Hello Audacious subscribers! Let’s get to know each other. If you’re new here, then we’d love to meet you. If you’re not new but haven’t chimed in yet, we’d love to meet you as well. All are welcome!
What brought you to Audacious Women, Creative Lives.
The last book you read by/about an audacious woman writer or artist (one that you would recommend).
(Optional) What did you like about the book, or what did you love learning about this woman’s life or art?
And to make sure you’re not all telling just me about your wonderful selves, find two other reader’s comments that resonate with you and say hi and what drew you to their comment.
See you in the comments!
Anne
NOTE: Make sure to respond to people’s comments by hitting “reply” so they will see your comment (rather than in the body of your comment). Thanks!!
Hello Everyone! I'm Melody Joy. I am a writer and healing practitioner. I have worked in traditional Western and Eastern Medicine for twenty years. I love all things metaphysical and exploring the intersection of spirit and science. This past spring, I published my first book, I left my job two weeks ago, left the continental US the day before the presidential election, and moved to Colombia—many audacious life changes! Now I'm traveling and writing. My substack is The Naked Mystic. I'm so glad I found your substack and this beautiful, fantastic community!
When I saw the title Audacious Women and read your post "Two Years Ago I Quit My Life", I felt the resonance with my own life and was happy to see so many other women on this magical journey.
The last book I read by an Audacious Woman was Maps to Ecstasy by Gabrielle Roth. She played a significant role in the ecstatic dance movement, which has been a practice of mine for many years. I loved reading about her journey and how she found the wisdom and stories of the body as a map and compass to heal and transform.
I'm excited to continue reading through everyone's comments!
Hello Melody Joy! It’s so great to have you here. What an incredible journey you are on. And thanks for sharing your book recommendation. I love that title!
Hi, I'm Micki, recently moved to Cornwall, UK. I've been a natural health clinician and writer for almost 30 years. I read your Quit Life post and loved it. I'm enjoying finding posts and people on Substack that inspire me and give me permission to make huge, scary but exciting changes; to become the more creative me I used to be. Moving to the sea, letting go of clinic and beginning to write more is the start of me quitting my own old life!
Books: erm. I don't give myself chance to read that much. I guess Cuckoo in the Nest by Fran Hill. I'm cheating as she's my sister, sorry! But it is very funny, a novel based on our lives in foster care as children. We have both done really well, despite a crap start in life. I think that makes us super-audacious! So: audacious and wanting to be more creative: I guess I've found my tribe :)
Welcome, Micki! I love that you have moved to Cornwall and found a new life that suits you better. What a beautiful part of the world you have landed in.
Hello Women, after scrolling down the page and seing such a great bunch of women it's giving me the impetus to join the bandwagon! Anne, I've just read one of your posts after bouncing & clicking on different pages out of curiosity - My name is Esther, I'm French, living a nomadic life since 22 years, for the now living in the low desert, Palm Springs - About to embark in another life - In my teens the first female writer with whom my desire to live fully, resonated like a drum was Anaïs Nin - My last readings are actually 3 books in a row by Louise Erdrich - Everything I love in term of writing, bare to the bone & heart, a scalpel slicing emotions -
I'm in Williamsburg, VA and heard about you through a friend. I just got my first chapbook of poetry published and am looking for community now that I've begun taking myself/my writing seriously. I feel It's difficult forging a career as a writer without having an academic platform behind me--I have a BA in poetry, an MA in Speech Communication, but no MFA and I'm not currently teaching. What I mean by this is I don't have a "built-in" audience and/or support system, so I find it more challenging.
I would recommend Sophie Strand's "The Flowering Wand"--I'm in love with myth. She is super intelligent and articulate; she has two other books which are lovely, as well.
Hi, I'm in Brittany, France. I found you through a recommendation from Michelle Brosius, a fellow writer in the SmokeLong Quarterly flash writing class I'm doing. Loving this community already!
The latest work I've read by an audacious woman is Molly Giles' Life Span. One compelling short piece for every year of her life to date, with a connection to the Golden Gate Bridge in each one. I adore Molly's matter-of-fact honesty.
I came to live in rural Brittany with my husband nine years ago, thanks to a voluntary redundancy opportunity at the local authority where I worked in the UK. It was a conscious decision to trade a modest career and salary for lovely surroundings and plenty of time to write. No regrets so far - though the recent addition of two grandchildren means we are regularly over in England, with a certain amount of interruption to my routine and creative audaciousness!
I've just done the same thing Patience - 'trade a modest career and salary for lovely surroundings and plenty of time to write'. Spot on. Except I didn't go as far as Brittany! I landed as far south in the UK as I could go - Cornwall! And I also have two new grandchildren. How the heck did I get this old?!
I just got done reading all 296 comments here—what a wonderful community you’re building, Anne! I am in New Jersey, and while I have now spent well over half of my life on the east coast, I still think of myself as a Minnesotan (where I grew up). I am on the verge of being an empty-nester, with my youngest entering her senior year of high school, so I’m definitely starting to think, and dream, about what the next stage of my life looks like. I have spent the past 15 years post-divorce, living with my ex-husband and his wife so that we could all be with our kids full-time. It has been amazing in many ways but since the kids soon won’t be here full time anymore, I now have a chance to totally shake things up. I found Anne’s piece of quitting her life and was hooked immediately. I have been going through every single post and comment, starting from the first ones and alternating with the newest ones. You’ve all been such good company!
I recently read a book called The Invitation (by Oriah). It was recommended by a coaching client, who is an audacious woman herself. The book is based on a beautiful poem Oriah wrote, and I think the subtitle of her book best says what it’s about: “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for.”
Hi everyone! Thank you for providing this space, Anne!
I am in southern California and would love to connect with local writers. Please reach out!
I came to Audacious Women, Creative Lives because I just left my tenured professor job to work full-time as a writer, and my memoir Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult debuted last year.
OMG, so many! I recommend Alice Hoffman's 3-part magic series because I love what she explores with a matrilineal family, and mothers and daughters and sisters who have each other's backs.
Hello! And I'd just like to say what a lovely idea this is!
My name is Martina, and I live on the south-west coast of Ireland.
I discovered this newsletter through a post that showed up in my home page, and it spoke to me; I love the idea of women writers getting together to form a community.
The last book I read that I would recommend is Foster by Claire Keegan. It is tiny, but the message in it has stuck with me, basically, that we need only share as much as is safe to, we are entitled to keep to ourselves whatever personal details we wish to. This is important for me, especially in terms of my writing, because I am trying to find that balance between laying my life and heart on the page, to be dissected as desired, and writing more abstractly, which risks becoming less engaging. I hope to learn more about finding this balance through the works of the writers I discover here.
Thank you, Anne, for providing this wonderful space to share!
Hi Martina, I recently 'discovered' Claire Keegan via the New Yorker Fiction podcast and her story 'So Late in the Day'. I see 'Foster' is at the New Yorker too, thanks for the recommendation!
I totally relate to you looking for that balance, Martina. I wrote a book about my divorce and wanted to stay respectful of my ex in doing so, but still wanted share some of the frustrations and funny stories of living with him and his new wife (and our kids) 15 years after we split up.
Wow, that sounds hilarious and fascinating! I don't think I would ever have the courage to write a full book based on my real life, that must have been such a challenge, trying to maintain that balance on every page. I write mostly fiction, and there is comfort in that, because only the people who know me really well can know what parts are based on my own life, and I don't mind them knowing! I have been writing personal essays on my blog over on Wordpress since April of last year, and it was very easy to share personal stuff in the beginning when I had zero followers, but then as I accumulated a few I became more and more guarded. So I suppose it's a matter of being as generous as I can with the details, but keeping an eye out for anything that my instincts tell me to keep to myself, and just talk around it instead of on it if I must. I would love to know your thoughts on navigating this, especially given your experience with that book.
There is definitely a sense of exposure that’s for sure! But I wrote my book to help others get more creative about the options for how to divorce—my whole family has benefitted so much because we were able to do so—so I really had a mission that required some level of exposure. But because it necessarily exposed my ex and his wife and our kids too, I did my best to “tell on myself” but not on them. I also let them read the whole thing before I published it. But everyone says the stories about our family and our life are their favorite parts of the book!
I think Anne Lamott has something to say about this in her book Bird by Bird (if I remember correctly.) It’s been awhile, but I believe she says something along the lines of don’t worry about exposing other people, write the truth. If they didn’t want you to tell on them, they should not have acted the way they did in the first place. It’s not something I’ve been willing to do myself, but I think her perspective is worth considering.
Hola, easiest way to introduce myself is by inviting you to visit my web bessyreyna.com It has some bio and poems and general info about my workshops. I just finished reading Xochitil Gonzalez' ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST. It's brilliant!! inspired by the life and death of Ana Mendieta (was she murdered by her husband?) Some of my poems, short stories have been published in English and Spanish. I was an oped columnist for the Hartford Courant for almost 10 years (I was the liberal, feminist, controversial one. Some readers loved me and others wanted me fired)
Looking forward t reading more about the Audacious Women in this group. Thanks for accepting me.
Hi, hi! I’ve been following along for a couple of weeks and love the thoughts and chatter of this group so figured it’s time to introduce myself! I’m from Canada originally but moved to London a few weeks before Covid struck us all down - definitely a wild time to move to a new country and start a new business, but it forced me to accept just how resilient I am (and sure we all are!). Now after 20 years working like a mad woman in the corporate world, I quit! Haha. I’ve decided it’s time to take a break, reconnect with myself and invest in my own ideas and passions for a while. I have no idea where this will take me but I could not be more excited, for once, about embracing uncertainty. Game on!
With my new found time, I have been devouring books and finally started to spend more time developing my passion for art. (Check out my Substack Tuesday’s Hum which is me dipping a toe in the water and finding my voice). Most recent fiction books I’ve loved are Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and Animal by Lisa Taddeo. Non-fiction I would recommend The Third Perspective by Africa Brooks (a power house of a young woman). BUT the most enjoyable and inspiring is the Georgia O’Keefe biography I am in the midst of - a truly audacious woman, who put her art and her ideas before husbands, family and basically anything. To quote GOK, “I am frightened all the time. Scared to death. But I never let it stop me. Never! I want to hurry up and live fast - because I want to know - and the only way to find out is by living.”
So, finally, I've made it here. With so much online jargon it's easy to get overwhelmed, but I found su stack and you wonderful group of women. My name is Tempestt, like the storm, and Shakespeare, a whole story in itself. I live in Baja California sur, México w my husband and 1 son. After so long, what has just happened in US politics, oh yea, we're from the US, with a powerful, righteous, strong-voiced woman being nominated for presidency, I am gaining more hope. As a united nation, this could mean we could move forward, make progress in areas that matter ! I'm not the only one, right ladies?!
Of course, I have an amazing book that moved me while reading it and I still think of it everyday and in my writing: Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard. I received a degree in environmental science 10 years ago, so the science of her book made sense to me, but she also writes her personal story and about forest management and a strong need to get science and activism understood in an unwelcoming time. Thanks for listening, so looking forward to growing my community of friendly writers.
If the society wasn't so awful we wouldn't have these problems, Laura Thompson's Substack pointed me towards you (her entries are some of those that I have most genuinely enjoyed on here) so I have finally gotten around to setting up a stack how I would like as opposed to however we all unfortunately get brow beaten on the internet. I live in Suffolk, England. As for other women's work - and what I would recommend, I have greatly enjoyed the Katherine May book 'Wintering' which I have been enjoying slowly right through my relocation and to the other side over the past few months. I especially enjoyed her reflections on the work of Lucy M. Boston who is a favourite author of mine.
Hello! Anne's recent post describing living life from an inner compass resonated with me and the work I'm doing in the world. I live in Madison, WI and combine my many interests and passions as a pediatric sedation physician, clinician well-being advocate and coach, and emerging writer to bring forth my vision for a world that is built to foster vitality. I'm currently reading Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. I've loved listening to her on podcasts, and find that her way of seeing things creates more opening, possibility, and truth in my own experience. Her writing feels authentic, allowing you to connect with her deeply.
Hey Sarah! I love that you are on a mission to foster vitality in all the various channels you work in. What a beautiful mission. Adrienne Maree Brown is one of my favorite authors. I love her book, Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good.
Halo everyone! I am Amber from Nebraska, USA -currently living and working in California. I am not sure how I found Anne's Audacious Substack, but I feel close to her experiences and why she left her home after reading how she quit her life.
