ABSTRACT

The Way of the Woman Writer, Second Edition continues the work of the inspirational original, offering guidance to women who wish to document their lives in writing. More a template than a how-to manual, this insightful book addresses the concerns, needs, and issues of women writers (both aspiring and experienced), concentrating on the internal process of putting thought to paper, including new chapters on the creative process and the ethics and integrity of writing. The author, Dr. Janet Lynn Roseman, offers writing exercises in women's autobiography that draw on the significant rhythms of a woman's life, utilizing visualization and meditation techniques to amplify the inner writing voice.

From the author: "What strikes me in re-examining the text of this book is just how timeless the subject of chronicling women's lives is. When we pass down our stories and share them with family and friends, we provide future generations with the opportunity to not only understand the lives of each woman, but we are able to gain insight into their unique experiences."

The Way of the Woman Writer, Second Edition includes new writing samples and new chapters on:

  • “The Creative Spirit,” which presents a seven-step guide to the creative process-ritual, surrender, silence, waiting, trust, recognition, and distance
  • “The Ethics and Integrity of Writing,” which addresses the discipline and courage a writer needs when dealing with the effects of her autobiographical “truths” on others
The Way of the Woman Writer, Second Edition is an essential resource for creative writing courses, oral history courses, writer's workshops, and women's studies programs, and an invaluable guide for any woman who wishes to tell her story.

chapter 1|3 pages

The Alchemy of the Writing Process

chapter 2|8 pages

The Creative Spirit

chapter 3|4 pages

On Writing Women's Autobiography

chapter 4|7 pages

In the Habit of Writing

chapter 5|8 pages

A Roommf One's Own

chapter 6|19 pages

Creating Personal Power Shields

chapter 7|6 pages

A Woman's Ritual

chapter 8|8 pages

Writing a Woman's Life: Trust versus Fear

chapter 10|15 pages

Special People in a Woman's Life

chapter 11|10 pages

Reclaiming Our Feminine Bodies

chapter 12|14 pages

Passages in a Woman's Life

chapter 13|13 pages

Spiritual Moments in a Woman's Life

chapter 14|7 pages

Listening to Your Writer's Voice

chapter 15|3 pages

On Ethics and Integrity