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About WFW


WDBestWebIconWomen’s Fiction Writers has been named one of Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites for Writers AGAIN!

Women’s Fiction Writers is a place for writers of women’s fiction to connect.

We might love chick lit, but we don’t write it. We might love romance, but we don’t write that either.  Same goes for zombies and vampires.  We write extraordinary yet realistic characters in realistic and extraordinary situations.  If our main characters have love interests, it’s a bonus.

In our books, as in all books, the main character’s journey leads to an ultimate goal.

But in our books — the main character saves herself.

I’ve been writing women’s fiction since 2007 and had not come upon a genre-specific group that met my needs.  So like my main characters, I figured I’d just have to make it happen myself.

Oh, and here we focus mainly on traditionally published authors and their traditionally published books — being it large, medium, small or e-publisher — if you have been published by someone else(not yourself) — email me about being interviewed. Check the list of participating authors, you’ll be in great company!  If you’re self-published, consider writing a craft post as a way to be featured.

Either way, we’re all after the same thing…great women’s fiction with all its permutations and detours, with its touches of romance, magic, literary prose or humor — or anything else!

Welcome!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beautiful and fun new site, Amy! Very excited.

    And this part really resounded with me, must keep it in mind: But in our books — the main character saves herself.

    Reply

  2. Hi Amy! This is a great site. I write women’s fiction too. The authors I love most address real women’s issues while still being funny, like Marian Keyes and Jennifer Weiner. I’m rewriting my manuscript right now (again!) and have been working on it for two years. But I hope to finish and begin the agent search again very soon. Nice to meet you =)

    Reply

    • Hi Meredith!

      Good luck with your latest revisions. I’m in revision mode too — and hope to get the whole thing back to my agent by the end of April. Or May.

      So I know how you feel!!

      Welcome!
      Amy

      Reply

  6. Amy! I love your new site! This is awesome, and the sentence about women saving themselves…love love love that. It actually just drove home something I have to do in my current new wip. This is a fantastic place, like finding a wonderful old chair and a quilt and curling up with some spiced tea. I’ll be back!

    Reply

    • Are you chomping ice too?It’s called PICA and it is a deficiency, usually B vitamins, folate, and feritin. I have a friend who actually kept a pile of “clean” dirt for her to eat when she was pregnant. Best Wishes in the coming days and welcoming your new son.

      Reply

    • I'm not gonna fight you on that. I agree. 100% No… 500%. Calm blueocean is what's needed.So… how do I get from here to there?And, no, I really don't keep my phone handy all the time. It's closeby in case I need it, yes. But lately I've been either turning thesound off or burying it so deep in a bag that it may as well be off.And I'm okay with that. I need to be less connected and lessavailable. It's bringing me one step closer to calm blue ocean.On Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM,

      Reply

    • I would like to see the tricky little ways to make blocks and/or tops in easier ways than they initially look — like strip piecing then cutting into blocks rather than cutting and sewing individual blocks.

      Reply

    • Sara – Good to know you think I am normal I agree that it is all about the connections forged and friendships fostered and that these things should be the focus. One question: How do I learn how to stop sweating the small stuff (literally and metaphorically)?

      Reply

  7. Love this, Amy! So happy to have found this site and community! I write women’s fiction as well, so really looking forward to hanging out here with these ladies.

    Reply

  8. Thanks for kick-starting this blog… and what a great genre that needs so many more resources. I’ll be visiting often. Good luck with this.

    Reply

  12. Hi– This site/blog is GREAT! I’m so glad I found it.

    “I’ve been writing women’s fiction for about four years now and have not come upon a genre-specific group that meets my needs. So like my main characters, I figured I’d just have to make it happen myself.”

    LOVE THIS! I feel the same way. I started writing women’s fiction not quite a year ago, and I have many, many wonderful writer friends who write romance and paranormal romance. But I’ve yet to come across a community that fits so perfectly with the market I’m currently targeted.