I have been in my career as a construction worker for 27 years, and wrote a book about what it is like to be a female tradeswoman in American Manland. I am hoping that is the beginning of earning my way out. Trying to figure out the start of a Substack, but get caught up in reading everyone else's. Not reading a book currently, but writing another. When I'm finished, I will read again.
Hi Amber. I would love to hear more about your experience and learn about your book. I spent 20 years in project management and development, the last 10 years specifically working on sports facilities. I think your book could be a great read to share with female colleagues!
Hi Stephanie! Nice to meet another strong woman working in Manland, and sports facilities would be amazing. We need more management representation, that is for sure. I would love if you shared my book! (Am I allowed to say what it is on here?) It's called: American Manland -Rise of the TRADESWOMEN. I have it on Amazon & Kindle. I was asked to speak at the Women in Construction Conference in Arizona, which is scary and exciting at the same time.
Hello Anne and everyone! My name is Mackenzie and I write The Lovely Road here on Substack. I currently live in California but am living vicariously through Anne’s Substack and her travels 🥰 A book that I’ve read recently and loved was Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 📚
Hello to Anne and to all! I’m Jennifer from lovely city of Cleveland, OH. I think I found my way to your stack via Substack notes. I’ve been writing here for 1 1/2 year myself about grieving mindfully with intention as a newly bereaved mother. I’ve recently discovered the Motherpeace Tarot deck and have embarked on a deep study of this deck. I’m currently reading Motherpeace: A Way to the Goddess Through Myth Art and Tarot. Happy to be here 🌟
Hi Jennifer! I'm sorry for your loss. I, too, love tarot and have been doing it for many years. I also love the history and myth of the Goddess. I will check out Motherpeace; it seems it's right up my alley!
Hi, I'm Kaarin and I live in Portland, Oregon. I found Audacious Women when I read Anne's post about quitting her life and it resonated with me because my husband and I did the same thing when we were trying to decide whether to go out separate ways. Instead, we quit our jobs and left home, backpacking around South America for 8 months to see if we could once again find the passion for each other and life. My substack is ALIFEUNPACKED -- I write about what I want to take with me and what I'll leave behind in the next act of life. You audacious women -- you are my people!!
A couple of women whose stories inspire me for their boldness, persistence, and unwillingness to give in to the opinions and agendas of others: Pam Houston's Deep Creek and Viola Davis' memoir, Finding Me.
Hi! I'm Lisa, a Psychospiritual Counselor and Hand Analyst, who currently calls New York City home. I'm originally South African, but have lived in four different countries and seven US states at this point. I'm not sure if I consider myself a writer, perhaps more of storyteller with a message about healing and awakening...writing is just the medium. But, I am a writing enthusiast who loves to cheer on other writers, especially women...especially women over 40, who have so much wisdom and life experience to impart. Shout out to all the remarkable women here from all over the world!
Anne, I came across one of your posts on my feed and it caught my attention, so I dug a little deeper and decided this was definitely a place I'd like to hitch up for a while, because I can relate to so much of what you've shared.
The last book I read that stands out for audacity is The Starling House by Alix Harrow. This book is fantasy, which I started reading again during the pandemic and discovered that my favorite genre in childhood was a favorite for a reason...I have a very visually rich imagination that revels in fantasy. I read fiction and nonfiction in equal measure, but have really enjoyed a lot of fantasy in the last four years...perhaps as an antidote to the chaos of the world. I particularly like the complexity of Alix Harrow's heroines and storylines. My head sort of boggles at the undertaking of creating fantasy well.
If there's anything I've learned from life experience and amazing female writers, it's that life is far too precious and short to waste time worrying what others think and holding ourselves back from the next adventure. Every moment is sacred and must be seized!
Hello! I was writing an essay and needed to reward myself with a distraction - which used to be social media nonsense - but now is Substack. I write about the aging journey on my own Substack, so when I saw the title " Am I Too Old to Change My Life?" I immediately clicked on the link.
I live in the Pacific Northwest in the US, and thanks to menopause and midlife boredom at age 50, I traded my suburban life, academic advisor career, and professional clothing for garden tools, sweat pants, and life on five acres in the mountains. It's been an amazing adventure so far, but fifteen years later, at age 65, I am wondering if there is one more adventure left in me. I named my Substack Fifteen Years and Counting...because my mother died in 2021, one month shy of 81, and it felt like a brick had dropped into my lap. I realized I had about 15 "good" years to do everything I claimed was important to me. I am weary of the responsibilities of a homestead and want to pursue my creative desires—reading, writing, fiber art, and hiking.
I recently completed rereading If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie. She writes beautifully about the wasteland many of us wake up in daily. She shares her emotions and struggles with trying to make changes. She offers lessons about her "failures," which are the parts of the journey. She has pursued mythology and storytelling and encourages us to gather and share our stories. In her 60s, she has published five books - all about women and their lives.
Hi Sue, I too was living squirreled away in the most amazing land time forgot amongst beautiful hills for years, while there I bemae a private counsellor - I too was feeling like I'd forgot who I was too! I gave up on my dream of singer songwriter in a way? there was a bigger world out there - now rediscovering myself, music, again as we all do - do we ever stop? so sorry you lost your mum, it's a difficult time, it puts perspective into our own time - it's strange I lost my mum 10 years ago, yet it feels like she's within me - she is my biggest emotional supporter all the time, a special person! For me Julia Cameron is the goddess!
Hi Sue, I also live in the Pacific Northwest (Portland) and love hiking (check out my post on hiking up Mt. Defiance in the Gorge). But, more than that -- I love your "15 good years" concept. I have the exact same attitude. I'll check out Sharon Blackie's book and appreciate the recommendation.
Hi everyone! My name is Suzy Valtsioti. I was born in NY sixty and some odd summers ago and I have been living in Greece since 1986. I don't know if I am an artist who writes, or a writer who creates art...either way the artist and the writer in me is also a foodie/cook. Its been that way for as long as I remember...Im empty nested, (two wonderful sons) and I took off to begin my life anew. It was the most difficult and most challenging thing I could ever do...My life had been very oppressive for decades. I am married, second time around, to a wonderful man who has helped me claim my liberty. (The ultimate paradox of finally finding true freedom through a relationship). I found freedom! So I am finally finding my creative voice again! This is why I resonate and gravitate to the audacious bold and creative women. It is medicine for me. A once 'stifled' creative, a once 'stifled' academic, a once very 'stifled' woman, is now a woman who claimed her audacity, freeing up the creative drive and exploring my interests.
And that is why I am here!
Bravo to all women here!
I resonated with every Post, Anne and with every Comment I read, so I have difficulty choosing two to respond. This whole scene is 'medicinal' for me right now....I realize I 'overwrote' and spilled out tons - so to be quick and address the suggested points of mention - Arundhati Roy (God of Small Things), Laura Esquivel (Bread for Chocolate) not only for their impeccable writing but for their activism as well, and Frida Kahlo for her guts to be herself, despite the challenges. I am very grateful for the oppty to be a part of such a like minded yet diverse community of women who know the struggle of becoming 'audacious', savor their audacity and their creativity! You can all find me at The Rebellious Odyssey (rebelliouscook.substack.com)
Suzy, I love your spirit to begin anew! I've done it myself...more than once and I know the challenges of new places and people...and new parts within ourselves we give birth to in response to major changes.
In what part of Greece do you live? I lived on the island of Crete as a child...when I remember that time in my life I cherish it as a time of freedom and discovery. 💗
Hi Lisa, Nice to meet you!!!! Im so happy to find people who have 'been through it'!!! lol...we do 'give birth to new parts', that is so beautifully phrased!!! Im in the middle of those labor pains right now! You lived in Crete!! It is such a beautiful island. My family is originally from southern Greece, Lakonia, Ive lived there and in Athens for many years, and now Im in central Greece in Magnesia, in the city of Volos! There still is a sense of freedom here, like you mentioned about your time in Crete. That is what really drew me to Volos...I felt that sense of freedom to be oneself here a bit more pronounced than where I was living before.
It's a pleasure to meet you too! Oh those labor pains...I feel you. I feel like I've been going through them in some measure since perimenopause started six years ago; every day feels a bit embattled and I long for a time when I felt more at ease in my body and subsequently my life. I love that you're finding your creative voice again, especially in a place that resonates with the energy of freedom. The older I get, the more I relate to the idea of spaces and relationships that feel, as you astutely said, "medicinal." The relationships I have with the women in my life now, feel supportive in ways that are allowing all of us to be more audacious. I love that not only our creativity, but our lives can become more and more audacious. I think this has a lot to do with embodying our authenticity more and more as we get older and overcome the challenges of lives that felt oppressive. I look forward to you sharing more of your creative voice!
Thanks so much...I agree it is a question of recognizing our authenticity and embodying it. The oppression was so great I couldn't find the authenticity that was completely trampled on!...I wish for everyone to feel that freedom and to tune in to who they really are and to belt out every tune their heart sings in their new found 'creative voice'!...
I'm writing from central Vermont, where I currently live, but I'm a Wyoming native, New York City transplant, and a graduate of an Australian university. I'm here because I'm smack in the center of Anne's demographic--early 50's, empty nest, single, in love with the world and its possibilities, and in no way interested in settling down and doing the same thing for the rest of my life.
I write about books on my own Substack "Survival by Book" so it's super hard to pick just one book by an audacious woman writer to recommend, but a couple that are coming to mind are "Western Lane" by Chetna Maroo (Booker list 2023) "Pearl" by Sian Hughes (also Booker 2023) and "Went to London, Took the Dog" by Nina Stibbes. Stibbes' book is closest to my own life--I loved the way she owned her own hesitation, fear, and worry---whilst doing something brave and bold by moving to London for a year in the middle of a marriage breakup and menopause. .
Hi Courtney! I'm a native Vermonter. I just left my home in Northern Vermont to travel through South America and am also "in love with the world and its possibilities..."
I'm Rachel, a writer living in Paris, Pennsylvania born, French naturalized. I discovered Audacious Women searching for posts about Kay Boyle (thank you for the wonderful essay!) and found even more. Anne, I love the space you have created here, and I am really looking forward to reading your pieces straight from my inbox.
As for the book recommendation, I loved A Life of One's Own by Joanna Biggs. Biggs follows the lives of eight women writers throughout history and weaves in her own story in gorgeous prose.
Hello all, I am Nancy from Northern Michigan. I discovered Audacious Women by just scrolling through Substack and am glad I found you. Enjoy your writings. I don't have a book at the moment to recommend -- I have been keeping myself busy submitting short stories, flash fiction, and poetry as well as building my substack "One Story at a Time." I'm enjoying a great second chapter of my life with my new husband.
I live in the west of Ireland. Last book I read by an audacious woman was Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World by Perdita Finn who talks about communicating with the dead, interwoven with the story of her difficult relationship with her father.
The latest book I read was Real Americans by Rachel Khong. I loved it as it was a contemporary story set in locations I know well (the Pacific Northwest and the SF Bay Area) about a woman negotiating past and present, ancestry and tech to find her way.
I'm midstream of my life as a writer and songwriter, currently stretching myself by writing a musical. I'm buoyed and inspired by my creative peers and other women who are daring to navigate their lives by their art and intuition. When I saw another hero, Cheryl Strayed, recommend your Substack I took a look and signed on!
So neat that you're attempting to write a musical. Do you like to sing? I imagine that as you write/tell the story, you come to the music and singing part and sing out loud or mouth the lyrics. Idk, seems like fun. I've always enjoyed the short times when I have performed, mostly in an all level singing class in college, I loved those times! Not that long ago! Do you have a title yet? Best of luck!
Hi Tempest! Thank you. Yes, I’m a singer-songwriter. I’ve been writing and performing original songs for a while but this is the first time I’ve attempted a musical and written for different characters. As such the songs have come first (and I’m aiming to have it be mostly sung through). It’s called ‘Flight Lessons’ and I’ve been performing it as a folk opera and I develop it. You can find out more here: https://deborahcrooks.com/flight-lessons
Welcome, Deborah! I think you must have seen Elizabeth Gilbert’s note, huh? Haven’t seen anything from Cheryl Strayed. (That would be too much good fortune.)
Hi, I’m Iris. I’ve been searching for this space!!
