3 Top Tips for Women Writers

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 “The Marriage Box” and “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 three 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 is 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 finds herself a part of the Syrian Orthodox Jewish community after her family moves back to Brooklyn.