    Thank you so much for this blog!

    sincerely
    tina

    Reply

  13. Love this blog! I’m a newbie women’s fiction writer, so much of the information here interests to me. Thanks for creating this!

    Reply

    • Camille,

      I think I remember you from Backspace, yes? no? Welcome! I hope you’ll chime in – and maybe do an interview or guest post if you’re interested. I think I also remember you have a book coming out!

      All the best,
      Amy

      Reply

      • Hi all,

        Love your space here….just stumbled upon it. Women that save themselves…all of our heroines do that….and how many times have we dont that ourselves?
        Thanks for being here as I research my first born.

        Kathryn A.

        Reply

  15. Thanks to Jennifer Willis for tweeting about this site. I publish Susan Barnett’s fiction. She is the host of 51%, the Women’s Perspective on NPR, and author of a short story collection called “The View From Outside.”

    Do you have an RSS feed?

    Good luck,
    Rick Tannenbaum

    Reply

  16. Amy,
    I just discovered your blog — love it!!
    So glad there’s a place out here just for women’s fiction ;).
    Adding you to my blog roll right now!
    ~Marilyn

    Reply

  17. Hello,

    I was so thrilled to find this website specifically geared towards women’s fiction. I’m a newbie when it comes to writing fiction, as well as a late bloomer who’s currently pushing 50. My grad degree genre was in poetry, but I later discovered how much I wanted to write my novel.

    I absolutely love your comment on not being able to find a genre-specific group and just making it happen. Wow, women writers are so innovative -aren’t we?

    I’m looking forward to connecting with others here and hope there is room for one more. It’s nice to be in like-minded company.

    Cheers,
    Kathryn

    Reply

  18. Love it, love it, love it! That’s exactly how I feel, although I did publish a chick lit and a romance. But my true writing self is women’s fiction, with my own twist.

    Reply

  19. Thank you for your dedication to this, Amy.
    Any advice on finding a mentor for my writing? My novel Broad Street Goddesses has been revised and revised again. Just when I thought it was perfect I recieved my first rejection from an agent with some helpful tips on pumping it up. My friends, quite honestly, have had thier belly full of my requests for help, especially after the third revision. I think they feel they’re legally required to love, Love, LOVE my book, so they have no criticism for me.

    Thanks in advance for your help
    DeAnna Carol Williams

    Reply

  20. Hi Amy,
    I came upon your site when I googled women’s fiction writing groups. I am looking to start/join a critique group for women writing Women’s Fiction. The group i’m in now has writers who are penning all sorts of work and I really would like to work with a group who is focused on Women’s Fiction. I have found lots of romance groups but nothing for WF.

    Any ideas on how to connect to a genre specific group?
    My email is Cerrissakim@gmail.com if anyone is interested and wants to contact me directly.
    Thanks so much and great site!!
    Cerrissa

    Reply

  21. What a treasure of a blog to find!!

    When people ask what genre my novel falls into I used to always stammer trying to find an answer.

    Suspense? Yeah there’s suspense and an element of mystery but it’s more about the female protagonist’s journey.
    Romance? Sure, there’s some of that as well but that’s not the focus.
    Paranormal? No. Well, there’s this game with goddesses and monsters.
    Adventure. Lots of that but …
    Chicklit? Not really. Okay, there’s a little bit about fashion and the main charachters are in their twenties, and there’s some pop culture references but Kate really doesn’t like to wear high heels.

    and on and on

    I liked the definition above “In our books, as in all books, the main character’s journey leads to an ultimate goal. But in our books — the main character saves herself.”

    Yea!!! Now I know what to say.

    Reply

  23. Yair…hello folks, are blokes allowed on here? I am an old(ish) Australian bushman working on a hundred thousand word work of contemporary Australian Outback Women’s fiction…written in the first person from the male perspective.

    ….uumm does that sound reasonable?

    Reply

  24. HI, I like your blog a lot! I write Regency historical romance for St. Martin’s Press, and I have to say that I’ve found that in the romances of at least the past decade, the female protagonist saves herself, too. Only then can she make a true love connection. So the idea of the empowered woman is not limited to women’s fiction. I also see it in a lot of chick lit.