The last book I read was by Ananya Roy. I live in the grandeur and grit of Oakland California. 3 years ago I extracted myself from a traditional marriage box, and now I’m on my aloneness I never wanted to face.
This part of my life is starting, slowly, to give me access to so many things I gave away- traveling, giving away money to people and spaces I care about (with no strings attached), and rediscovering the crafts I love and more. The thing I miss most is a community of like minded bold and brave women, which this Substack is helping with. If there are any women rediscovering and retaking their lives in the Bay Area, I’d love to meet in person. With appreciation, irisstarr@gmail.com
Hi Iris, your message really spoke to me, I think because I was remembering today the fear of leaving my child's father long ago, and the fact that my child is now grown, and moving out in the next week or two. I have had long stretches without him, and feel totally prepared for a solitary life, a home for one (plus two dogs!). I just wanted to share with you that I have never known myself as deeply, or fulfilled myself as richly, as when I was totally alone. It's a slow process, but little by little you fill your life in a more purposeful, curated way, just for you, and it becomes truly beautiful. I crave my time alone, even though I mostly am. I hope you find the community of strong women you seek, and I am wishing you good things.
Hi Iris! It’s wonderful to have you here! Thank you for sharing your story. It’s hard to jump into the unknown alone. But sometimes it’s necessary. And there are some silver linings.
Hello I live in Scotland, Fife to be exact. I saw this page as a recommendation and the latest picture drew me in. I write when I can and when I do I feel more audacious more like myself. I loved Ghost in The Throat which was audacious in its introspection and obsession.
Hello! My name is Katrina, I live in Los Angeles, and would highly recommend "Tell Me An Ending" by Jo Harkin. I really enjoy multi-POV storytelling, such as Elizabeth Wetmore's "Valentine." I love seeing more women write about speculative fiction, plus Harkin is a UK writer and I always, always miss the UK. I write a Substack called "LA Woman - Chasing the Dream At 50" and I have a novel out on submission (fingers crossed).
Hello team! I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota and left a 26 year career in higher education last November. There were lots of reasons I walked away but having more time and energy to write was one of them. At first I was afraid that no one would read what I wrote (still am.) Then I was afraid that someone would read what I wrote (this is still true, too.) As a way to tackle those psychology gymnastics I decided to put some of my writing on the interwebs, Substack seemed as good a place as any.
I still don't know how the algorithms work but I found the Two Years Ago I Quit My Lift post on Audacious Women yesterday and connected immediately. When I quit my job I assumed I would work full time again, and now I'm not so sure. Then finding another post about Muriel Rukeyser let me know I was in the right place. I loved her writing when I was in college, and haven't gone back until now. Recovering some of the creative spark I had as a younger person is part of my work right now, and Rukeyser is a path to do that.
What I'm reading: I'm in the middle of I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself, a novel by Marisa Crane who is a more modern version of audacious than I typically read. I'm loving it for its exposition of the main character's inner life and its sci-fi elements.
Hi! I'm Rosie, I'm from Dublin Ireland but I have lived in Italy for 6 years.
I nearly always worked for myself -I did a journalism course (no one in my family went to college - it was only for protestants according to my dad!), I set up The Big issues in Ireland 30 years ago, left after 8 years and set up a natural health magazine which was one of the most stressful periods of my life. Ran a PR firm and then a destination wedding planning business. This allowed me to travel to Italy lots and I eventually moved here with my husband and teenage kids. When Covid hit Italy all our weddings were cancelled or postponed overnight, so I started a humorous blog about living in Italy, to keep my spirits up and do what I always wanted to do but never gave myself the time to do; write.
We had just bought a derelict villa in Umbria by Lake Trasimeno, so I continued the blog about buying and renovating the villa. The blogs developed into books and by book 3 I was earning enough from my self-published books to give up wedding planning and be a full-time author. I am now writing book 6 in the series (A Rosie Life In Italy), I've also dabbled in cozy mystery and rom-coms.
Sourcebooks bought the rights to book 1 in the series and it will be published in the States in October. From this I've got an agent and a women's fiction book I wrote this year is now out on submission to publishers.
We've finished renovating the house so I am hoping to open it in 2025 as a safe, homely place for creative women solo travellers to come and stay for a week or couple of months if they wish. I also run writing retreats twice a year in Tuscany.
I had a thriving Facebook author page and enjoyed chatting with my readers on there, but it got hacked a month ago and wiped off the cyber planet. That is how I found Substack while looking for a like-minded community and a safer way to communicate online.
Sorry for such a long 'about me' post!
I just finished 'I Feel Bad About My Neck' by Nora Ephron. And 'The Years' by Annie Ernaux. Both short reads but great examples of how to do memoir differently.
Hi Rosie, I'm Irish, too, from down south, and make my living as an Italian translator! I lived in Florence for a month about 15 years ago, doing a fresco-painting course (that's how I ended up starting to learn the language), so the thought of returning to Tuscany for a writing retreat sounds out of this world. Fingers crossed, one day. Your story is inspiring, I will keep plugging away at my writing dreams.
Wow a fresco painting course in Florence! That was a cool introduction to Italy and could be such a great basis for a plot to so many genres - thiller, mystery, romance - same with working as a translator - so much material to work with. AND you could write off any trips to Italy as work trips as you'd have to go a lot for research purposes. ;) Hope to see you in Italy soon. x
Hi Rosie, I love reading how one thing led to another for you. Congrats on a living an interesting life! Sorry to hear about the demise of your FB author page, I hope this platform proves to be just as engaging.
Thanks Elaine, it's definitely been interesting! I think Anne's writing attracts a lot of similar mindsets so I'm looking forward to meeting people here :)
I'm living in my native land, Ireland, but spent thirty wonderful years in the USA. Since childhood I've been reading like a fiend which has gotten me through some very choppy waters.
I particularly love fiction with an historical flavor but also read anything and everything except science fiction.
Recently I am becoming more serious about my own writing. I've had a novel swirling around in my head for about twelve years and might actually begin the process of making it a reality.
I work in the healing arts and teach earth based spirituality and healing.
Hello Another Irish Woman. Books, the great companion. Don't know if you have read Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic book but I found myself thinking of how a project she had kept putting off landed with Ann Patchett...maybe you need to bring your book into Earth :-)
Yep, I am in ireland (on the west coast). #SpoilerAlert. Elizabeth Gilbert had a very specific idea for a novel which she kept putting off writing. THEN she finds out that Ann Patchett had (quite independently) published a novel using that very same idea.
I'd say it was fun in the States for 30 years with the name Siobhan. :D I have a passion fiction project I work on every now and again about women healers in Ireland and Italy in the 17th century. It's my way of keeping old ways and the ancient wisdom of women alive. Good to meet you. :)
Hi, I am Eleanor Murphy. I live in Virginia. Retired from the Federal Government. I am an avid reader and I also have tried my hand at writing. I love romance, suspense, and thrillers. Last summer I had the pleasure to spend for the first time three months in France. I toured a bit, Italy, Switzerland. Look forward to Audacious women.
Like you, I just quit my tenured, full professor gig! I’m European-born, American-living (Durango, CO) and interested in what this next chapter of life will be. I’m good with not knowing. And know some bits too — about what I want to do, be a part of, but not how I’ll earn money doing this.
I bought 4-acres of land with five buildings (in the Four Corners region of Colorado) with the aim to write there. Then realized it wasn’t a space for just me, but many. It’s set up now to welcome folks. The kitchen is well stocked, because like you, I think this is essential for folks who come for a week or 3-months to cook good meals and create community as they write. I also have gone back to school for an MTS, a Master’s in Theological Studies (my PhD is in ecology). Love how interconnected these two fields are.
I just returned from time in Central Europe. Books I read there are all by male authors, chosen because of their relevance to where I was. The Volunteer by Jack Fairweather is incredible. The story of an audacious Pole who volunteered to enter Auschwitz and lead a resistance movement. Lessons he learned about care, connection, service.
Hi Heidi. I love your story! I recently just quit my longtime corporate gig to go “into the wind”. First stop was a women’s retreat centre in Greece where I am spending a month swimming, reading, writing and star gazing. I wish you luck with your endeavour. Sounds like a dream. Let us all know how to find you! :)
Hi Heidi, I also have a Masters in Theology! What school did you attend? I love that you are good with "not knowing." I've learned late in life to embrace uncertainty and trust that I have the resilience and resourcefulness to overcome any challenge that comes my way.
I’m still in school for the MTS at the Iliff school of Theology in Denver. Where did you go? And if ok to ask, how have you found ways to offer theological thinking in your work?
Hi Heidi, I went to Div School at the University of Chicago. While I haven't incorporated a theological bent into my substack, I do have a few chapters that touch upon it in the book I'm writing. It's tricky isn't it? But, so meaningful and resonant when done well.
Hi Heidi! You are doing a bold thing. I’ll be back in the US after July 20. Might you be open to talking about your project and my possible participation? Iris Starr, Bay Area California. Irisstarr@gmail.com. Thanks!
Hi Heidi--Your new place sounds amazing! I'd love to set up something similar someday. And I love that you are going back to school. What a tremendous gift a second life is!
Hello! My name is Susan Evangelista. I am an expat American, living in Palawan in the Philippines, where I originally served as a Peace Corps volunteer all these many years ago!! (60!!) I raised a family here, taught English and Creative Writing, started a nonprofit focussed on reproductive health — and finally retired! Now I’m trying to focus on my own writing!
I love Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, as I guess everyone does, but I love her expansive view of what Creativity
1. My name is Kim Slemint and I live in Te Tai Tokerau, New Zealand. I am a kiwi poet, short story writer. I am also a registered nurse.
2. Inspired by Anne’s journey and the women who were brave enough to tell their stories in the comments section. I was meant to wake up and read this today. Thank you all so much.
3. Atlas of the heart, Brene Brown
4. I love both science and creativity - so there are many moments of resonance in Brene’s book. We can understand where we are going when we understand where we came from.
1) I live in Southeast Ohio, and have just left by tenured position at a small liberal arts college.
2) "Audacious Women, Creative Lives" came to my attention through a Substack recommendation and the post "Two Years Ago I Quit My Life." The title drew me in, and the post spoke to me on so many levels regarding the burnout, the yearn to write and travel, and the trade offs that accompany major life changes. But then I saw that Anne Boyd Rioux was the author and that women writers are a focus. I confess to fangirling, as I consult your scholarship often, Anne, and nerded out about the Purdue connection. Without Cheryl Oreovicz's Early American Lit class as a Masters Student, I would never have known about women writers or periodical studies (to think I tried to get out of taking that class!)
3 and 4) I can't decide on which book by audacious women to write about so I'll do both that are on my mind. The first is called "The Memoir of Zulma Marache," by a woman who was seduced, abused, and forced to terminate her pregnancy. The "Memoir" is (I think) her story as first relayed to a lawyer, and was published in 1844 in a New York City Newspaper. I've worked with this text for years and have recently published on it, and the fact that it exists is remarkable. But more remarkable is that it doesn't even begin to capture the whole story of a woman who sought legal counsel, sued her fiancee for breach of promise to marry, testified against him in an abortion trial, and went on to marry and have several children and live a life beyond what the newspaper accounts and "Memoir" indicate.
The second book is much more current: Rachel Held Evans' "Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering her Head, and Calling her Husband 'Master.'" I cannot even begin to describe it, except that it is a hilarious and thought-provoking account of trying to live by the "rules" established for women in the Bible. Evans consults long-established theologians through her wit and excellent research. Audacious is the only word for it.
I am Looking forward to reading about, and engaging with, more audacious women on this forum!
I have a good friend who recently left a tenured position at a local University. So proud of her -- and of all of you. Sounds like you could form a support group -- oh wait! That's what Anne is creating right here. right now. Yay!
The mind definitely does boggle at some of what goes on in all of our lives. I have been so enriched by the internet it is hard to accept the negatives of it but they are definitely there. "The Memoir" sounds brilliant and it only goes to prove that the more it changes the more it stays the same - I speak to some extent from personal experience, unfortunately.
I too just left my tenured gig. Looking forward to being connected with others who have braved this leap too! I’m really curious about the second book. And will get it. I started a theology degree last fall (so can’t say I’ve left academia) and took my first course in Bible this winter. I’m exploring lots through this. Including new ways to understand this text and land into transformation not subjugation.
