But, it’s still Women’s History Month!
With that in mind, I would like to discuss one aspect of Sensitivity/Authenticity Reading that I could read for, and that is reading for women’s experiences.
In particular, the experiences that I grew up with, as a member of Generation X.
This particular generation of women — and I mean any women’s experience including LGBTQ+ — grew up in a particular set of circumstances.
The times in which we grew up were… interesting.
I mean, the 70s could be considered chaotic, subversive, and full of change. Women’s Lib and all of that. Roe v. Wade. It was certainly an experience seeing so much change as a child.
But it was also chaotic in other ways for a lot of girls and women. There were a lot of mixed messages, especially in the media, in the late 70s and early 80s. It was so much like that soliloquy in Barbie I keep hearing about (no, I haven’t seen the movie yet. But I will!).
Princess Leia is strong. But she has to be rescued. Boys play baseball. Oh, that great pitcher took off his cap and shook out long, blonde hair! What, it’s a girl?! Don’t wear makeup, it’s more natural, like this group of young people going hiking with granola bars. Wear makeup when going out. But not too much, or it won’t look natural like these products do. Use this scrub so that you won’t have pimples. Eat this chocolate bar, it’s crunchy! Chocolate gives you pimples.
Don’t be too skinny. Don’t be too fat. Exercise is good for you. But don’t be too muscular, that doesn’t look feminine. Ugh.
Everything was so unclear about what society’s expectations were.
This was the experience of so many of us.
If you are someone who is trying to write a story about a woman from the 1970s, the 1980s, or even the 1990s, but didn’t live during that time or don’t know what it was like for women at that time in history because it wasn’t part of their lived experience, it’s a good idea to find someone who did, and at least consult with them so that you have some research to work with.
Or have them read your manuscript, to get an opinion on what it may need.
These are the sorts of things that I can do for you.
If you are interested in getting in touch with me regarding a sensitivity/authenticity read, get in touch!
My onboarding process is currently through email only.
I can be reached at heatherdeweypettet (at) gmail.com to request a quote. If you want to ask a quick question, I can be messaged here, or you can comment on this post.
Thank you for reading!
P.S. Sorry this is a day late, as I have had a lot going on this week. As a reminder, my posts are posted on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
Love this so much, and it's so very true!