must have work for anyone interested delving into the complex and rich world of family histories.”
---Sarah Passonneau, Iowa State University, assistant professor
“It is only natural for women, traditional keepers of language and storytellers, to share their experience on writing memoirs and recording a family history. From conception to delivery, this anthology covers a wide variety of aspects that a woman writer may encounter on her journey.”
--Vera Gubnitskaia, Youth Services Manager, Orange County Library System; contributor: Librarians As Community Partners: An Outreach Handbook (ALA editions, 2010)
"As women, we have unique perspectives on life experiences. These experiences deserve an audience. This book will be invaluable to women needing guidance with the emotional, ethical, and professional avenues of getting their stories in print."
---Colleen Driscoll, Breitung Township Schools, Michigan, Media Specialist
“If you're interested in learning how to craft and market stories about family, Women Writing on Family features a wealth of experienced writers and editors to help you through every phase of the process. This comprehensive book deals honestly with the emotional, legal and practical aspects of writing close to the heart.”
---Kerol Harrod, Writer/Co-Producer of Library Larry's Big Day, Denton Public Library, Denton, Texas; First-Place Winner of 2010 TATOA Programming Awards
"This is a book of practical advice on writing about a sometimes messy subject, the family. Read the whole thing through, or dip in a topic you are interested in, and you'll come away with a clear view on how to start and finish writing."
--Wayne Jones, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario
“People interested in writing, teaching, and publishing family-focused stories, narratives, poetry, or books will appreciate the practical and helpful contributions in Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching, and Publishing. Including tips on writing fiction and nonfiction as well as publishing, marketing, and promotion, this excellent anthology is timely, important, and especially relevant for writers interested in the family.”
---Donald G. Frank, Professor Emeritus, Portland State University
"Just as every place has a story, so does every family. Women Writing on Family gives you the essentials on writing, teaching and publishing about family. Real, detailed advice from women who know. If you want to share your family stories, this book is not to be missed.”
---Chris Helvey, author of Purple Adobe and Editor-in-Chief of Trajectory
"From finding inspiration to practical advice about marketing and legal issues, these experienced authors’ essays serve as a roadmap for anyone putting pen to paper to capture their family’s story."
---Jason Kuhl, Library Operations Director, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights, Illinois
“The contributors, all published authors, to Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing provide invaluable help to women authors on the more difficult than expected task of turning their family experiences into quality, marketable literary works. This rich treasure trove of advice ranges from finding time to write to crafting family history through a personal style to publishing and promoting the resulting publications in the Internet age.“
---Dr. Robert P. Holley, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, contributor, Writing and Publishing: the Librarian’s Handbook (ALA Editions), 2010), author of over one hundred publications
--Eleanor Lerman, author of The Sensual World Re-Emerges (Sarabande Books, 2010) and Janet Planet (Mayapple, 2011), among other volumes
"Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing is like a good conversation with writer-friends who share their experiences and help you think about your own approach to writing and publishing. If you want to preserve your family history for future generations, write a memoir, or just explore your own family's stories, this book is full of accessible and useful suggestions."
--Ellen Bass, poet and faculty in the Pacific University MFA program; The Human Line (Copper Canyon Press, 2007)
“From how to deal with relatives who feel betrayed to finding bits of time to write while raising children to blogging and writing for the internet, Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing is a major resource for women who write about family in nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Lela Davidson’s essay about using research and creative imagination to bring your ancestors to life on the page, Rosemary Moeller’s on writing with respect about devoutly religious families and communities when you are a freethinker, and Kezia Willingham’s on taking the risk to write your own truth are just a sampling of the gems of advice, technique, professional tips, and encouragement that make up this valuable book.”
--Linda Rodriguez, Heart’s Migration (Tia Chucha Press), 2010 Thorpe Menn Award for Literary Excellence
"This is a comprehensive work that belongs on any nonfiction writer's bookshelf. Not only does it address the legal and emotional costs that come with the challenge of writing about family, it offers insights into how one can nurture a rewarding writing career in conjunction with a demanding day job and family obligations."
--Jennifer Tang, New York City librarian and freelance writer for Newsweek, L.A. Times, and Fitness magazine
“This extraordinary collection of insightful, well-written essays will serve splendidly as both guidebook and motivator for any woman who is writing seriously and living her life fully. Matters as diverse as family dynamics, realistic time-management, marketing strategies---even ways of writing more effectively—are covered here with great sensitivity and common sense.”
