Weekend Writing: Influential Quotes from Women Writers

"While there are 'women writers,' there are not, and have never been, 'men writers.' This is an empty category, a class without specimens; for the noun 'writer' -- the very verb 'writing' -- always implies masculinity." - Joyce Carol Oates

March is celebrated as Women's History Month. It's a month dedicated to highlighting the contributions of women to events in history. There are many influential women throughout history, including:

• Rosa Parks
• Anne Frank
• Marie Curie 
• Harriet Tubman 
• Princess Diana 
• Mother Teresa
• Oprah Winfrey
• Susan B. Anthony
• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Florence Nightingale
• Helen Keller
• Lucille Ball
• Mary Tyler Moore
• Frida Kahlo
• Katherine Johnson
• Sally Ride
• Coco Chanel
• Clara Barton
• Sandra Day O'Connor

(photo/Daily Express)

The list could go on and on, but I have probably listed enough for this little place on the Internet I call my "diary." Today, March 8, is International Women's Day--a day to remember the beautiful women in our lives. It's a day to rejoice in women's rights and how far we have come in society. But in many areas, there is still so much to be done to empower women across the globe. 

Today's blog post is devoted to the women writers who have influenced generations of writers and readers. These women have celebrated the good and bad--the pretty and the ugly. They reflect on the troubling situations facing their society, as well as reflect on reasons for rejoicing. They write about what we need to read, and they will always, always, always have an important place in literary history. Women have a voice and no one can take that away from them. 

But most importantly, these women writers showed me that I, too, can be a writer. I, too, have a voice, and I better use it. 

For the purpose of this post, I created graphic designs honoring these influential women writers and a significant quote from their writing that highlights their important voice. Read these quotes. Share them with your friends. Use these as inspiration for your life. 

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Don't these quotes make you feel more empowered? Women writers of the past wrote about what it was like to be a woman during their time, but their writing is still influential in 2020. Today's writers are still reflecting on similar topics. We can still turn to these writers and learn from their messages. Don't give up. Don't let anyone take away your voice. We are beautiful in every way. 

Celebrate these women writers this month. And, to all of my fellow women writers out there, keep writing. We need your writing. Who knows, someone might include you in a blog post like this one someday in the future. Wouldn't that be amazing? 

Keep writing. We need you so much. 

-KJL-