Women Writers That Inspire Me

I talked about my literary influences in the past, but all of them were men so I wanted to include some women authors who equally inspire me.

These women (The Brontë sisters, Mary Shelley, and Jane Austen) wrote influential and classic pieces of literature. I haven't read everything that they have written (it's a goal of mine to read more), but I am familiar with their work.

I am also familiar with their personal histories, which is why I listed out some quick facts about them so that you all can get to know them too. Each of these women that inspire me faced hardship as they tried to get their works published, and the facts below reveal how a woman's ability to write has been discredited again and again throughout history.

The Brontë Sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne

Courtesy of irishtimes.com

"He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." -Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

1. Their most notable works are Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë.

2. Originally, The Brontë sisters all published under male pseudonyms (Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell) because it was difficult to get anyone to accept their works as women.

3. A volume of poetry was the first piece of literature the Brontë sisters published under their pseudonyms. It only sold two copies. However, they persisted and found success with their novels.

Mary Shelley

Courtesy of britannica.com

"I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel." -Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

1. Her most notable work is Frankenstein.

2. Frankenstein is sometimes attributed to Mary Shelley's husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, instead of her because it is said he collaborated with her on the work.

3. Mary Shelley is considered the mother of science fiction because her work explored the major themes of the genre and popularized them during the 19th century.

Jane Austen

Courtesy of goodreads.com

"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any." -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

1. Her most notable works are Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion.

2. Originally, Jane Austen had to publish her books anonymously since writing was not considered a fit activity for women.

3. Hardly any biographical information remains about Jane Austen. It is said that she wrote almost 3,000 letters, yet only 161 survive because her sister burned many of them.