    Ladies, let it be said that women are taking care of business across MANY genres!!!

    And yay for that.

    :>)

    Reply

  25. I am so glad that I found this blog! I am in the beginning stages of writing my first women’s fiction novel. Actually, this is my very first time writing a novel period. So I’m very excited about stumbling upon your site while searching for information about women’s fiction. I’ll be a regular reader. 🙂

    Reply

  26. I wish I had found this site months ago when I started the querying process! I didn’t really know what genre my work was – it had elements of fantasy, but wasn’t fantasy; had elements of romance, but wasn’t a romance. You describe it so well – it’s women’s literature! Thank you for this site! It’s wonderful!

    Reply

  27. Hi. I’m new to this site (as of this morning) and had put my Women’s Fiction stories from Europe on the shelf in order to finish a Romantic Suspense. Now I’m ready to bring back the women. I loved reading that a woman’s ultimate goal is save herself. A question though. How far does/can the romance go in Women’s Fiction? For sure no spicy love scenes right?
    Thank you for this site. I will be a faithful follower.
    Kay

    Reply

    • Look into Mary Mackey and Rowena Williamson. Mary was one of my CW professors at Sac State – her many historical fictions are so well researched, and characters so convincing, it leaves you thinking, this has GOT to be a biography. Same thing with Rowena’s work. She’s fairly new on the published writer scene, but there’s more coming in the form of sequels. Check them out – you won’t be sorry!

      Reply

  29. Such fun. I followed a link — don’t we love links that point us to new friends? — from Writer Unboxed on Facebook and found this delightful blog. I write WF from a sailor’s perspective, but I’m also an acquiring editor for an indie press–tradional, not self–which means, I’m always looking for quality fiction that fits into our guidelines. (She rubs her palms together and grins.)

    Reply

  30. After reading this I will get the piles of papers down from the shelf & begin to finish the stories I started about seven women from seven different countries who meet by chance one
    day.
    Happy writing.
    CK

    Reply

  31. I’ve written my first novel, currently on Amazon Kindle and book form called A WINTER DANDELION. It’s definately Contemporary Women’s Fiction. It’s doing very well and I have an agent reading it now. I’m happy to have found this site and excited to meet other indie writers. Thanks so much for helping us all connect!

    Reply

  32. I found you through Andrea Hurst who will be doing an interview with you on her blog: Andrea Hurst Literay Management. This is a wonderful new site and from the response you are getting, it looks like you have already created what the genre requires: women saving themselves. Well Done and best wishes on this new endeavor. May it live long and inspire many.

    Reply

    • AH! I received your email before seeing your comments. I was confused because WFW is about 14 months old, so to me, it’s not new anymore. But I understand it’s new to you! I’m happy to look at info about any WF authors – just send me the links and I’ll poke around on the author’s website and see if it’s a good fit. Thanks for chiming in, and welcome!!

      ~ Amy 🙂

      Reply

  33. “In our books, as in all books, the main character’s journey leads to an ultimate goal.

    “But in our books — the main character saves herself.”

    You bet. : ) LOVE this! : )

    Reply

  34. I am new to this wonderful writing world. I have a completed MS. Yes, I believe it is women’s fiction, but I am so confused and wonder and hope that I fit in somewhere that is willing to represent me!!! I took a handful of years to put my ‘baby’ on paper and have lived with my characters all the while! Now it seems that I am nervous, anxious, petrified, all of the emotional stuff, that goes along with trying to find an agent or publisher! I know of other authors who have self-published their work and have fallen short of their expectations. I like the idea that women’s fiction somehow reveals the main character saving themselves in the end. Just wish someone would throw this dog a bone and give me a shot!! Tell me what I NEED to hear, not what I WANT to hear!! That’s the hardest thing to say, because it may not be good news in the end. So I hope this is still an active blog. Oh, this is my very first time replying to a blog, too. So advice, inspriation, help, I’m open to it all!
    With every good wish, I am,
    B.R.Dunkelman

    Reply

  35. I have been lurking for a short while on your wonderful website, Amy, and I send kudos your way for founding it. I am currently working on my first novel (which, incidentally, fits your WFW’s description, ha) so WFW has been a great and inspiring resource for me. I love reading other writers’ stories — as in their biographies and also excerpts of their work. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  36. Great site, Amy. Too many stories still require the female lead to be “saved” by someone else. It’s annoying. I write about “kick butt heroines,” because, let’s face it. they are much more interesting and I can identify with them. Thanks for hosting the site.