My name is Marion Gibbon. I live in France and work in Birmingham in the UK. I came across your post in Substack and it took my fancy. I feel I am an audacious woman and have a creative life, that includes dancing, writing and painting. My work as a consultant in public health is creative too. It fulfils my desire to help improve the lives of others.
The last book I read by an audacious women was that of Bernardine Evaristo. She has written a book called the “Manifesto of Never Giving Up. She was the first black woman to win the Booker Prize. This book tells more of how she came to live an audacious life from a childhood where she faced significant racism, to a life where she took risks, rebelled, experimented and finally found her unique, creative voice.
I have also published a book called the “Feminine Face of Embodied Leadership: Blossoming into a new way of being, aligning and becoming”. It was a fascinating process that also tells you about further audacious women! I want to write more and share my creativity with others.
Hi, Marion. I appreciate your expansive view of creativity and the different ways it manifests in public health and leadership, as well as the creative arts.
Hi, y'all! I'm Leslie-Anne and (1) I'm located in New Harmony, Indiana, a charming spiritual small town on along the Wabash River. My partner & I live here part-time and part-time in our camper van. If we're not in New Harmony, we gravitate towards Western North Carolina, Northern Michigan (in the Summer), and every once in awhile we venture out west.
(2) I am here by happenstance - Anne, I saw your most recent post on life updates and resonated very much with your alternative lifestyle and the cost of freedom you expressed.
(3) A book by an audacious woman write I've recently read ... I believe it was Emily Henry's latest book and 4) I loved it because it allowed me to have FUN. I realize as the years tick by, fun is something that has become somewhat elusive. I've been more intentional about inviting fun into my life and was grateful to simply enjoy a book for the sake of enjoyment.
Bit late to the party, but I am sure there is still bubbling aftermath...since Anne has so eloquently and invitingly created a place to land for some REAL STUFF. Even with it being on the SOCIAL SPEDIA MAP. I'm performer/author and love and need comedy. I live in San Francisco, born here. I Stumbled upon Audacious Women through my scramblings through the substack maze. Whenever I see the word WOMAN, I'm in.
I am a great supporter and admirer of audacious women. I was married to one for 54 years. She was a marvelous companion and force for calm in a troubled world. She kept me from self destruction. I have been wandering since April meeting with everyone that knew her and celebrating her life. Every decent thing I am I owe to her.
In my working life as a soldier and business executive I was always able to recognize and promote audacious women. As horrific as our world can be, it would be far worse without you.
Since the first time I read “Wild Geese” out loud to my partner I have kept Mary Jane Oliver’s works on my iPad. She and dozens of others keep me buoyant. Mieko Kawakami, “Breasts and Eggs” is my current read. She takes me completely out of what I might appear to be in the mirror and puts me in an unexpected viewing point, like when a person suddenly steps out of the forest and sees the Grand Canyon.
I am going to wander for the foreseeable future. Friends have encouraged me to write and I’m doing that. Travel commentary mostly for now but little pieces based on my travels where I fantasize about who might have joined me for travel or just lunch and stories I recall boring people in bars with. I hope you can read some and feel free to comment when my 60’s perspectives cross more contemporary lines. I am blessed with two audacious women who have considerable experience editing and publishing that care enough to help. I have no professional aspirations but only to share to some few that might find something in the musings.
I don’t want to contaminate the pool of the good works of audacious women but to support you with love and encouragement.
I’ll be in Spain the rest of July, Andorra all of August avoiding Schengen days and off to Italy and Greece for September. Always happy to share a meal if any of you are ever within a day’s travel.
Good luck, stay random, go down some rocky paths, but not at night.
Hello! I have just stumbled upon your Substack, Annie, and a post which completely resonates with me as another burnt-out educator who left home (UK) to settle in Portugal, but with my husband and spaniel, so my new life is not itinerant as yours is, but still much of what you wrote about concepts of freedom - and just what the hell I'm trying to get out of this! - have really struck a chord. I'm new to writing on Substack but my orientations are definitely towards a) navigating this post-career change (instead of flat-out retiring!) and b) sharing observations on life and culture here in Portugal as I encounter it.
Plus I'm also an English Literature teacher with a research masters in the work of an incredibly audacious woman with a creative life - Lady Mary Wortley Montagu who wrote about her time travelling to and in Turkey with her ambassador husband in the early 1700s. She was also Alexander Pope's wet dream (sorry!) and when she finally had to rebuff him in no uncertain terms, wow, did he get his revenge!
I've always championed women's writing and other forms of output, artistic, cultural, scientific, political. All is creative in its own way. Being here, connecting with others, finding that camaraderie that powered the early female pioneers is still around, is very exciting.
I was in Faro Portugal a month or two ago for a women's retreat. A lot of the women on it were expats living in Lisbon. There seems to be a huge expat community there. I love the camaraderie that develops when a group of women get together either online or in person at retreats or meet ups. :)
There’s an incredibly active, supportive international group in Porto, too. But equally I’ve never been in an online space like this before where genuine camaraderie, as you say, seems to spring up daily. When the world feels like it’s going to hell in a handcart, this at least gives you hope 😍
I too! Have left the professor life and am exploring what next. I’ll continue to live in SW Colorado, where I’m creating a retreat center. Hoping to do this some, write, travel & speak on relationship as central to addressing environmental issues. Relationship to all (think people and planet) and All (however one experiences the Divine).
Thank you, Michelle, for joining us! Your previous work sounds fascinating. And I look forward to hearing more about your post-education life in Portugal. Finding this camaraderie is amazing, and I'm so grateful for people like you and your words of encouragement!!
Hi, Anne! I'm in ABQ, NM and am in the beginning stages of creating my Substack and stumbled upon yours. I am already inspired by your audacious and creative life :) and see connections between what I hope to explore (and live) in my newsletter with your experiences here. I can't pick just one book but here are three that I read recently and recommend: Love Me Tender by Constance Debre; Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous; Body Work by Melissa Febos.
I’m late to the party, here to sing the praises of audacious journalist Nan Robertson—
Pulitzer prizewinner, lifelong shit disturber and author of the 1992 classic THE GIRLS IN THE BALCONY: MEN, WOMEN AND THE NEW YORK TIMES. Through devastating anecdotes and vivid prose, Robertson documents the systemic gender discrimination that infested the American newspaper of record from its earliest days, when rival papers employed intrepid women reporters but the Times froze them out. The saga culminates in an epochal sex discrimination case that exposed the paper’s betrayal of its liberal values. Unforgettable characters leap from the pages, each one an unsung warrior for women’s equality. Robertson, who died some years ago, was an unstoppable force, the survivor of severe alcoholism and a near-fatal bout with toxic shock syndrome, which led to the amputation of all her fingertips and forced her to learn to type all over again. Splendidly done, grippingly told.
What an awesome community Anne is putting together.
Where in the world I am is in a college town in the middle of Missouri, where I am a producer/professor working in public radio and journalism.
My first connection with Anne was from reading and reviewing her wonderful book "Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy," which was inspiring.
My reading and writing on audacious women is usually about one of the most Audacious of all, Jane Austen, and I do a Substack on the badassery of Austen and the connections to her work, from Mary Wollstonecraft, the Romantics, and Shakespeare to contemporary romcoms and retellings.
Looking forward to the community and conversations here! -Janet
Hi Anne & everyone here, enjoying all your interesting comments & reading recommendations and being part of this great community. Here's my tuppence worth. 1. I live in Cambridge, UK and write a Substack about the women who had the audacity to come here, back in the 1870s and 1880s, to get access to a university education. It wasn't easy for them or for the women who came after them, but they never gave up - and I am very grateful for that, having followed in their footsteps to embark on my PhD here almost 100 years later. 2. Just discovered that I first heard Anne speaking at the brilliant Biographers Without Borders (organized by BIO) symposium in Oxford in 2016. She & other speakers were an inspiration at around the time I was starting my own biographical research. So I was thrilled to discover her Substack this year. 3. and 4. The last book I read by/about an audacious woman was one I've just reviewed for the TLS, namely a memoir called Better Broken Than New by the Anglo-Guyanese writer Lisa St Aubin de Terán. At first I didn't like it - too rambling, too diffuse - but as I read more I couldn't help admiring her courage, honesty and zest for life, wherever it takes her.
Hi Rachel, great to meet you and thanks for getting in touch! Just about to reply to your email. Thank you for subscribing (& I love Anne Boyd's posts AND comments section).
Thank you so much, Ann, for sharing! This is all fascinating. I’m so glad we’ve connected on Substack and I’ve so enjoyed your newsletter. How cool that you were at the Biography symposium at Oxford in 2016! I wish we had met then. But hopefully we will in the future. I’ll look for your TLS review. Sounds quite interesting.
3. The Tomboy Bride, Harriet Bachus Fish (life in a 19th c mining town); Ninth Street Women; Mary Gabriel (5 modern artists in NYC); and My Life in France, Julia Child (self-explanatory memoir)
Hi Marjorie--and welcome! So glad to have you here. These are fabulous reading suggestions! I'd love to read My Life in France sometime. I loved Julie and Julia and the HBO miniseries. Julia Child was a wonderfully audacious woman! I don't know the other women, although I've heard of the artists. I look forward to learning more about them.
Hello Everyone! I'm Melody Joy. I am a writer and healing practitioner. I have worked in traditional Western and Eastern Medicine for twenty years. I love all things metaphysical and exploring the intersection of spirit and science. This past spring, I published my first book, I left my job two weeks ago, left the continental US the day before the presidential election, and moved to Colombia—many audacious life changes! Now I'm traveling and writing. My substack is The Naked Mystic. I'm so glad I found your substack and this beautiful, fantastic community!
When I saw the title Audacious Women and read your post "Two Years Ago I Quit My Life", I felt the resonance with my own life and was happy to see so many other women on this magical journey.
The last book I read by an Audacious Woman was Maps to Ecstasy by Gabrielle Roth. She played a significant role in the ecstatic dance movement, which has been a practice of mine for many years. I loved reading about her journey and how she found the wisdom and stories of the body as a map and compass to heal and transform.
I'm excited to continue reading through everyone's comments!
Hello Melody Joy! It’s so great to have you here. What an incredible journey you are on. And thanks for sharing your book recommendation. I love that title!
Hi, I'm Micki, recently moved to Cornwall, UK. I've been a natural health clinician and writer for almost 30 years. I read your Quit Life post and loved it. I'm enjoying finding posts and people on Substack that inspire me and give me permission to make huge, scary but exciting changes; to become the more creative me I used to be. Moving to the sea, letting go of clinic and beginning to write more is the start of me quitting my own old life!
Books: erm. I don't give myself chance to read that much. I guess Cuckoo in the Nest by Fran Hill. I'm cheating as she's my sister, sorry! But it is very funny, a novel based on our lives in foster care as children. We have both done really well, despite a crap start in life. I think that makes us super-audacious! So: audacious and wanting to be more creative: I guess I've found my tribe :)
Welcome, Micki! I love that you have moved to Cornwall and found a new life that suits you better. What a beautiful part of the world you have landed in.
I know. I look out of the window and can't quite believe I live here. I keep looking for my suitcase to pack up and go home!
Hello Women, after scrolling down the page and seing such a great bunch of women it's giving me the impetus to join the bandwagon! Anne, I've just read one of your posts after bouncing & clicking on different pages out of curiosity - My name is Esther, I'm French, living a nomadic life since 22 years, for the now living in the low desert, Palm Springs - About to embark in another life - In my teens the first female writer with whom my desire to live fully, resonated like a drum was Anaïs Nin - My last readings are actually 3 books in a row by Louise Erdrich - Everything I love in term of writing, bare to the bone & heart, a scalpel slicing emotions -
I'm in Williamsburg, VA and heard about you through a friend. I just got my first chapbook of poetry published and am looking for community now that I've begun taking myself/my writing seriously. I feel It's difficult forging a career as a writer without having an academic platform behind me--I have a BA in poetry, an MA in Speech Communication, but no MFA and I'm not currently teaching. What I mean by this is I don't have a "built-in" audience and/or support system, so I find it more challenging.
I would recommend Sophie Strand's "The Flowering Wand"--I'm in love with myth. She is super intelligent and articulate; she has two other books which are lovely, as well.
Hi, I'm in Brittany, France. I found you through a recommendation from Michelle Brosius, a fellow writer in the SmokeLong Quarterly flash writing class I'm doing. Loving this community already!