---Marilyn L. Taylor, Ph.D., Wisconsin Poet Laureate, 2009-2010; Going Wrong (Parallel Press, 2009)
“Writing about family carries out the writing instructor’s dictum of writing about what you know, but brings along the very family issues that draw writers to the subject in the first place. Besides a range of thoughtful pieces that capitalize on family strengths yet confront any issues head on, Women Writing on Family offers new writers sage advice on finding the time to write, using the Internet to advantage, and successfully publishing their work-–on any topic.”
---Phyllis Holman Weisbard, University of Wisconsin System Women’s Studies Librarian, and Publisher, Feminist Collections: A Quarterly of Women’s Studies Resources
“With all the rhetoric today about family, it is nice to see a volume that actually deals with family in way that is creative, honest, and tasteful. Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing provides sensible guidelines to use and savor. Not to be missed by those studying family history. The stories and ideas contained within are jewels of wisdom that women will find useful. Oh and men can get something out of this book too!!!!”
---Robert G. Weiner, associate humanities librarian, Texas Tech University; contributor, History of the Holocaust (Routledge, 2011); Editor, Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero ( McFarland, 2009).
“The essays in Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing are written by experts in the field who balance keen intellect and practical tips with a sensitivity for personal histories. This is an a must have work for anyone interested delving into the complex and rich world of family histories.”
---Sarah Passonneau, Iowa State University, assistant professor
“It is only natural for women, traditional keepers of language and storytellers, to share their experience on writing memoirs and recording a family history. From conception to delivery, this anthology covers a wide variety of aspects that a woman writer may encounter on her journey.”
--Vera Gubnitskaia, Youth Services Manager, Orange County Library System; contributor: Librarians As Community Partners: An Outreach Handbook (ALA editions, 2010)
"As women, we have unique perspectives on life experiences. These experiences deserve an audience. This book will be invaluable to women needing guidance with the emotional, ethical, and professional avenues of getting their stories in print."
---Colleen Driscoll, Breitung Township Schools, Michigan, Media Specialist
“If you're interested in learning how to craft and market stories about family, Women Writing on Family features a wealth of experienced writers and editors to help you through every phase of the process. This comprehensive book deals honestly with the emotional, legal and practical aspects of writing close to the heart.”
---Kerol Harrod, Writer/Co-Producer of Library Larry's Big Day, Denton Public Library, Denton, Texas; First-Place Winner of 2010 TATOA Programming Awards
"This is a book of practical advice on writing about a sometimes messy subject, the family. Read the whole thing through, or dip in a topic you are interested in, and you'll come away with a clear view on how to start and finish writing."
--Wayne Jones, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario
“People interested in writing, teaching, and publishing family-focused stories, narratives, poetry, or books will appreciate the practical and helpful contributions in Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching, and Publishing. Including tips on writing fiction and nonfiction as well as publishing, marketing, and promotion, this excellent anthology is timely, important, and especially relevant for writers interested in the family.”
---Donald G. Frank, Professor Emeritus, Portland State University
"Just as every place has a story, so does every family. Women Writing on Family gives you the essentials on writing, teaching and publishing about family. Real, detailed advice from women who know. If you want to share your family stories, this book is not to be missed.”
---Chris Helvey, author of Purple Adobe and Editor-in-Chief of Trajectory
"From finding inspiration to practical advice about marketing and legal issues, these experienced authors’ essays serve as a roadmap for anyone putting pen to paper to capture their family’s story."
---Jason Kuhl, Library Operations Director, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights, Illinois
“The contributors, all published authors, to Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing provide invaluable help to women authors on the more difficult than expected task of turning their family experiences into quality, marketable literary works. This rich treasure trove of advice ranges from finding time to write to crafting family history through a personal style to publishing and promoting the resulting publications in the Internet age.“
---Dr. Robert P. Holley, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, contributor, Writing and Publishing: the Librarian’s Handbook (ALA Editions), 2010), author of over one hundred publications
From the Author
Co-editor Carol Smallwood is a Pushcart Prize nominee.
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Customer Reviews
“ This wonderful collection of essays from experienced female writers gives women useful tips on how to be ethical and professional when writing about family. ”
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By L. Benton
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Writers grappling with the thorny issues that surround writing about families will find help in this long-overdue volume of 55 essays by published writers--experts on family writing.
The anthology contains essays aimed at both beginning and experienced writers--from how to stay out of hot water when writing about family (including deceased relatives) to marketing your writing creatively, whether to editors or directly to the reading public. It also includes lists of places to submit family writing.
Some of the essays are how-to ("Keeping Your Distance: Avoiding Sentimentality in Family-Centered Writing"). Others, such as "Mothers and Daughters: Telling Shared Stories" and "How to Write a Childhood Memoir," offer actual writing exercises. Strategies for busy writing mothers and for using poetic forms to write about family also are (happily) represented in the collection.
