The F-word discussion

Welcome! Please take moment to tell us about YOU

I'm Mal and I thank you for being part of my new project The F-word. I felt all the feminist groups on here were lacking in some form, so instead of complaining about not finding what I wanted I decide to launch my own feminist group.

I am a voracious reader and enjoy anything good!

I believe sexism should be erased and have encountered this ugly beast many times in my life - the work place especially. Women are wonderful and we are a force to be reckoned with. Women are the fibers that weave the tapestry of life. We deserve to be treated equally.

I hope this group allows for us to celebrate and support each other in all ways.

I look forward to learning and growing with all of you. I have never done anything like this so input - both negative/positive would be appreciated. Suggestions will make this group!

Hi everyone, my name is Jackie. Thank you Mal for creating this group, I also believe that everyone should be equal. Women should be treated the same way as men.

★Ms.Jackie ★ wrote: "Hi everyone, my name is Jackie. Thank you Mal for creating this group, I also believe that everyone should be equal. Women should be treated the same way as men."

Welcome Jackie! If you have any suggestions (positive or negative) please share! Great to have you here.

Hi everyone and thanks for the invite, Mal. I'm an author and editor and I love reading about strong female characters. When I write, I like to make my male and female characters equal, but I also deal with patriarchal issues too. I look forward to getting to know you all. What genres does everyone like to read? I'll read anything but I write epic fantasy and crime/thriller.

Dionne wrote: "Hi everyone and thanks for the invite, Mal. I'm an author and editor and I love reading about strong female characters. When I write, I like to make my male and female characters equal, but I also ..."

Welcome Dionne great to have you in our group. Feel free to suggest books. The criteria is fairly casual. If you feel your work will fit the group I am all about supporting authors! Let me know.

We'll be reading a variety of books that may fall into one of the following categories:

1-Written by a feminist and/or a woman
2-Plot looks at how gender, race, class, sexuality, ability/disability, ethnicity, nationality, etc. shape us and our views of the world
3-Spark conversation about social justice and gender equality
4-Have strong female characters

Any suggestions are welcomed - positive or negative. I really want to make this group work for all.

Hello! I saw a post about this group by Mal, and it sounded right up my alley. I'm a passionate feminist--something that can get a little frustrating to be in corporate America.

I love books with strong female characters--my biggest reading pet peeve is when authors write a "role model" for young girls who is ridiculously anti-feminist.

My favorite genres are science fiction, business non-fiction, and literary fiction.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Kara wrote: "Hello! I saw a post about this group by Mal, and it sounded right up my alley. I'm a passionate feminist--something that can get a little frustrating to be in corporate America.

I love books with ..."

Welcome Kara! I feel your frustration with the corporate world. I agree with you on the female role model NOT exactly up to standard. Seems to be happening more frequently. EL James should really take a long hard look at her series of books. Humph!

Please make any suggestions that will benefit the group. Book recommendations are also welcomed!

Excited to have you here, appreciate your interest!

Very excited to be a part of this grou- thank you Mal, for putting it together!

I'm author of the August read (North of Hope), an ex-Army helicopter pilot (Apaches) and business woman, mom to two little boys, skier, hiker, triathlete, and classical music lover (and chorister).

The roles above, particularly the second, have made me very aware of and interested in the role of women characters- and our society's willingness to accept strong women protagonists. Looking forward to some great discussions!

Love anything literary, nonfiction and fiction!

Hi! I'm Lianne. I've been a feminist for years, but only in the last couple of years (since attending the Pan-Canadian Young Feminist Gathering) have I started to become aware of intersectionality. Now I'm constantly trying to learn more about the struggles of women of colour, women with disabilities, LGBT* people, etc., and how feminism can be a better movement for all women.

I'm looking forward to this group's discussions! :)

Shannon wrote: "Very excited to be a part of this grou- thank you Mal, for putting it together!

I'm author of the August read (North of Hope), an ex-Army helicopter pilot (Apaches) and business woman, mom to two ..."

