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A STUDY OF WOMEN WRITERS
Join me - Books available for purchase at the bottom of page.
A STUDY...
One of my goals for 2018 is to read more. But I don't want to read for entertainment value alone. I want to get up close and personal with books & the (female) writers who wrote them. I chose the women whose work I will study this year very carefully and am so excited for this adventure! Join me.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to explore the titles I have read and will read throughout 2018.
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JANUARY - JANE AUSTEN
During the month of January I will be studying the incredible work by the one and only Jane Austen. My personal favorite story of hers is Sense & Sensibility and I can't wait to start the year off with the Dashwoods. Throughout the month I will read as much of her work as I can, read up on her personal life, & watch as many movies & miniseries as possible - time permitting. Join me & follow my progress on my blog.
FEBRUARY - BRENÉ BROWN
Brené Brown is known for her study and in-depth look on vulnerability, shame, and acceptance. I sort of read her work backwards, starting with Braving the Wilderness then going to Daring Greatly, then The Gifts of Imperfection. I also watched as many of her TED talks, interviews, etc. as I had time for. You can find one of my favorites by clicking here.
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APRIL - RAINBOW ROWELL
I'm so excited to jump into the books of Rainbow Rowell this month. Attachments is one of my favorites so I plan to read it again along with Fangirl, Eleanor & Park, and any others I can make time for.
Rainbow's characters talk a lot (which I looooove). I think that's why I can read her work so quickly. I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful woman writer at an event she did in Arizona and it sort of set the pace for me daring to publish my first novel.
More on that event can be found here.
I chose her as my April Study because of her fast-paced storytelling and because of the young, fresh energy her books offer.
JUNE - ANNIE DILLARD
Annie Dillard was one of the first female authors I read that really connected me to nature. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek blew my mind as a young girl setting off to college. The work felt so deep and meaningful. I'm excited to be reading her work again this month.
Along with An American Childhood and the above mentioned, I will also thumb through her advise to writers in The Writing Life.
You can purchase Three by Annie Dillard which contains them all!
Dillard has such a way with words and painting such detailed pictures for the reader. I am sure I'll want to read by a creek in the mountains or in the backyard as the sun sets just to set the mood.
Join in. Click below and order now.
SEPTEMBER- VIRGINIA WOOLF
Virginia Woolf was a deeply complex woman.
I have chosen to study her work this year for a few different reasons but the main reason is the way in which she looked at life. She studied the shadows, she listened to the voiced in her head, and she wrote about the darkness.
I have purchased a complete works compilation and have so far started Mrs. Dalloway, The Waves, The Years, and have also enjoyed reading her articles.
Many characters. Many thoughts.
Join me and explore the world as seen by
Virginia Woolf.
NOVEMBER- ANNE FRANK
A trip to the Anne Frank house in 2017 left me in a puddle of tears. I have known her story for years, but walking through the museum in Amsterdam was hauntingly touching. I cried as a writer, reading her quotes along the walls of the home. "I can shake off everything if I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn." I was touched as a mother, thinking about raising a young girl in those horrific circumstances. Thinking back on my own youth brought me to tears as well, imagining a young Dana having to be as brave as Anne was. I hold a special reverence for her.
I will be reading The Diary of Anne Frank, which I purchased in the Anne Frank house that day and hold very close to my heart.
MARCH - THE BRONTË SISTERS
This month I will be reading the romantic, dreamy, moody work written by Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. While I am familiar with the Charlotte and Emily, I have yet to read anything by Anne so I am excited for this month of reading.
Reading along with me? Let me know via Instagram - @danahewittwrites
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MAY- MAYA ANGELOU
It makes sense to read nothing but Maya Angelou through the month of May!
This month I'll be reading
The Heart of a Woman, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, and Letter to My Daughter.
I will also be researching as much about her personal life as possible. I've always loved the wisdom that Maya Angelou held and so appreciate her bravery, poise, and the love she shared through her words.
For updates stay tuned and follow by blog.
JULY + AUGUST - L.M. MONTGOMERY
(Due to summer life, two months with this next beauty)
Lucy Maud Montgomery, as you know, wrote the classic series that begins with
Anne of Green Gables.
I love the idea of reading this book in July. Summers have always felt like a return to childhood and Anne of Green Gables was a big part of my childhood.
I look forward to studying this work, reading up on Montgomery's life, and relaxing as I sink into it all. Summer can be a crazy time! I will most likely be listening to the book thanks to audible.com.
Perfectly timed, Netflix has also come out with Season 2 of Anne With an E which my daughter and I love to binge on.
Join in and enjoy the simple life on Prince Edward Island with a not-so-simple girl.
OCTOBER- ALICE HOFFMAN
My choice for October was an easy one.
Every October I watch the movie
Practical Magic as many times as possible. It is (and has been forever) in my top ten list of favorite movies. But...I have never read the book!
I purchased a copy and as soon as it arrived I started devouring the pages. Hoffman's writing is beautiful, addicting, and very entertaining. The book is very different from the movie, which I'll admit I am partial to, but it's such a creative story.
Did you know there's another book that covers the same characters? It's called The Rules of Magic and has been added to my TBR list!
I also own a copy of The Dove Keepers which I hope to one day finish. As you can see - I'm a Hoffman fan!
DECEMBER - LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
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Another favorite of mine is Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. I love reading this book as December comes into view. This year my life is really busy with a move during the holidays but I will do my best to reread this warm, familiar, lovely book.
I am also going to research a little bit about Louisa's personal life. I hope to learn more about her
Stories about this time of year are hard to read any other time of year! But when the mood is right, I can't get enough.
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READ ALONG WITH ME
Click on the books below and join me in my Study of Women Writers.