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Our Favorite Resources for Women Writers Websites
Women face special challenges as writers, whether we're trying to combine a writing career with raising children, or dealing with the ever-present sexism in the publishing industry.

And if you think sexism isn't rampant in publishing, do you know why the author of the Harry Potter books originally went by the initials J. K. instead of her full name? Her publisher told her that boys wouldn't read a book by a woman. Note that children (both boys and girls) everywhere have make J. K. Rowlings the most successful writer on the planet. Did the children know or care that she was a woman? Her readers didn't, but her publisher could have killed her career before it was launched with his attitude.

Here are my favorite sites to help stay inspired, find an agent, find a community of women writers, and find professional, paid opportunities for writers.

National Association of Women Writers
NAWW's mission is "Supporting women writers, one word at a time." The web site is rich in resources -- from the daily inspirational quote, to a list of conferences and writing seminars, to a resource library, this is a site rich in humor and vigor. Be sure to check the Member Portfolios pages for gems from other women writers.
Avg. visitor rating 40 star
Journalism and Women Symposium
JAWS mission statement reads: "JAWS supports the personal growth and professional empowerment of women in newsrooms and works toward a more accurate portrayal of the whole society." All I can say to that is AMEN. Visit this site for the job postings, and for a description of JAWS camps, which are everything you ever wanted in a weekend retreat.
Avg. visitor rating 4.5 star
Women Writing the West
Women Writing the West is "An international organization of writers, editors, agents, publishers, filmmakers, and other industry professionals promoting a new view of the Women's West." Visit the newsletter archive. If you've never been to a bookselling trade show, this organization helps members gain admission to what I like to call "industrial strength bookselling" -- shows where publishers do their mightiest to sell books to retailers. But the real highlight of this site is the way it supports a new view of women in the west -- we were panning gold and running cattle just like the men, but did you ever hear any of our stories? Read about the writers who are rewriting our "her-story."
Avg. visitor rating 50 star
Wild Wolf Women
Yes, it's a walk on the wild side. Learn how a woman is like a wolf. Read stories, poetry, wander through the art gallery, all on a site that's stunning visually and full of affirmations. Howl. Once you've howled, write it down.
Avg. visitor rating 50 star
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