Great to have you Shannon! I am excited to read North of Hope in August! Any suggestions please don't hold back!

Lianne (The Towering Pile) wrote: "Hi! I'm Lianne. I've been a feminist for years, but only in the last couple of years (since attending the Pan-Canadian Young Feminist Gathering) have I started to become aware of intersectionality...."

Welcome Lianne! I hope you share more of your experience attending PCYFG. Be great to get a thread going. Enlighten us! Any suggestions tell. Books too!

Shaun wrote: "Good afternoon,

My name is Shaun, hello. Mal has asked me to help mind the store while she takes a short break from the everyday. I am only too pleased to oblige.

With that said, I'll do my utmos..."

My life saver!!! :0)

There's no general discussion thread, so I'm not sure where to post this. Hope it's all right that I'm posting here!

1. Are we looking to grow the group? If so, I would highly recommend adding tags so that it's searchable. Otherwise, only people friends with one of us will know the group exists.

2. I thought I had seen a twitter topic somewhere but can't seem to find it. I got into twitter a few months ago and am totally hooked! I even do reviews on twitter. Would love to follow any of you who are on: @karaayako

Kara wrote: "There's no general discussion thread, so I'm not sure where to post this. Hope it's all right that I'm posting here!

1. Are we looking to grow the group? If so, I would highly recommend adding tag..."

Great ideas Kara. I was thinking of going public. Your thoughts?
Could you elaborate more on "tags" please I am clueless, sorry :(

Twitter is a great idea look for me california_sol

On the group homepage, click "Group Info" then "Edit." You can add searchable words like "feminism" "feminist" "women" etc. If someone searches for a group using one of those terms, this group will show up. :)

Kara wrote: "On the group homepage, click "Group Info" then "Edit." You can add searchable words like "feminism" "feminist" "women" etc. If someone searches for a group using one of those terms, this group will..."

Big thank you Kara will add tags! Appreciate your helpfulness.

Shaun wrote: "Good evening,

Mal, you're most welcome. I'm quite certain you've done more for me than I deserve. Good friends are a rarity.

Kara, the tags..stupendous. See Mal? You were right, she's a superstar..."

You two are the best! Thank you both :0)

Kara wrote: "There's no general discussion thread, so I'm not sure where to post this. Hope it's all right that I'm posting here!

1. Are we looking to grow the group? If so, I would highly recommend adding tag..."

Hi Kara. I'm on Twitter and if I'm not already following you, I soon will be :).

Dionne wrote: "Kara wrote: "There's no general discussion thread, so I'm not sure where to post this. Hope it's all right that I'm posting here!

1. Are we looking to grow the group? If so, I would highly recomme..."

I am on Twitter and I have advertised for The F-word as well as authors meeting the group criteria. Can't beat free advertising and I have interacted with a few top notch feminists!

Mal's TWITTER @california_sol

Hey ! Glad to see such interest in a group like this ! Have had a growing interest in feminism lately and am currently searching for good books with strong female characters at the moment so hope to get some guidance with both here ! Awesome group! :)

The wrote: "Hey ! Glad to see such interest in a group like this ! Have had a growing interest in feminism lately and am currently searching for good books with strong female characters at the moment so hope t..."

Welcome The Bulter! Excited to have you here. Feel free to make suggestions! New group so input is welcomed!

Hi all, I'm Kathleen, lifelong freelance feminist. I write fiction and many of my stories may not seem overtly feminist but my awareness of the eternal worldwide disparity between men and women bleeds through, at least according to my daughter, a born feminist, hard-core.
Massive, pure honor to Mal for starting this group. (Jamaican patois, brethren and sistren)

Kathleen wrote: "Hi all, I'm Kathleen, lifelong freelance feminist. I write fiction and many of my stories may not seem overtly feminist but my awareness of the eternal worldwide disparity between men and women ble..."

