Celebrate International Women’s Day With These Writers

Today is International Women’s Day, an international day for uplifting women. This Week In Writing, I asked our series writers to share the women who inspire them and deserve more recognition. Here’s how some of them responded.

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Nihan Kucukural, Story Bones

Jane Campion is a screenwriter, director, and producer from New Zealand. She was the first woman who won the Palme d’Or in 1993 with her masterpiece, The Piano, which also got her the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. She is also the only female director who got nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Director. Even though she mostly tells stories about women and gender politics, she cannot be labeled as a “feminist filmmaker” because she creates complex female (and male) characters who cannot be judged easily.

Karen DeGroot Carter, Writing Well

As a member of a family of multiracial heritage, I’m drawn to the work of Black writers. My favorite female Black authors include Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jesmyn Ward, Carleen Brice, and Edwidge Danticat.

David E. Ferrers, Mind Walking From Problem To Solution

The female writers who have informed and inspired me most on my journey of self-discovery are Dr. Mildred Newman, joint author of How To Be Your Own Best Friend, Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, and Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.

Walter Rhein, The Reckless Writer

The two female writers I’d like to mention are Allison Gaines and Alison Acheson.

I met Allison Gaines early in my time writing for Medium. She provides very well-researched articles that provide a needed historical context for modern social justice issues. I’ve come to rely on her when I have questions about race and equality.

Alison Acheson is a fantastic writer who provides very insightful articles on the craft of writing. I exchange emails with her regularly and I’m always impressed by her insights. The writing life requires a community and I’m pleased to be able to lean on Alison’s knowledge and experience.

Who are your favorite women writers? Hit reply and share them.