The latest work I've read by an audacious woman is Molly Giles' Life Span. One compelling short piece for every year of her life to date, with a connection to the Golden Gate Bridge in each one. I adore Molly's matter-of-fact honesty.
I came to live in rural Brittany with my husband nine years ago, thanks to a voluntary redundancy opportunity at the local authority where I worked in the UK. It was a conscious decision to trade a modest career and salary for lovely surroundings and plenty of time to write. No regrets so far - though the recent addition of two grandchildren means we are regularly over in England, with a certain amount of interruption to my routine and creative audaciousness!
I've just done the same thing Patience - 'trade a modest career and salary for lovely surroundings and plenty of time to write'. Spot on. Except I didn't go as far as Brittany! I landed as far south in the UK as I could go - Cornwall! And I also have two new grandchildren. How the heck did I get this old?!
Welcome Patience! :)
I just got done reading all 296 comments here—what a wonderful community you’re building, Anne! I am in New Jersey, and while I have now spent well over half of my life on the east coast, I still think of myself as a Minnesotan (where I grew up). I am on the verge of being an empty-nester, with my youngest entering her senior year of high school, so I’m definitely starting to think, and dream, about what the next stage of my life looks like. I have spent the past 15 years post-divorce, living with my ex-husband and his wife so that we could all be with our kids full-time. It has been amazing in many ways but since the kids soon won’t be here full time anymore, I now have a chance to totally shake things up. I found Anne’s piece of quitting her life and was hooked immediately. I have been going through every single post and comment, starting from the first ones and alternating with the newest ones. You’ve all been such good company!
I recently read a book called The Invitation (by Oriah). It was recommended by a coaching client, who is an audacious woman herself. The book is based on a beautiful poem Oriah wrote, and I think the subtitle of her book best says what it’s about: “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for.”
Hi everyone! Thank you for providing this space, Anne!
I am in southern California and would love to connect with local writers. Please reach out!
I came to Audacious Women, Creative Lives because I just left my tenured professor job to work full-time as a writer, and my memoir Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult debuted last year.
OMG, so many! I recommend Alice Hoffman's 3-part magic series because I love what she explores with a matrilineal family, and mothers and daughters and sisters who have each other's backs.
Welcome, Michelle! I’m glad you are here. Welcome to the writer’s life beyond academia. :)
Hello! And I'd just like to say what a lovely idea this is!
My name is Martina, and I live on the south-west coast of Ireland.
I discovered this newsletter through a post that showed up in my home page, and it spoke to me; I love the idea of women writers getting together to form a community.
The last book I read that I would recommend is Foster by Claire Keegan. It is tiny, but the message in it has stuck with me, basically, that we need only share as much as is safe to, we are entitled to keep to ourselves whatever personal details we wish to. This is important for me, especially in terms of my writing, because I am trying to find that balance between laying my life and heart on the page, to be dissected as desired, and writing more abstractly, which risks becoming less engaging. I hope to learn more about finding this balance through the works of the writers I discover here.
Thank you, Anne, for providing this wonderful space to share!
Hi Martina, I recently 'discovered' Claire Keegan via the New Yorker Fiction podcast and her story 'So Late in the Day'. I see 'Foster' is at the New Yorker too, thanks for the recommendation!
I totally relate to you looking for that balance, Martina. I wrote a book about my divorce and wanted to stay respectful of my ex in doing so, but still wanted share some of the frustrations and funny stories of living with him and his new wife (and our kids) 15 years after we split up.
Wow, that sounds hilarious and fascinating! I don't think I would ever have the courage to write a full book based on my real life, that must have been such a challenge, trying to maintain that balance on every page. I write mostly fiction, and there is comfort in that, because only the people who know me really well can know what parts are based on my own life, and I don't mind them knowing! I have been writing personal essays on my blog over on Wordpress since April of last year, and it was very easy to share personal stuff in the beginning when I had zero followers, but then as I accumulated a few I became more and more guarded. So I suppose it's a matter of being as generous as I can with the details, but keeping an eye out for anything that my instincts tell me to keep to myself, and just talk around it instead of on it if I must. I would love to know your thoughts on navigating this, especially given your experience with that book.
There is definitely a sense of exposure that’s for sure! But I wrote my book to help others get more creative about the options for how to divorce—my whole family has benefitted so much because we were able to do so—so I really had a mission that required some level of exposure. But because it necessarily exposed my ex and his wife and our kids too, I did my best to “tell on myself” but not on them. I also let them read the whole thing before I published it. But everyone says the stories about our family and our life are their favorite parts of the book!
I think Anne Lamott has something to say about this in her book Bird by Bird (if I remember correctly.) It’s been awhile, but I believe she says something along the lines of don’t worry about exposing other people, write the truth. If they didn’t want you to tell on them, they should not have acted the way they did in the first place. It’s not something I’ve been willing to do myself, but I think her perspective is worth considering.
This is so helpful! Thank you. And it sounds like your book will help lots of people, I don't think a writer can have a greater reward than that.
Welcome, Martina! I'm so glad you found us. Foster is an amazing book. I'm looking for that balance too. It's a tricky one.
Thank you, Anne, I'm so glad too! Yes, it is such a special book. May we all find the balance we seek.
I love this, Martina! I'll read for sure. My family is from Ireland, but immigrated here two generations ago.
Thanks so much Michelle! Ah, I should have known with a name like Dowd! You're going to love Foster.
New Orleans
Just started my own substack. Trying to write and make music while juggling motherhood with very young children
Last read class by Stephanie Land
Badass stuck to her plan to be a writer despite immense hardship, poverty, and the doubts and criticisms of others.
Welcome, Julie! I love your gloss on Stephanie Land!
Hola, easiest way to introduce myself is by inviting you to visit my web bessyreyna.com It has some bio and poems and general info about my workshops. I just finished reading Xochitil Gonzalez' ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST. It's brilliant!! inspired by the life and death of Ana Mendieta (was she murdered by her husband?) Some of my poems, short stories have been published in English and Spanish. I was an oped columnist for the Hartford Courant for almost 10 years (I was the liberal, feminist, controversial one. Some readers loved me and others wanted me fired)
Looking forward t reading more about the Audacious Women in this group. Thanks for accepting me.
Bessy Reyna
Welcome, Bessy! So glad to have you here!
Hi, hi! I’ve been following along for a couple of weeks and love the thoughts and chatter of this group so figured it’s time to introduce myself! I’m from Canada originally but moved to London a few weeks before Covid struck us all down - definitely a wild time to move to a new country and start a new business, but it forced me to accept just how resilient I am (and sure we all are!). Now after 20 years working like a mad woman in the corporate world, I quit! Haha. I’ve decided it’s time to take a break, reconnect with myself and invest in my own ideas and passions for a while. I have no idea where this will take me but I could not be more excited, for once, about embracing uncertainty. Game on!
With my new found time, I have been devouring books and finally started to spend more time developing my passion for art. (Check out my Substack Tuesday’s Hum which is me dipping a toe in the water and finding my voice). Most recent fiction books I’ve loved are Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and Animal by Lisa Taddeo. Non-fiction I would recommend The Third Perspective by Africa Brooks (a power house of a young woman). BUT the most enjoyable and inspiring is the Georgia O’Keefe biography I am in the midst of - a truly audacious woman, who put her art and her ideas before husbands, family and basically anything. To quote GOK, “I am frightened all the time. Scared to death. But I never let it stop me. Never! I want to hurry up and live fast - because I want to know - and the only way to find out is by living.”
So, finally, I've made it here. With so much online jargon it's easy to get overwhelmed, but I found su stack and you wonderful group of women. My name is Tempestt, like the storm, and Shakespeare, a whole story in itself. I live in Baja California sur, México w my husband and 1 son. After so long, what has just happened in US politics, oh yea, we're from the US, with a powerful, righteous, strong-voiced woman being nominated for presidency, I am gaining more hope. As a united nation, this could mean we could move forward, make progress in areas that matter ! I'm not the only one, right ladies?!
Of course, I have an amazing book that moved me while reading it and I still think of it everyday and in my writing: Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard. I received a degree in environmental science 10 years ago, so the science of her book made sense to me, but she also writes her personal story and about forest management and a strong need to get science and activism understood in an unwelcoming time. Thanks for listening, so looking forward to growing my community of friendly writers.
I'm just drawn to your lovely name, Tempestt! And I fancy that book so I shall seek it out, thank you for the recommendation.
Welcome, Tempestt!
If the society wasn't so awful we wouldn't have these problems, Laura Thompson's Substack pointed me towards you (her entries are some of those that I have most genuinely enjoyed on here) so I have finally gotten around to setting up a stack how I would like as opposed to however we all unfortunately get brow beaten on the internet. I live in Suffolk, England. As for other women's work - and what I would recommend, I have greatly enjoyed the Katherine May book 'Wintering' which I have been enjoying slowly right through my relocation and to the other side over the past few months. I especially enjoyed her reflections on the work of Lucy M. Boston who is a favourite author of mine.
Welcome, Ellis!
Thanks!
Hello! Anne's recent post describing living life from an inner compass resonated with me and the work I'm doing in the world. I live in Madison, WI and combine my many interests and passions as a pediatric sedation physician, clinician well-being advocate and coach, and emerging writer to bring forth my vision for a world that is built to foster vitality. I'm currently reading Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. I've loved listening to her on podcasts, and find that her way of seeing things creates more opening, possibility, and truth in my own experience. Her writing feels authentic, allowing you to connect with her deeply.
Hey Sarah! I love that you are on a mission to foster vitality in all the various channels you work in. What a beautiful mission. Adrienne Maree Brown is one of my favorite authors. I love her book, Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good.
Love this!
Halo everyone! I am Amber from Nebraska, USA -currently living and working in California. I am not sure how I found Anne's Audacious Substack, but I feel close to her experiences and why she left her home after reading how she quit her life.
I have been in my career as a construction worker for 27 years, and wrote a book about what it is like to be a female tradeswoman in American Manland. I am hoping that is the beginning of earning my way out. Trying to figure out the start of a Substack, but get caught up in reading everyone else's. Not reading a book currently, but writing another. When I'm finished, I will read again.
Hi Amber. I would love to hear more about your experience and learn about your book. I spent 20 years in project management and development, the last 10 years specifically working on sports facilities. I think your book could be a great read to share with female colleagues!
Hi Stephanie! Nice to meet another strong woman working in Manland, and sports facilities would be amazing. We need more management representation, that is for sure. I would love if you shared my book! (Am I allowed to say what it is on here?) It's called: American Manland -Rise of the TRADESWOMEN. I have it on Amazon & Kindle. I was asked to speak at the Women in Construction Conference in Arizona, which is scary and exciting at the same time.
Hello Anne and everyone! My name is Mackenzie and I write The Lovely Road here on Substack. I currently live in California but am living vicariously through Anne’s Substack and her travels 🥰 A book that I’ve read recently and loved was Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 📚
Welcome Mackenzie!
Hello to Anne and to all! I’m Jennifer from lovely city of Cleveland, OH. I think I found my way to your stack via Substack notes. I’ve been writing here for 1 1/2 year myself about grieving mindfully with intention as a newly bereaved mother. I’ve recently discovered the Motherpeace Tarot deck and have embarked on a deep study of this deck. I’m currently reading Motherpeace: A Way to the Goddess Through Myth Art and Tarot. Happy to be here 🌟
Hi Jennifer! I'm sorry for your loss. I, too, love tarot and have been doing it for many years. I also love the history and myth of the Goddess. I will check out Motherpeace; it seems it's right up my alley!
Welcome, Jennifer! So glad to have you.
Hi, I'm Kaarin and I live in Portland, Oregon. I found Audacious Women when I read Anne's post about quitting her life and it resonated with me because my husband and I did the same thing when we were trying to decide whether to go out separate ways. Instead, we quit our jobs and left home, backpacking around South America for 8 months to see if we could once again find the passion for each other and life. My substack is ALIFEUNPACKED -- I write about what I want to take with me and what I'll leave behind in the next act of life. You audacious women -- you are my people!!
A couple of women whose stories inspire me for their boldness, persistence, and unwillingness to give in to the opinions and agendas of others: Pam Houston's Deep Creek and Viola Davis' memoir, Finding Me.
That’s inspiring Kaarin! And I am a Viola Davis fan so I need to check out that book.
Lovely, Kaarin! So glad to have you here.
