We Are Literate Women
As an avid reader, you might think that writing may come naturally to me. I mean, I graduated with a B.A. in English Writing, but my college major choice and career journey is the topic for another blog.
My words feel a little forced. Writing book reviews on Instagram, or a life update behind the pretense of an Instagram reel that has an inspiring message weaved into the audio feels safer.
This feels… exposed. Uncomfortable, isn’t the word. Fearful. Naked, giving a speech to my high school class. It leaves me with the dread that if I let the world know any of my truths from the sheer, plain, and unvarnished truth of my words… it might be “too much”. But here we go.
I want to practice sharing. I’ve never been one to step on the podium or shout from the rooftops. I’m more of a quiet confidence and "less is more” person.
It doesn’t always come off this way I’ve learned. It can seem closed off, quiet, arrogant, shy. You name it, I’ve been called it. At times, it has been shocking. To me, the quietness I sometimes yield is space to not tread on others, or because I was preoccupied with my thoughts. Or I simply thought I was being polite not saying anything. I am not immune to that wonderful woman gene of not wanting to be “too loud” or “too much”.
All I can say is, I’m stepping away from that. I will always do my best to speak (and write) with purpose and intention. And in my ethos, I remain a less is more kind of girl but I want to expand how I reach others.
I also want to embrace more of what Literate Women stands for. She reads, she writes, she embraces community, and she takes up space. So hi, here I am. Here I am starting up the blog space (feeling a tad self-conscious).
Ultimately, this blog is for all Literate Women. On the blog, you can expect a few different things. Such as excerpts from various stories written over the past few years, thoughts and pieces regarding any books or book-related conversations that may not make it to the podcast or Instagram page, and topics from real life aimed to connect with the Literate Women community.
Fair warning, I’m rusty. But I hope my brushing off some dust inspires you, and that the blog grows to serve in some way.
XOXO, B.
