(This is the first post in what I’m hoping will be an irregular series. …An irregular series of dialogue pieces, not of conversations with this man.) Setting A cab, driving into Melbourne Characters Cab driver: 50s; Greek-Australian accent – aka incomprehensible Me: late 20s, new to the country, not pregnant – Cab driver: So, do … Continue reading »
Category Archives: Women
Sexpot, Bitch, Sweet Mom, or Dead: Why Flawed Female Characters Matter
I’ve recently entered a writing exchange with my talented friend Allison, who works mostly in fiction. We’ve been friends for years but never thought of partnering to critique each other’s work. I knew she was gifted, but I never thought I’d be refreshing my inbox, hoping to see her name there with another amazing short … Continue reading »
How Changing Our Names Changed Us
Recently my husband announced that he’s changing his last name – or at least the one he uses publicly – by adding my maiden name of Castle. Here’s his Facebook announcement: I wanted to let you know that I’ll be changing my public/professional last name to Castle Miller. I wanted a name that reflects a … Continue reading »
The Kind of Word a Woman Would Use
There are a few types of contests I won’t enter. One of the worst: Contests for “women’s voices.” Now I’m the first to acknowledge that over the years women have been oppressed, marginalized and underrepresented. I’m sure it’s mostly appropriate to have opportunities that build women up and honor their literary achievements. But a woman’s … Continue reading »