Hi! I'm Lisa, a Psychospiritual Counselor and Hand Analyst, who currently calls New York City home. I'm originally South African, but have lived in four different countries and seven US states at this point. I'm not sure if I consider myself a writer, perhaps more of storyteller with a message about healing and awakening...writing is just the medium. But, I am a writing enthusiast who loves to cheer on other writers, especially women...especially women over 40, who have so much wisdom and life experience to impart. Shout out to all the remarkable women here from all over the world!
Anne, I came across one of your posts on my feed and it caught my attention, so I dug a little deeper and decided this was definitely a place I'd like to hitch up for a while, because I can relate to so much of what you've shared.
The last book I read that stands out for audacity is The Starling House by Alix Harrow. This book is fantasy, which I started reading again during the pandemic and discovered that my favorite genre in childhood was a favorite for a reason...I have a very visually rich imagination that revels in fantasy. I read fiction and nonfiction in equal measure, but have really enjoyed a lot of fantasy in the last four years...perhaps as an antidote to the chaos of the world. I particularly like the complexity of Alix Harrow's heroines and storylines. My head sort of boggles at the undertaking of creating fantasy well.
If there's anything I've learned from life experience and amazing female writers, it's that life is far too precious and short to waste time worrying what others think and holding ourselves back from the next adventure. Every moment is sacred and must be seized!
Hi Lisa! So cool that you are a hand analyst. Is it like palm reading?
I loved this book, too! Her other books are similarly amazing
Welcome, Lisa!
Hello! I was writing an essay and needed to reward myself with a distraction - which used to be social media nonsense - but now is Substack. I write about the aging journey on my own Substack, so when I saw the title " Am I Too Old to Change My Life?" I immediately clicked on the link.
I live in the Pacific Northwest in the US, and thanks to menopause and midlife boredom at age 50, I traded my suburban life, academic advisor career, and professional clothing for garden tools, sweat pants, and life on five acres in the mountains. It's been an amazing adventure so far, but fifteen years later, at age 65, I am wondering if there is one more adventure left in me. I named my Substack Fifteen Years and Counting...because my mother died in 2021, one month shy of 81, and it felt like a brick had dropped into my lap. I realized I had about 15 "good" years to do everything I claimed was important to me. I am weary of the responsibilities of a homestead and want to pursue my creative desires—reading, writing, fiber art, and hiking.
I recently completed rereading If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie. She writes beautifully about the wasteland many of us wake up in daily. She shares her emotions and struggles with trying to make changes. She offers lessons about her "failures," which are the parts of the journey. She has pursued mythology and storytelling and encourages us to gather and share our stories. In her 60s, she has published five books - all about women and their lives.
Hi Sue, I too was living squirreled away in the most amazing land time forgot amongst beautiful hills for years, while there I bemae a private counsellor - I too was feeling like I'd forgot who I was too! I gave up on my dream of singer songwriter in a way? there was a bigger world out there - now rediscovering myself, music, again as we all do - do we ever stop? so sorry you lost your mum, it's a difficult time, it puts perspective into our own time - it's strange I lost my mum 10 years ago, yet it feels like she's within me - she is my biggest emotional supporter all the time, a special person! For me Julia Cameron is the goddess!
Hi Sue, I also live in the Pacific Northwest (Portland) and love hiking (check out my post on hiking up Mt. Defiance in the Gorge). But, more than that -- I love your "15 good years" concept. I have the exact same attitude. I'll check out Sharon Blackie's book and appreciate the recommendation.
Hi everyone! My name is Suzy Valtsioti. I was born in NY sixty and some odd summers ago and I have been living in Greece since 1986. I don't know if I am an artist who writes, or a writer who creates art...either way the artist and the writer in me is also a foodie/cook. Its been that way for as long as I remember...Im empty nested, (two wonderful sons) and I took off to begin my life anew. It was the most difficult and most challenging thing I could ever do...My life had been very oppressive for decades. I am married, second time around, to a wonderful man who has helped me claim my liberty. (The ultimate paradox of finally finding true freedom through a relationship). I found freedom! So I am finally finding my creative voice again! This is why I resonate and gravitate to the audacious bold and creative women. It is medicine for me. A once 'stifled' creative, a once 'stifled' academic, a once very 'stifled' woman, is now a woman who claimed her audacity, freeing up the creative drive and exploring my interests.
And that is why I am here!
Bravo to all women here!
I resonated with every Post, Anne and with every Comment I read, so I have difficulty choosing two to respond. This whole scene is 'medicinal' for me right now....I realize I 'overwrote' and spilled out tons - so to be quick and address the suggested points of mention - Arundhati Roy (God of Small Things), Laura Esquivel (Bread for Chocolate) not only for their impeccable writing but for their activism as well, and Frida Kahlo for her guts to be herself, despite the challenges. I am very grateful for the oppty to be a part of such a like minded yet diverse community of women who know the struggle of becoming 'audacious', savor their audacity and their creativity! You can all find me at The Rebellious Odyssey (rebelliouscook.substack.com)
Suzy, I love your spirit to begin anew! I've done it myself...more than once and I know the challenges of new places and people...and new parts within ourselves we give birth to in response to major changes.
In what part of Greece do you live? I lived on the island of Crete as a child...when I remember that time in my life I cherish it as a time of freedom and discovery. 💗
Hi Lisa, Nice to meet you!!!! Im so happy to find people who have 'been through it'!!! lol...we do 'give birth to new parts', that is so beautifully phrased!!! Im in the middle of those labor pains right now! You lived in Crete!! It is such a beautiful island. My family is originally from southern Greece, Lakonia, Ive lived there and in Athens for many years, and now Im in central Greece in Magnesia, in the city of Volos! There still is a sense of freedom here, like you mentioned about your time in Crete. That is what really drew me to Volos...I felt that sense of freedom to be oneself here a bit more pronounced than where I was living before.
It's a pleasure to meet you too! Oh those labor pains...I feel you. I feel like I've been going through them in some measure since perimenopause started six years ago; every day feels a bit embattled and I long for a time when I felt more at ease in my body and subsequently my life. I love that you're finding your creative voice again, especially in a place that resonates with the energy of freedom. The older I get, the more I relate to the idea of spaces and relationships that feel, as you astutely said, "medicinal." The relationships I have with the women in my life now, feel supportive in ways that are allowing all of us to be more audacious. I love that not only our creativity, but our lives can become more and more audacious. I think this has a lot to do with embodying our authenticity more and more as we get older and overcome the challenges of lives that felt oppressive. I look forward to you sharing more of your creative voice!
Thanks so much...I agree it is a question of recognizing our authenticity and embodying it. The oppression was so great I couldn't find the authenticity that was completely trampled on!...I wish for everyone to feel that freedom and to tune in to who they really are and to belt out every tune their heart sings in their new found 'creative voice'!...
Here's to a planet full of souls feeling that freedom and living their authenticity! 💓
Hear, hear!!!
Hello, everyone,
I'm writing from central Vermont, where I currently live, but I'm a Wyoming native, New York City transplant, and a graduate of an Australian university. I'm here because I'm smack in the center of Anne's demographic--early 50's, empty nest, single, in love with the world and its possibilities, and in no way interested in settling down and doing the same thing for the rest of my life.
I write about books on my own Substack "Survival by Book" so it's super hard to pick just one book by an audacious woman writer to recommend, but a couple that are coming to mind are "Western Lane" by Chetna Maroo (Booker list 2023) "Pearl" by Sian Hughes (also Booker 2023) and "Went to London, Took the Dog" by Nina Stibbes. Stibbes' book is closest to my own life--I loved the way she owned her own hesitation, fear, and worry---whilst doing something brave and bold by moving to London for a year in the middle of a marriage breakup and menopause. .
Hi Courtney! I'm a native Vermonter. I just left my home in Northern Vermont to travel through South America and am also "in love with the world and its possibilities..."
Welcome Courtney!
Bonjour, all!
I'm Rachel, a writer living in Paris, Pennsylvania born, French naturalized. I discovered Audacious Women searching for posts about Kay Boyle (thank you for the wonderful essay!) and found even more. Anne, I love the space you have created here, and I am really looking forward to reading your pieces straight from my inbox.
As for the book recommendation, I loved A Life of One's Own by Joanna Biggs. Biggs follows the lives of eight women writers throughout history and weaves in her own story in gorgeous prose.
Ooh that sounds like a really good book Rachel, thanks for the recommendation!
Hello Rachel—Always happy to meet another Kay Boyle fan!
Hello all, I am Nancy from Northern Michigan. I discovered Audacious Women by just scrolling through Substack and am glad I found you. Enjoy your writings. I don't have a book at the moment to recommend -- I have been keeping myself busy submitting short stories, flash fiction, and poetry as well as building my substack "One Story at a Time." I'm enjoying a great second chapter of my life with my new husband.
I live in the west of Ireland. Last book I read by an audacious woman was Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World by Perdita Finn who talks about communicating with the dead, interwoven with the story of her difficult relationship with her father.
Hello, I'm Deborah
The latest book I read was Real Americans by Rachel Khong. I loved it as it was a contemporary story set in locations I know well (the Pacific Northwest and the SF Bay Area) about a woman negotiating past and present, ancestry and tech to find her way.
I'm midstream of my life as a writer and songwriter, currently stretching myself by writing a musical. I'm buoyed and inspired by my creative peers and other women who are daring to navigate their lives by their art and intuition. When I saw another hero, Cheryl Strayed, recommend your Substack I took a look and signed on!
Hi Deborah,
So neat that you're attempting to write a musical. Do you like to sing? I imagine that as you write/tell the story, you come to the music and singing part and sing out loud or mouth the lyrics. Idk, seems like fun. I've always enjoyed the short times when I have performed, mostly in an all level singing class in college, I loved those times! Not that long ago! Do you have a title yet? Best of luck!
Hi Tempest! Thank you. Yes, I’m a singer-songwriter. I’ve been writing and performing original songs for a while but this is the first time I’ve attempted a musical and written for different characters. As such the songs have come first (and I’m aiming to have it be mostly sung through). It’s called ‘Flight Lessons’ and I’ve been performing it as a folk opera and I develop it. You can find out more here: https://deborahcrooks.com/flight-lessons
Love that idea of stretching yourself by writing a musical :-)
Welcome, Deborah! I think you must have seen Elizabeth Gilbert’s note, huh? Haven’t seen anything from Cheryl Strayed. (That would be too much good fortune.)
Maybe so! (though possibly Cheryl liked it?) Either way, I got here and I look forward to reading more. :)
Hi, I’m Iris. I’ve been searching for this space!!
The last book I read was by Ananya Roy. I live in the grandeur and grit of Oakland California. 3 years ago I extracted myself from a traditional marriage box, and now I’m on my aloneness I never wanted to face.
This part of my life is starting, slowly, to give me access to so many things I gave away- traveling, giving away money to people and spaces I care about (with no strings attached), and rediscovering the crafts I love and more. The thing I miss most is a community of like minded bold and brave women, which this Substack is helping with. If there are any women rediscovering and retaking their lives in the Bay Area, I’d love to meet in person. With appreciation, irisstarr@gmail.com
Hi Iris, your message really spoke to me, I think because I was remembering today the fear of leaving my child's father long ago, and the fact that my child is now grown, and moving out in the next week or two. I have had long stretches without him, and feel totally prepared for a solitary life, a home for one (plus two dogs!). I just wanted to share with you that I have never known myself as deeply, or fulfilled myself as richly, as when I was totally alone. It's a slow process, but little by little you fill your life in a more purposeful, curated way, just for you, and it becomes truly beautiful. I crave my time alone, even though I mostly am. I hope you find the community of strong women you seek, and I am wishing you good things.
Hi Iris! It’s wonderful to have you here! Thank you for sharing your story. It’s hard to jump into the unknown alone. But sometimes it’s necessary. And there are some silver linings.
Hello I live in Scotland, Fife to be exact. I saw this page as a recommendation and the latest picture drew me in. I write when I can and when I do I feel more audacious more like myself. I loved Ghost in The Throat which was audacious in its introspection and obsession.
So glad to have you here, Priya!
Hello! My name is Katrina, I live in Los Angeles, and would highly recommend "Tell Me An Ending" by Jo Harkin. I really enjoy multi-POV storytelling, such as Elizabeth Wetmore's "Valentine." I love seeing more women write about speculative fiction, plus Harkin is a UK writer and I always, always miss the UK. I write a Substack called "LA Woman - Chasing the Dream At 50" and I have a novel out on submission (fingers crossed).
