So Long As You Write: Women on Writing

by Kerry Ryan, Luan Goldie, Sara Jafari

Why do you write? To record, to discover, to escape, to create? To spend time in another world, or to delve more deeply into your own?
Whatever the reason, and however you write, when women put pen to paper, it is a way of sharing our words in a world that often tells us our stories aren’t worth being told.

In So Long As You Write, fifteen women writers explore what happens when we give ourselves this space. Whether it’s the joy of opening a new notebook or the thrill of a new idea, or the self-doubt and uncertainty that those things can bring, you’ll find stories about stubborn characters, poems that grapple with the potential of a blank page, and essays celebrating the special connection forged through writing communities.

This collection of fiction, non-fiction and poetry also includes advice and encouragement for writers of all kinds. Edited by Kerry Ryan, founder of Write Like a Grrrl and Dear Damsels contributor, and featuring essays from Luan Goldie, Marianne Tatepo, Jane Claire Bradley and Sara Jafari, it is the perfect place to turn for a reminder that it doesn’t matter who is reading it – so long as you write.

162 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2022

Reviews

[Salomée Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every writer should have this book on their shelves. A great companion and reminder that your voice matters and that you should pick up a pen and never stop writing ❤️ loved every single piece.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm one of the contributing authors, so naturally biased.
When I was first informed by Dear Damsels that my poem would be included in this collection, I was excited and proud. But now that I have finished the book, I am truly humbled and moved.
As suggested in the intro by Kerry Ryan, I will keep this book close to me at all times, for comfort, encouragement, insight, and some well grounded no-nonsense advice.
It is a perfect mix of relatable and inspiring, of rational and empathetic. It will be helpful to everyone pursuing a passion (not just writing, although it is about writing) and experiencing all the emotions that come with it.

[SarahLouise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I needed to read today when I felt listless and worried and blank and "what's the point" and "I can't do it anyway." I bought this on pre-order, read the first chapter as soon as it arrived and then saved it for a rainy day, and I'm so glad I did. I'll be revisiting SLAYW often.

Highly, highly recommend for anyone who wants to write or be creative and brave in any way. Inspiring.

[Felicity · Rating 2 out of 5]

This slim volume is more of a comfort read than a useful guide to overcoming writer’s block. It offers many anecdotes, much soul-searching and well-intentioned expressions of sympathy and support for the unproductive writer but, with a few notable exceptions, little practical advice. The unnamed critic of the ‘inner critic’ — all self-doubting writers know who she is — recalls one popular writer’s practice of ‘us[ing] her pages to engage in a direct dialogue with her wise, compassionate self’, which is fine if you want to indulge in self-affirmation. Some thirty years ago I took a compulsory course in giving and taking criticism, since when I have come to recognise the value of listening to constructive criticism from self and others. The point is not to like what you hear but to respond to it creatively.

[Alex Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading So Long as You Write and couldn’t help thinking about how important it is to find a good support system when working on your own writing projects. Writing alone can be challenging, and sometimes you just need a bit of guidance. Personally, Writing reports always stressed me out until I discovered https://www.nursingpaper.com/nursing-...
. Their writers create structured and professional reports with accurate patient data and proper terminology. The feedback I got from my tutor was all positive — especially about the report’s organization. I’ll definitely use them again for future assignments.

[Michelle Marre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading So Long as You Write and couldn’t help thinking about how important it is to find a good support system when working on your own writing projects. Writing alone can be challenging, and sometimes you just need a bit of guidance. Personally, I’ve relied on Royal Writer
https://royalwriter.co.uk/ to help me polish my drafts, and it’s been a game changer. They offer professional feedback that really helps improve clarity and flow. For anyone trying to take their writing seriously, having access to this kind of resource is invaluable.

[Holly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly inspiring, I keep it on my desk to flick through as my own personal cheerleaders. So hard to distill what it is like to be a woman writing in the modern day, to keep writing when it is such a solitary process (or percieved to be). The voices of the community that we need to keep going, keep writing.

I interviewed Dear Damsels creators in September about the inspiration behind this book. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gIc...

[Evelyn Kenrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was a wonderful collection of inspiring and beautiful writing that makes me want to write again! I really enjoyed looking at silencing the inner critic and perfectionism which are clear problems I see in my writing and self-belief. I found a few bits a bit overly dramatic and didn’t really align with some of my political viewpoints, but other than that very helpful, thank-you xx

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this to show support but when I opened and started reading it spoke to my soul! These pieces are all stunning. If you're a writer or any kind of creative then you will 100% feel boosted and soothed reading this. It's a reminder that your voice matters. I know I'll keep coming back to it time and again. Also, the design and type setting is so pretty too.

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The right book at the right time - I just wish there had been more nonfiction. The poetry and the fiction are fine, but if the ethos of the book is to encourage and inspire the writers who do read it, my preference would be for essays, not poems. But that's mainly because poetry makes me feel dumb.

[Nicolarowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and would recommend both this and Kerry’s course if you’re keen to write or have any interest in the art of writing. A truly delicious selection of prose, poetry and essays on the craft of writing.

[Laura Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring. A must for all women writers.

[Madeline Pratley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read, not only to make you want to write, but to feel spurred on by these women’s stories and voices.

[Clobolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book about writing I’ve read! I’m going to keep it on my desk to flick through the pages when I need someone to tell me I can do this!