Welcome Kathleen! I just want to point out Kathleen's book Diary of a Heretic will be available Kindle Edition via Amazon FREE from June 27-29. Kathleen has offered to have a discussion/Q & A on her book - see thread. Thank you Kathleen for your generous offer. Get your copy of Diary of a Heretic and let's discuss it together!

Hey everyone! My name is Stephanie. I saw this group and knew that I had to join it. Great name, Mal! Very creative. I started to identify myself as a feminist a couple of years ago. I read Jessica Valenti's The Purity Myth, and it is the book that has changed my life. I have read most of her books (she only has four so far) and I am most definitely a feminist. I love reading all kinds of books. I really enjoy thought provoking books, especially about our culture. I am really excited to be here, thanks!

Stephanie wrote: "Hey everyone! My name is Stephanie. I saw this group and knew that I had to join it. Great name, Mal! Very creative. I started to identify myself as a feminist a couple of years ago. I read Jessica..."

Welcome Stephanie! Please feel free to offer any suggestions books etc. Great to have you as part of the group.

Thx Stephanie for the compliment on my name Mal is short for Malinda. I get lazy typing so Mal is easier. Plus people never remember Malinda.

Jon wrote: "Hello! Glad to be part of the group!

I'm a Canadian physics student and I do a little bit of writing too.

I'm currently working on a MG+ novel due out this Fall. It stars an eleven year old femal..."

Awesome to have you part if the group Jon. Friends check out the SPOTLIGHT thread for more info on Jon and other illustrious authors. Thank you Jon.

Hi everyone. I'm Paul. It is great to be part of this group!

I'm the author of the July group read 'RISING OF A DEAD MOON'. It's a honour to be chosen. I hope you enjoy the book and that you will all be able to join the discussion on the group reads thread.

I consider myself to be very much a feminist at heart and a central theme of the book (amongst others) is an examination of the inequality of treatment of women, from a historical perspective, but with relevance (sadly) to 'modern' times.

Hi Paul, great to meet you. Wow, so we can ask the author questions when we're finished ;).

Nice to meet you too Dionne. I feel I am in illustrious company! Paul

Ha! I'm not illustrious but thanks for thinking that lol.

Dionne wrote: "Ha! I'm not illustrious but thanks for thinking that lol."

Paul welcome! I thank you for making yourself available for ROADM discussion. Pleasure to have you and your book our first selection!

Dionne I think you're illustrious, all that matters!;0)

I saw Mal's post about the F-word in another group and here I am. Looking forward to the discussions, although I probably won't keep up with the reading. I've become the world's slowest reader and spend way too much time reading about reading (thank you Goodreads) than actually reading, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I'm Betsy in New Hampshire and it's nice to meet everyone.

Betsy wrote: "I saw Mal's post about the F-word in another group and here I am. Looking forward to the discussions, although I probably won't keep up with the reading. I've become the world's slowest reader and ..."

Welcome Betsy! Great to have you! Participate in anyway that works for you. Hopefully you will be able to take part in a read. Lots of great book suggestions floating around!

I also saw Mal's post for this group the other day and it definitely looks like my kind of group. My name is Laurie, I live in Vermont, and I am looking forward to participating in some of the discussions.

Laurie wrote: "I also saw Mal's post for this group the other day and it definitely looks like my kind of group. My name is Laurie, I live in Vermont, and I am looking forward to participating in some of the dis..."

Warm welcome Laurie, so happy to have you as a member. Discussions, books, friends - lots here! Feel free to suggestion books, subjects, ideas etc...

Thank you for the invite! It is SO great to be a part of the group. I love strong female characters. Leah Tallent is a character I truly identify with that I am honored enough to write - and I believe that strong female characters need to be spotlighted. I am a HUGE fan of Eve Dallas and so many of the Austen women. Yes, they were certainly different back then - but their own brand of strength was extraordinary.

Amy wrote: "Thank you for the invite! It is SO great to be a part of the group. I love strong female characters. Leah Tallent is a character I truly identify with that I am honored enough to write - and I beli..."