    Reply

  38. FAB post on Susan Wiggs. Know her…GREAT lady! I am excited to find this site. I just completed my first novel which has been professionally edited. Now to publish it…find an agent, self pub/e-pub? Not sure!

    Reply

      • Hi Amy!
        Thanks for the warm welcome:o) I am at the point of choosing a publisher foir my Forever One and it is a daunting process. Any recommendations for contemporary single title romance?

        Reply

      • Hey Ginny! I only have experience with agents and traditional publishers, because that was the route I chose – it was best for me. I know if you’re looking for a small or e-publisher that there are many out there — you might want to peruse the archives because many of the WFW guests had e-publishers or small presses.

        Reply

  39. “Hey” Ginny? Are you from the south, Amy? My heritage is and I graduated from a university down south and southerners say “Hey” instead of HI! :o))
    I would love to go the more traditional route of pubbing /agents if I could find an agent who woud accept me!

    Reply

  40. I had no idea that I had a genre! I write women’s fiction. I thought that the only place for my work was under the category of literary fiction. You have written a beautiful definition. Is it beautiful to me because it includes me? Maybe. In any case, you have made me happy with your blog and I will return.

    Reply

  41. Hi Amy! So happy that I clicked on that link and found your site! I’m rewriting my historical novel-length manuscript (women’s fiction) and I’m still in love with my heroine(s)! Praying that this is my/her year 🙂 All the best to you, can’t wait to read your novel when it comes out~ Congrats!

    Reply

  43. I’ve just decided to self-publish my women’s fiction and love the idea of a blog devoted to it. I’m writing about women in their late fifties instead of ingenues in NYC. What depth of wisdom and knowledge we–and our characters–have gained and can share!

    Reply

  44. Hi Amy,
    I have been followin WFW for quite a fdw months now and have to tell you how much I enjoy it. I belong to a great writers group here on Marco Island, FL, but no one else is writing women’s fiction except me… so I come to this blog for my women’s fiction boost. Thanks

    Reply

    • Thank you, Joanne! That means so much to me—and to all the authors who come out to play here. Hope you’ll keep coming back. And of course, keep writing!

      Amy 🙂

      Reply

    • Hi, I am in Naples and would love to email or meet up sometime. I signed up on your blog and wanted to let you know. I’ve been writing a book for three years and I hope to switch over to word press.org shortly. At this point technology is taking too much time. I am writing women’s fiction too. I’m here most of the year, just have to see the children and their children every now and then. ML

      Reply

  46. Hello. I’m so glad I “stumbled” upon your blog. I am motivated after reading each interview. I think I’ve found my home. I’m writing my first novel and have been greatly aided by the info shared by my sister writers. Thanks for being there.

    Reply

  47. Hi, Amy! Just finished Glass Wives—loved it!!! Also, thanks to this site and your recommendation, I picked up a copy of The Repeat Year. Can’t wait to get to the end!!!! Kelly

    Reply

  48. Hi Amy, I just bought The Glass Wives for my Kindle and am excited to read it. I’m currently writing a fiction novel and have struggled with pinning it into a genre … thanks to you, I’ve found it. The book will be published early next year, it’s titled “Family Focus” and fits perfectly into the Women’s Fiction category. Thanks, I’ve also subscribed to your blog on email and will follow you and the others here. You made my day! Kathy Lapeyre

    Reply

  51. Delighted by your opening thoughts! Since I specialize in looking for real people behind iconic myths, I also don’t fall into chick litor thriller or romance–though my best known works are The Guinevere Trilogy published by Sourcebooks. Am looking forward to following you in the future.