Welcome, Katrina! And good luck! 🤞
Hello team! I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota and left a 26 year career in higher education last November. There were lots of reasons I walked away but having more time and energy to write was one of them. At first I was afraid that no one would read what I wrote (still am.) Then I was afraid that someone would read what I wrote (this is still true, too.) As a way to tackle those psychology gymnastics I decided to put some of my writing on the interwebs, Substack seemed as good a place as any.
I still don't know how the algorithms work but I found the Two Years Ago I Quit My Lift post on Audacious Women yesterday and connected immediately. When I quit my job I assumed I would work full time again, and now I'm not so sure. Then finding another post about Muriel Rukeyser let me know I was in the right place. I loved her writing when I was in college, and haven't gone back until now. Recovering some of the creative spark I had as a younger person is part of my work right now, and Rukeyser is a path to do that.
What I'm reading: I'm in the middle of I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself, a novel by Marisa Crane who is a more modern version of audacious than I typically read. I'm loving it for its exposition of the main character's inner life and its sci-fi elements.
Great recommendation, Elaine! Will have to check out "Exoskeletons." Thank you!
Now I’m going to read the exoskeleton book! Thank you for recommending. I’m a newbie to this Substack, finding great things!
Hi! I'm Rosie, I'm from Dublin Ireland but I have lived in Italy for 6 years.
I nearly always worked for myself -I did a journalism course (no one in my family went to college - it was only for protestants according to my dad!), I set up The Big issues in Ireland 30 years ago, left after 8 years and set up a natural health magazine which was one of the most stressful periods of my life. Ran a PR firm and then a destination wedding planning business. This allowed me to travel to Italy lots and I eventually moved here with my husband and teenage kids. When Covid hit Italy all our weddings were cancelled or postponed overnight, so I started a humorous blog about living in Italy, to keep my spirits up and do what I always wanted to do but never gave myself the time to do; write.
We had just bought a derelict villa in Umbria by Lake Trasimeno, so I continued the blog about buying and renovating the villa. The blogs developed into books and by book 3 I was earning enough from my self-published books to give up wedding planning and be a full-time author. I am now writing book 6 in the series (A Rosie Life In Italy), I've also dabbled in cozy mystery and rom-coms.
Sourcebooks bought the rights to book 1 in the series and it will be published in the States in October. From this I've got an agent and a women's fiction book I wrote this year is now out on submission to publishers.
We've finished renovating the house so I am hoping to open it in 2025 as a safe, homely place for creative women solo travellers to come and stay for a week or couple of months if they wish. I also run writing retreats twice a year in Tuscany.
I had a thriving Facebook author page and enjoyed chatting with my readers on there, but it got hacked a month ago and wiped off the cyber planet. That is how I found Substack while looking for a like-minded community and a safer way to communicate online.
Sorry for such a long 'about me' post!
I just finished 'I Feel Bad About My Neck' by Nora Ephron. And 'The Years' by Annie Ernaux. Both short reads but great examples of how to do memoir differently.
Hi Rosie, I'm Irish, too, from down south, and make my living as an Italian translator! I lived in Florence for a month about 15 years ago, doing a fresco-painting course (that's how I ended up starting to learn the language), so the thought of returning to Tuscany for a writing retreat sounds out of this world. Fingers crossed, one day. Your story is inspiring, I will keep plugging away at my writing dreams.
Wow a fresco painting course in Florence! That was a cool introduction to Italy and could be such a great basis for a plot to so many genres - thiller, mystery, romance - same with working as a translator - so much material to work with. AND you could write off any trips to Italy as work trips as you'd have to go a lot for research purposes. ;) Hope to see you in Italy soon. x
So many great ideas, thanks so much! And I hope that too :) Un abbraccio.
hi Rosie, from the other side of Ireland. Loved reading your writing journey and congratulations on becoming a full time writer.
Thanks Ane, lovely to meet you!
Hi Rosie, I love reading how one thing led to another for you. Congrats on a living an interesting life! Sorry to hear about the demise of your FB author page, I hope this platform proves to be just as engaging.
Thanks Elaine, it's definitely been interesting! I think Anne's writing attracts a lot of similar mindsets so I'm looking forward to meeting people here :)
Welcome Rosie!!
I reside in the beauty and sunshine (and sometimes hurricanes)
of Florida, USA.
Today, while scrolling Substack, I tripped over Audacious Women, Creative Lives and the article, Two Years Ago I Quit my Life.
Stories of women of strength who live creative lives just pulled me
right in. I am looking forward to exploring more.
I grappled with the word audacious and discovered the discussion where others did as well…I am still digesting that feast.
I don’t have a book to recommend, but there is a writer here on
Substack that knocks my socks off.
Andrea Gibson’s Things That Don’t Suck
It is truly a deep dive.
I look forward to engaging in what looks like lively, respectful, and
interesting discussions.
Welcome, Nancy!
Hi Audacious women,
What a wonderful cohort to be joining!
I'm living in my native land, Ireland, but spent thirty wonderful years in the USA. Since childhood I've been reading like a fiend which has gotten me through some very choppy waters.
I particularly love fiction with an historical flavor but also read anything and everything except science fiction.
Recently I am becoming more serious about my own writing. I've had a novel swirling around in my head for about twelve years and might actually begin the process of making it a reality.
I work in the healing arts and teach earth based spirituality and healing.
Hello Another Irish Woman. Books, the great companion. Don't know if you have read Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic book but I found myself thinking of how a project she had kept putting off landed with Ann Patchett...maybe you need to bring your book into Earth :-)
Hi Anne!
I have not read that book but I'll put it on the list. Do you mean Anne Patchett ended up writing the project she kept putting off?
Are you in Ireland? 💚
Yep, I am in ireland (on the west coast). #SpoilerAlert. Elizabeth Gilbert had a very specific idea for a novel which she kept putting off writing. THEN she finds out that Ann Patchett had (quite independently) published a novel using that very same idea.
Thanks Anne. Yes, gotta get writing. I'm in the west too, but not on the coast. Carrick on Shannon. 😊
A very pretty town indeed. I am in Galway (way out in the shticks :-)
Lovely! The west is so gorgeous.
Hello fellow Irish woman!
I'd say it was fun in the States for 30 years with the name Siobhan. :D I have a passion fiction project I work on every now and again about women healers in Ireland and Italy in the 17th century. It's my way of keeping old ways and the ancient wisdom of women alive. Good to meet you. :)
Hi Rosie,
I love the sound of your project- what a fascinating subject.
I took a look at your bio and see you live in Italy- how fabulous!
Yes, having an Irish name and accent was a lot of fun in the US, but with occasional downsides too. People remember you 😉😂
I live in Italy. I couldn't take the Irish weather anymore! 😂
I hear you! I find it rough myself. 😉
Hi, I am Eleanor Murphy. I live in Virginia. Retired from the Federal Government. I am an avid reader and I also have tried my hand at writing. I love romance, suspense, and thrillers. Last summer I had the pleasure to spend for the first time three months in France. I toured a bit, Italy, Switzerland. Look forward to Audacious women.
Welcome, Eleanor! So happy to have you here!
Like you, I just quit my tenured, full professor gig! I’m European-born, American-living (Durango, CO) and interested in what this next chapter of life will be. I’m good with not knowing. And know some bits too — about what I want to do, be a part of, but not how I’ll earn money doing this.
I bought 4-acres of land with five buildings (in the Four Corners region of Colorado) with the aim to write there. Then realized it wasn’t a space for just me, but many. It’s set up now to welcome folks. The kitchen is well stocked, because like you, I think this is essential for folks who come for a week or 3-months to cook good meals and create community as they write. I also have gone back to school for an MTS, a Master’s in Theological Studies (my PhD is in ecology). Love how interconnected these two fields are.
I just returned from time in Central Europe. Books I read there are all by male authors, chosen because of their relevance to where I was. The Volunteer by Jack Fairweather is incredible. The story of an audacious Pole who volunteered to enter Auschwitz and lead a resistance movement. Lessons he learned about care, connection, service.
Hi Heidi. I love your story! I recently just quit my longtime corporate gig to go “into the wind”. First stop was a women’s retreat centre in Greece where I am spending a month swimming, reading, writing and star gazing. I wish you luck with your endeavour. Sounds like a dream. Let us all know how to find you! :)
Enjoy Greece. Sounds amazing. Websites coming soon www.earththeology.org and www.heidisteltzer.com. Third resident is at the center this week!
I have a lot of friends and colleagues in Denver so I will pass this on to them!
Hi Heidi, I also have a Masters in Theology! What school did you attend? I love that you are good with "not knowing." I've learned late in life to embrace uncertainty and trust that I have the resilience and resourcefulness to overcome any challenge that comes my way.
I’m still in school for the MTS at the Iliff school of Theology in Denver. Where did you go? And if ok to ask, how have you found ways to offer theological thinking in your work?
Hi Heidi, I went to Div School at the University of Chicago. While I haven't incorporated a theological bent into my substack, I do have a few chapters that touch upon it in the book I'm writing. It's tricky isn't it? But, so meaningful and resonant when done well.
What a wonderful idea! Putting your place on my list of possibilities!
Love the Four Corner area - your place sounds heavenly!
Hi Heidi! You are doing a bold thing. I’ll be back in the US after July 20. Might you be open to talking about your project and my possible participation? Iris Starr, Bay Area California. Irisstarr@gmail.com. Thanks!
I just sent an email. Glad to be connected.
Congrats Heidi! I admire your action to set up a space to write and make it a space for community. I'm already dreaming of visiting sometime!
Hope so!
Hi Heidi--Your new place sounds amazing! I'd love to set up something similar someday. And I love that you are going back to school. What a tremendous gift a second life is!
Hello! My name is Susan Evangelista. I am an expat American, living in Palawan in the Philippines, where I originally served as a Peace Corps volunteer all these many years ago!! (60!!) I raised a family here, taught English and Creative Writing, started a nonprofit focussed on reproductive health — and finally retired! Now I’m trying to focus on my own writing!
I love Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, as I guess everyone does, but I love her expansive view of what Creativity
Is! !
Yes! And how you can make your life itself a creative act.
Kia ora tatou,
1. My name is Kim Slemint and I live in Te Tai Tokerau, New Zealand. I am a kiwi poet, short story writer. I am also a registered nurse.
2. Inspired by Anne’s journey and the women who were brave enough to tell their stories in the comments section. I was meant to wake up and read this today. Thank you all so much.
3. Atlas of the heart, Brene Brown
4. I love both science and creativity - so there are many moments of resonance in Brene’s book. We can understand where we are going when we understand where we came from.
So happy to have you here, kotare! And what a great recommendation!
Hello!
1) I live in Southeast Ohio, and have just left by tenured position at a small liberal arts college.
2) "Audacious Women, Creative Lives" came to my attention through a Substack recommendation and the post "Two Years Ago I Quit My Life." The title drew me in, and the post spoke to me on so many levels regarding the burnout, the yearn to write and travel, and the trade offs that accompany major life changes. But then I saw that Anne Boyd Rioux was the author and that women writers are a focus. I confess to fangirling, as I consult your scholarship often, Anne, and nerded out about the Purdue connection. Without Cheryl Oreovicz's Early American Lit class as a Masters Student, I would never have known about women writers or periodical studies (to think I tried to get out of taking that class!)
3 and 4) I can't decide on which book by audacious women to write about so I'll do both that are on my mind. The first is called "The Memoir of Zulma Marache," by a woman who was seduced, abused, and forced to terminate her pregnancy. The "Memoir" is (I think) her story as first relayed to a lawyer, and was published in 1844 in a New York City Newspaper. I've worked with this text for years and have recently published on it, and the fact that it exists is remarkable. But more remarkable is that it doesn't even begin to capture the whole story of a woman who sought legal counsel, sued her fiancee for breach of promise to marry, testified against him in an abortion trial, and went on to marry and have several children and live a life beyond what the newspaper accounts and "Memoir" indicate.
The second book is much more current: Rachel Held Evans' "Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering her Head, and Calling her Husband 'Master.'" I cannot even begin to describe it, except that it is a hilarious and thought-provoking account of trying to live by the "rules" established for women in the Bible. Evans consults long-established theologians through her wit and excellent research. Audacious is the only word for it.
