March is Women’s History Month, so what better time to celebrate a few of the female voices that have shaped the literary world? These six (though there are many more) women writers challenged cultural expectations, expanded the boundaries of literature, and paved the way for future generations of writers.
Each of them left behind invaluable lessons about writing, creativity, courage, and what it means to be a minority navigating the literary world. Whatever you’re working on—a novel, poetry, a memoir, or a devotional—take a moment to learn from the greats! Here are six lessons from six extraordinary women.
1. Mary Shelley: Do Something Different
At just 18, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, a novel that would define science fiction. She blended gothic horror, philosophy, and science with revolutionary storytelling. Her lesson? You’re allowed to do something unexpected! Take risks and explore the unknown. Some of the best stories come from stepping outside the box.
Shelley’s work reminds us, too, that inspiration can come from anywhere, like history, science, philosophy, and religion. Don’t be afraid to embrace curiosity and let your imagination shape your work.
2. Jane Austen: Develop Your Characters
Have you ever wondered what makes Jane Austen so great? Personally, I think it’s all about her characters. Austen could capture the intricacies of human relationships and social structures without being heavy-handed. She wrote characters that feel real. They have strengths, flaws, and contradictions. Today, we can learn from her precision—how to say a lot with very little. By focusing on dialogue, mannerisms, and subtext, you can create engaging characters that pull readers into a complex world.
Beyond fiction, Austen proves that writing doesn’t need to be over-the-top dramatic to be impactful. There’s power in nuance, wit, and the simple moments of everyday life.
3. Toni Morrison: Say Something Important
Toni Morrison used her novels, like Beloved, Song of Solomon, and more, to explore race, history, and identity with poetic depth. For her, literature was an act of truth-telling.
Her work encourages us to confront the difficult topics head-on. Every story matters, especially those that have been historically overlooked. Morrison would encourage you to fill the gaps in literature with your own voice. Write something important and do it from a place of conviction.
4. Virginia Woolf: Make Space for Creativity
In A Room of One’s Own, Woolf argued that women need both literal and figurative space to create. Her writing tip? Prioritize your art, whether that’s carving out time in a busy schedule or setting up a dedicated writing space. Your creative instincts can only grow if you make room for it!
Beyond physical space, Woolf wrote about the need for intellectual freedom. As a writer, try to guard your creative time, even when you have external expectations weighing on you. If you give your art the space to flourish, it will.
5. Sylvia Plath: Embrace Vulnerability
Sylvia Plath’s poetry and The Bell Jar are important explorations of mental health, identity, and womanhood, and she wrote with raw honesty. Her work proves that vulnerability is one of our most powerful tools in writing. The more authentic your story, the more deeply it will resonate with a reader.
Whether through poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, embracing emotion can make your writing more meaningful.
6. Louisa May Alcott: Use Your Own Experiences
Louisa May Alcott infused Little Women with her own life experiences, which created a deeply personal, yet universally relatable, story. Today, I think she’d tell you that you can find stories worth telling in your own life. You can transform even your most ordinary moments into compelling narratives.
Her struggles, like poverty, war, personal sacrifice, became the heart of her novel. She reminds us that authenticity is key. Draw from your personal experiences and observe your world closely.
These six writers proved that good writing often involves taking risks, telling the truth, and staying committed. Their lessons are simple but powerful: push yourself creatively and write with purpose.
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