Let's make fiction a fact

This is one of the hardest posts I've ever had to write. I just finished watching Miss Representation. I have so much to say, so much to think about, and honestly, the last thing I want to do is write this blog. My first instinct actually is to run to my latest Fifties Chix manuscript and check in with Bev, Maxine, Judy, Mary and Ann. I want to gather them in a group hug and tell them they are doing good things. I want to stay up late with them and talk about their hopes and dreams and ask them how they will take what they've learned with them back to the 1950s and make a difference. I want to ask them what it is they would each say if only the world would listen for a minute. I want their story to be your story, her story, his story. I want to tell them that they are not alone; that everyone is trying to figure out their place and how they can best contribute. I want to assure them that just because they are girls doesn't mean boys don't want to read about their victories, too. I want to tell them they aren't an alien species, their stories are just as valid as if they were the gun totin' Fifties Dudes, Bob, James, Conrad, Gary and Danny.

I want to tell Bev that of course she can play baseball with the boys and earn a living playing a sport;

I want to tell Maxine that we've made great strides with the civil rights and women's movement and of course she can be President if she wants to;

I want to tell Judy that there are certainly a multitude of wonderful film roles for women and as a talented actress, she can have her pick;

I want to tell Mary that she doesn't have to be the perfect homemaker to "deserve" a loving family–that bringing her amazing self to the table is enough;

and I want to tell Ann that she has a voice as an artist–that she will be noticed and heard for the soulful language she speaks on canvas and not just for her size and looks.

I want to tell them all these things and I can…because I write fiction. But the more we read, watch, create, magnify, celebrate the potential of girls, the less these things will be fiction, the stronger will be our women, the better our men, the safer our children and the more stable and progressive and productive our society will be. "You can't be what you can't see."

Here's to creating our story and helping it come true.

Much Love,