I am Looking forward to reading about, and engaging with, more audacious women on this forum!
I have a good friend who recently left a tenured position at a local University. So proud of her -- and of all of you. Sounds like you could form a support group -- oh wait! That's what Anne is creating right here. right now. Yay!
Yes! All of a sudden I am finding so many people in similar situations. There's definitely a new subgenre of memoir emerging!
The mind definitely does boggle at some of what goes on in all of our lives. I have been so enriched by the internet it is hard to accept the negatives of it but they are definitely there. "The Memoir" sounds brilliant and it only goes to prove that the more it changes the more it stays the same - I speak to some extent from personal experience, unfortunately.
I too just left my tenured gig. Looking forward to being connected with others who have braved this leap too! I’m really curious about the second book. And will get it. I started a theology degree last fall (so can’t say I’ve left academia) and took my first course in Bible this winter. I’m exploring lots through this. Including new ways to understand this text and land into transformation not subjugation.
Wow--so glad to have you here Nicole! Welcome to life outside of academia! I'm so glad you found me. :)
My name is Marion Gibbon. I live in France and work in Birmingham in the UK. I came across your post in Substack and it took my fancy. I feel I am an audacious woman and have a creative life, that includes dancing, writing and painting. My work as a consultant in public health is creative too. It fulfils my desire to help improve the lives of others.
The last book I read by an audacious women was that of Bernardine Evaristo. She has written a book called the “Manifesto of Never Giving Up. She was the first black woman to win the Booker Prize. This book tells more of how she came to live an audacious life from a childhood where she faced significant racism, to a life where she took risks, rebelled, experimented and finally found her unique, creative voice.
I have also published a book called the “Feminine Face of Embodied Leadership: Blossoming into a new way of being, aligning and becoming”. It was a fascinating process that also tells you about further audacious women! I want to write more and share my creativity with others.
It definitely it worth not giving up in a world that seemingly would be only too happy if we did. Love the 'Feminine Face'! 📚
Marion, your book sounds wonderful! We need lots and lots of feminine embodied leadership in the world...I will have to check it out.
Congratulations on your book, Marion! I know how the journey can be; I have a novel out on submission. Fingers crossed!! And nice to meet you here.
Hi, Marion. I appreciate your expansive view of creativity and the different ways it manifests in public health and leadership, as well as the creative arts.
Welcome, Marion! It’s lovely to have you here. :)
Hi, y'all! I'm Leslie-Anne and (1) I'm located in New Harmony, Indiana, a charming spiritual small town on along the Wabash River. My partner & I live here part-time and part-time in our camper van. If we're not in New Harmony, we gravitate towards Western North Carolina, Northern Michigan (in the Summer), and every once in awhile we venture out west.
(2) I am here by happenstance - Anne, I saw your most recent post on life updates and resonated very much with your alternative lifestyle and the cost of freedom you expressed.
(3) A book by an audacious woman write I've recently read ... I believe it was Emily Henry's latest book and 4) I loved it because it allowed me to have FUN. I realize as the years tick by, fun is something that has become somewhat elusive. I've been more intentional about inviting fun into my life and was grateful to simply enjoy a book for the sake of enjoyment.
Glad to be here with y'all! :)
The cost of freedom was an idea that caught my attention, too. I'm excited to follow your nomadic adventures!
Thank you so much, Elaine! I look forward to following your writing, too! 😃🙏
Welcome!
Bit late to the party, but I am sure there is still bubbling aftermath...since Anne has so eloquently and invitingly created a place to land for some REAL STUFF. Even with it being on the SOCIAL SPEDIA MAP. I'm performer/author and love and need comedy. I live in San Francisco, born here. I Stumbled upon Audacious Women through my scramblings through the substack maze. Whenever I see the word WOMAN, I'm in.
Your phrase "love and need comedy" caught my eye... :-)
Are you a comedienne as well? SHARE!
wonderful! two great words: LOVE & COMEDY bring it on!
Hi, Laura. I am also late to the party--but I am so glad we have both found it despite or because of the "maze."
we are teetering with the next step….and it turns into a dance ~
Glad to have you here!
Audacious Group
I am a great supporter and admirer of audacious women. I was married to one for 54 years. She was a marvelous companion and force for calm in a troubled world. She kept me from self destruction. I have been wandering since April meeting with everyone that knew her and celebrating her life. Every decent thing I am I owe to her.
In my working life as a soldier and business executive I was always able to recognize and promote audacious women. As horrific as our world can be, it would be far worse without you.
Since the first time I read “Wild Geese” out loud to my partner I have kept Mary Jane Oliver’s works on my iPad. She and dozens of others keep me buoyant. Mieko Kawakami, “Breasts and Eggs” is my current read. She takes me completely out of what I might appear to be in the mirror and puts me in an unexpected viewing point, like when a person suddenly steps out of the forest and sees the Grand Canyon.
I am going to wander for the foreseeable future. Friends have encouraged me to write and I’m doing that. Travel commentary mostly for now but little pieces based on my travels where I fantasize about who might have joined me for travel or just lunch and stories I recall boring people in bars with. I hope you can read some and feel free to comment when my 60’s perspectives cross more contemporary lines. I am blessed with two audacious women who have considerable experience editing and publishing that care enough to help. I have no professional aspirations but only to share to some few that might find something in the musings.
I don’t want to contaminate the pool of the good works of audacious women but to support you with love and encouragement.
I’ll be in Spain the rest of July, Andorra all of August avoiding Schengen days and off to Italy and Greece for September. Always happy to share a meal if any of you are ever within a day’s travel.
Good luck, stay random, go down some rocky paths, but not at night.
Jeffery
We're always grateful for the support. Thank you!
Hello! I have just stumbled upon your Substack, Annie, and a post which completely resonates with me as another burnt-out educator who left home (UK) to settle in Portugal, but with my husband and spaniel, so my new life is not itinerant as yours is, but still much of what you wrote about concepts of freedom - and just what the hell I'm trying to get out of this! - have really struck a chord. I'm new to writing on Substack but my orientations are definitely towards a) navigating this post-career change (instead of flat-out retiring!) and b) sharing observations on life and culture here in Portugal as I encounter it.
Plus I'm also an English Literature teacher with a research masters in the work of an incredibly audacious woman with a creative life - Lady Mary Wortley Montagu who wrote about her time travelling to and in Turkey with her ambassador husband in the early 1700s. She was also Alexander Pope's wet dream (sorry!) and when she finally had to rebuff him in no uncertain terms, wow, did he get his revenge!
I've always championed women's writing and other forms of output, artistic, cultural, scientific, political. All is creative in its own way. Being here, connecting with others, finding that camaraderie that powered the early female pioneers is still around, is very exciting.
Thank you for having me here 😊
I was in Faro Portugal a month or two ago for a women's retreat. A lot of the women on it were expats living in Lisbon. There seems to be a huge expat community there. I love the camaraderie that develops when a group of women get together either online or in person at retreats or meet ups. :)
There’s an incredibly active, supportive international group in Porto, too. But equally I’ve never been in an online space like this before where genuine camaraderie, as you say, seems to spring up daily. When the world feels like it’s going to hell in a handcart, this at least gives you hope 😍
I spent a month living in Porto during COVID. Absolutely loved it. And, you're right -- a space like this gives hope.
I too! Have left the professor life and am exploring what next. I’ll continue to live in SW Colorado, where I’m creating a retreat center. Hoping to do this some, write, travel & speak on relationship as central to addressing environmental issues. Relationship to all (think people and planet) and All (however one experiences the Divine).
Sounds amazing - really inspiring! 😊
Thank you, Michelle, for joining us! Your previous work sounds fascinating. And I look forward to hearing more about your post-education life in Portugal. Finding this camaraderie is amazing, and I'm so grateful for people like you and your words of encouragement!!
Hi, Anne! I'm in ABQ, NM and am in the beginning stages of creating my Substack and stumbled upon yours. I am already inspired by your audacious and creative life :) and see connections between what I hope to explore (and live) in my newsletter with your experiences here. I can't pick just one book but here are three that I read recently and recommend: Love Me Tender by Constance Debre; Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous; Body Work by Melissa Febos.
Hi Michelle! It’s lovely to meet you. Love Body Work! I’ll have to check out these others. Thank you for sharing!
I’m late to the party, here to sing the praises of audacious journalist Nan Robertson—
Pulitzer prizewinner, lifelong shit disturber and author of the 1992 classic THE GIRLS IN THE BALCONY: MEN, WOMEN AND THE NEW YORK TIMES. Through devastating anecdotes and vivid prose, Robertson documents the systemic gender discrimination that infested the American newspaper of record from its earliest days, when rival papers employed intrepid women reporters but the Times froze them out. The saga culminates in an epochal sex discrimination case that exposed the paper’s betrayal of its liberal values. Unforgettable characters leap from the pages, each one an unsung warrior for women’s equality. Robertson, who died some years ago, was an unstoppable force, the survivor of severe alcoholism and a near-fatal bout with toxic shock syndrome, which led to the amputation of all her fingertips and forced her to learn to type all over again. Splendidly done, grippingly told.
Wow--sounds amazing! And an important story. Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Thank you so much for introducing yourself, Janet! It’s wonderful to have you here. 😊
Hi everyone,
What an awesome community Anne is putting together.
Where in the world I am is in a college town in the middle of Missouri, where I am a producer/professor working in public radio and journalism.
My first connection with Anne was from reading and reviewing her wonderful book "Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy," which was inspiring.
My reading and writing on audacious women is usually about one of the most Audacious of all, Jane Austen, and I do a Substack on the badassery of Austen and the connections to her work, from Mary Wollstonecraft, the Romantics, and Shakespeare to contemporary romcoms and retellings.
Looking forward to the community and conversations here! -Janet
Hi Janet, just subscribed to The Austen Connection! Thank you!!
Oh how lovely - thank you! Yours looks amazing too, I'll return the subscribe! 🎉🌷
Hi Anne & everyone here, enjoying all your interesting comments & reading recommendations and being part of this great community. Here's my tuppence worth. 1. I live in Cambridge, UK and write a Substack about the women who had the audacity to come here, back in the 1870s and 1880s, to get access to a university education. It wasn't easy for them or for the women who came after them, but they never gave up - and I am very grateful for that, having followed in their footsteps to embark on my PhD here almost 100 years later. 2. Just discovered that I first heard Anne speaking at the brilliant Biographers Without Borders (organized by BIO) symposium in Oxford in 2016. She & other speakers were an inspiration at around the time I was starting my own biographical research. So I was thrilled to discover her Substack this year. 3. and 4. The last book I read by/about an audacious woman was one I've just reviewed for the TLS, namely a memoir called Better Broken Than New by the Anglo-Guyanese writer Lisa St Aubin de Terán. At first I didn't like it - too rambling, too diffuse - but as I read more I couldn't help admiring her courage, honesty and zest for life, wherever it takes her.
Hi Ann, just subscribed to Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society and am looking forward to reading! Thanks!
Hi Rachel, great to meet you and thanks for getting in touch! Just about to reply to your email. Thank you for subscribing (& I love Anne Boyd's posts AND comments section).
Thank you so much, Ann, for sharing! This is all fascinating. I’m so glad we’ve connected on Substack and I’ve so enjoyed your newsletter. How cool that you were at the Biography symposium at Oxford in 2016! I wish we had met then. But hopefully we will in the future. I’ll look for your TLS review. Sounds quite interesting.
Good to connect here, Anne and perhaps there’ll be a Substack biographers convention one of these days!
1. North Carolina (but really a NYer.)
2. I have three good NF books to share.
3. The Tomboy Bride, Harriet Bachus Fish (life in a 19th c mining town); Ninth Street Women; Mary Gabriel (5 modern artists in NYC); and My Life in France, Julia Child (self-explanatory memoir)
Hi Marjorie--and welcome! So glad to have you here. These are fabulous reading suggestions! I'd love to read My Life in France sometime. I loved Julie and Julia and the HBO miniseries. Julia Child was a wonderfully audacious woman! I don't know the other women, although I've heard of the artists. I look forward to learning more about them.
I would say the women in Ninth Street Women are crazy-audacious! But then again, Harriet was beyond-gutsy too. All three are really great reads.
By the way, I knew Julie Powell personally when I lived in NYC. I even cooked she and her husband Eric dinner once.
Oh! So, not Chicago. I went to college in Evanston many years ago.