For experienced writers, "Now and Then: Using the Retrospective Narrator in Memoir" explains the subtle but critical distinction between protagonist and narrator (or main character and storyteller), both of whom are the writer.
The anthology succeeds as a sort of A to Z collection of answers to the questions writers face when they write about families. It's perfect for dipping into when looking for a way out of a delicate family writing muddle.
I wish the book had gone through one final nit-picky edit to eliminate small, distracting errors in the text, like a few weird sentence fragments and misplaced quotation marks. But as a memoirist writing about family and writing instructor teaching predominantly women who are writing about family, I'm already using this valuable book for my own and my students' work.
The anthology contains essays aimed at both beginning and experienced writers--from how to stay out of hot water when writing about family (including deceased relatives) to marketing your writing creatively, whether to editors or directly to the reading public. It also includes lists of places to submit family writing.
Some of the essays are how-to ("Keeping Your Distance: Avoiding Sentimentality in Family-Centered Writing"). Others, such as "Mothers and Daughters: Telling Shared Stories" and "How to Write a Childhood Memoir," offer actual writing exercises. Strategies for busy writing mothers and for using poetic forms to write about family also are (happily) represented in the collection.
For experienced writers, "Now and Then: Using the Retrospective Narrator in Memoir" explains the subtle but critical distinction between protagonist and narrator (or main character and storyteller), both of whom are the writer.
The anthology succeeds as a sort of A to Z collection of answers to the questions writers face when they write about families. It's perfect for dipping into when looking for a way out of a delicate family writing muddle.
I wish the book had gone through one final nit-picky edit to eliminate small, distracting errors in the text, like a few weird sentence fragments and misplaced quotation marks. But as a memoirist writing about family and writing instructor teaching predominantly women who are writing about family, I'm already using this valuable book for my own and my students' work.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Lisa Fraser
Format:Paperback
If you were listening to the women in a long-standing writers' group, you would hear questions like these:
"How can I write the truth about my family without damaging relationships?"
"I want to write about my grandmother, but I don't have many facts. How can I flesh out her character in an authentic way?"
"I love my baby, but when will I have time to write again?"
The answers to these and dozens of other questions about writing on (and dealing with) family are contained in this treasure trove of encouragement, inspiration, and advice. Its fifty-five chapters from nearly forty published authors even cover the questions you didn't think to ask. The contributors' breadth of experience and the book's logical organization make this a valuable, one-stop resource.
"How can I write the truth about my family without damaging relationships?"
"I want to write about my grandmother, but I don't have many facts. How can I flesh out her character in an authentic way?"
"I love my baby, but when will I have time to write again?"
The answers to these and dozens of other questions about writing on (and dealing with) family are contained in this treasure trove of encouragement, inspiration, and advice. Its fifty-five chapters from nearly forty published authors even cover the questions you didn't think to ask. The contributors' breadth of experience and the book's logical organization make this a valuable, one-stop resource.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Marcia R.
Format:Paperback
Supporting women in their writing pursuits is something that many small writing clubs do throughout the country. In these groups lives a sisterhood where women talk about how to best succeed in writing, all while balancing family, volunteering, and careers. Reading this anthology edited by Carol Smallwood and Suzann Holland is like joining a women writer's club; it invites the reader into the world of support and wisdom brought forth by women writers. These writers show a particular understanding of what it means to be both a woman and a writer, especially one who uses her family as her inspiration.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful Support for Powerful Stories
Women's stories-stories both personal and of our ancestors-are stories all too often missing in what nurtures and guides our living. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jaikaur Leblanc
4.0 out of 5 stars
Women Writing on Family
Situated against a greater argument that women are uniquely poised to write about family, Smallwood and Holland's Women Writing on Family offers creative writing students grounded... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Anne Hays
5.0 out of 5 stars
An important writing guide for women
This wonderful collection of essays from experienced female writers gives women useful tips on how to be ethical and professional when writing about family. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Katie Crook
5.0 out of 5 stars
Help for Everyone
Often I have been faced with a blank mind on how to begin a written article. The examples of 55 different women who have broken through literary brick walls is very helpful to... Read more
Published 14 months ago by BettyMarie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A useful and important writing guide.
This is an exceptionally useful book, that covers a wide variety of topics while staying on the theme of writing about families. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Terje Fokstuen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Resource For Women Writing on Family
Anthologies can be difficult to review because there is so much packed into one volume. This one was delightfully consistent with that premise. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Story Circle Book Reviews
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