Big welcome Amy, glad you are part of our circle!

Mal wrote: "Amy wrote: "Thank you for the invite! It is SO great to be a part of the group. I love strong female characters. Leah Tallent is a character I truly identify with that I am honored enough to write ..."

Thank you!

Thanks for the invite. This might be interesting. I do not consider myself a feminist. I don't even write from a feminine POV very often, but I do have a strong female character in one of my stories as yet unpublished. That's not saying much since the vast majority of my stories are from the man's POV.

Bronwyn wrote: "My name is Bronwyn. Thank you for the invite. I look forward to discussing different books and ideas about feminism. I am a restaurant manager in a male dominated field so I come in contact with a ..."

Welcome Bronwyn! Congrats on the birth of your child. Glad to have you part of the group.

Hello, I'm Sarah. I'm a sophomore in high school and I'm terrible at introductions. :)

Hi everyone, my name is Athena. I am new to online book groups, I find the threads hard to follow so any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Athena wrote: "Hi everyone, my name is Athena. I am new to online book groups, I find the threads hard to follow so any assistance will be greatly appreciated."

Welcome Sarah and Athena!

Athena just click on the threads and post away. If there isn't a thread pertaining to a subject matter start a thread. No worries, navigating is half the fun. If you have further questions ask. Have fun!!

Hi to all the newcomers to the group!

Just to reiterate, the July group read RISING OF A DEAD MOON, an Indian widow's tragedy is currently free to download via the book page (link below).

Happy reading and we have a lively discussion thread going on the book. You are most welcome to join in!
Paul

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...

Cheryl wrote: "Dan invited me to join this group. I said F---YES! I seem to be hypersensitive to inequality, so this is a place to hear what others are reading, thinking and doing. Thanks for the inspiration, Mal."

So happy you joined Cheryl!! So kind of Dan invite others too! Cheryl glad you are here, feel free to make suggestions.

Thanks so much to Dan for the invite. Love that there's an active book discussion. Hope to join in there next week. :)

Coral wrote: "Thanks so much to Dan for the invite. Love that there's an active book discussion. Hope to join in there next week. :)"

I do hope you can join in the discussion with Paul Coral!

Hi,

Thanks for the invitation :) I'll try and introduce myself a bit. I'm an equalitist at heart. I believe that people are people, regardless of gender or race. I do try to explore that in my novels a lot, and I do like strong heroines who break all the rules.

I don't chat as often as I'd like because I have a pretty hectic schedule. But when I do, I usually like to make people laugh.

I'm a teen/fantasy author who is veering off into paranormal lately--the one constant in my writing appears to be humour. My main influences are varied from classic lit to splatterpunk. I also write the odd romance on the side under a pen name. I write popular fiction, not lit, because I like to entertain people. Most of my fans are teenage, so I suspect I am somewhat childish :p

I'm a Brit who's engaged to an American, so I'm well versed in epic battles lol. (I kid; he's adorably stubborn).

I prefer to write real male characters as opposed to 'tall, dark and handsome'. I think that there is a fictional vibe in most heroes, where they are the epitome of a female fantasy and so far from reality that it's ridiculous. So expect to find unlikely heroes in my stories that are based on real men who get horny, act a bit silly and never notice the heroine's hair style.

I also like to write real female characters who take a leading role in the story. They are rarely good girls, and will be more concerned by the nuke heading towards them than they are by the hero's sullen expression, or the stupid kiss they had last night. Nuke in the face will always take priority for my heroines.

Okay, now I'm babbling. That'll do for now :)

Claire wrote: "Hi,

Thanks for the invitation :) I'll try and introduce myself a bit. I'm an equalitist at heart. I believe that people are people, regardless of gender or race. I do try to explore that in my no..."

Hi Claire happy to have you as a member! Look forward to reading your work! Keep the writing flowing and your talent unleashed.