    Reply

  53. Dear Amy, What a pleasure to find your blog. I translate Italian women’s fiction into English and am thrilled to find a blog that helps me feel the pulse among readers on your side of the ocean. WFW is on my “favorites” list starting today!

    Reply

  54. I found you as a reference on another org site. I have been writing and as so many of your blog members I could not find a category that fit my stories. I am so glad to find someone that feels like you do about traditional publishing. Many have encouraged me to self-publish but I just in the back of my mind felt what was best for me was traditional. I’ll be keeping a close watch on this blog. I have a finished MS but I’ve already found several things I want/need to change to bring more clearly the Main character is saving herself. Thanks so much for being here.

    Reply

  55. I heard you speak a few times at the James River Writers Conference. I was excited to learn about your blog and am enjoying perusing it. Thank for putting it together and coming to the conference.

    Reply

  57. Hi Amy,
    Congratulation on your new novel.
    I am a presenter of a podcast called The Book Podcast – talking to Australian Women Writers. I cover all genres but it women here in Australia just love women’s fiction. Happy to follow you and let my listeners know about any fantastic new novels from USA.
    Rosemary Puddy
    thebookpodcast.com

    Reply

  58. Greetings, I found your site on the Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writes and thought I might reach out to see if you’d be willing to host me for a guest interview or article?

    To tell you a little bit about our literary agency, which closes more deals for authors than any other agency worldwide: tridentmediagroup.com

    Trident Media Group (TMG) is a prominent literary agency located in New York City that originally formed in 2000. TMG represents over 1,000 bestselling and emerging authors in a range of genres of fiction and nonfiction, many of whom have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers Lists and have won major awards and prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the P.E.N. Faulkner Award, the P.E.N. Hemingway Award, The Booker Prize, and the L.A. Times Book Award, among others. TMG is one of the world’s leading, largest and most diversified literary agencies.

    For more than ten consecutive years, TMG continues to rank number one for sales according to publishersmarketplace.com in North America. TMG is the only U.S. literary agency to consistently be in the top ten in both UK fiction and UK non-fiction and has ranked as highly as number one in UK fiction deals.

    And to tell you a bit about me: Mark Gottlieb attended Emerson College and was President of its Publishing Club, establishing the Wilde Press. After graduating with a degree in writing, literature & publishing, he began his career with Penguin’s VP. Mark’s first position at Publishers Marketplace’s #1-ranked literary agency, Trident Media Group, was in foreign rights. Mark was EA to Trident’s Chairman and ran the Audio Department. Mark is currently working with his own client list, helping to manage and grow author careers with the unique resources available to Trident. He has ranked #1 among Literary Agents on publishersmarketplace.com in Overall Deals and other categories. http://www.tridentmediagroup.com/agents/mark-gottlieb

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    All the best,

    Mark

    Mark Gottlieb
    Literary Agent
    Trident Media Group, LLC
    41 Madison Avenue, Floor 36
    New York, NY 10010
    (212) 333-1506
    tridentmediagroup.com

    Reply

  61. I have recently dropped my debut novel called ‘Negative Intimacy’ and was hoping you would be able to complete a review/blog on it? My website http://www.negativeintimacy.com

    Preview:
    Negative Intimacy is a domestic thriller / suspense, the first in a trilogy. Ariel, the protagonist, was unlucky in love until she met Dante. She thinks she’s hit the jackpot, but when they get married and have a child, Dante reveals himself to be an intruder of epic proportions. What follows is a story of Ariel fighting for her freedom and the custody of her child, only to be let down by the Judicial System, police, experts and loved ones.

    Negative Intimacy is an intriguing story that touches on current issues relating to domestic abuse, coercive control and just how difficult it can be to escape. It’s a story that can help educate readers, and potentially even help those being abused to stand up and fight.

    Please let me know if you are interested.

    Reply

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