Hello to all of you who have subscribed in the past 24 hours since launch! The first post is coming later this week but in the meantime, do feel free to introduce yourselves and say a bit about why you are here? I’m hoping to use ‘threads’ for discussion and community building, let’s see how well they work! This one is for all subscribers (paid and unpaid), to help us get going. xxx
Good to be here! I’m a professional writer - done many books, scripts, copy writing, 1000s of published articles in newspapers & mags, because I’ve been around forever. But the project that’s bugging me because it’s not commissioned and I don’t have a deadline is the story of Annie, butcher’s wife, who murdered her toddler in 1898. She is real (husband’s great great aunt). Fiction, non-fiction….I don’t know yet! I have a bunch of research. So being a part of an observation/discussion of the writing and publishing process might give me a kick.
Hi, I am Anna, I had an idea to write a book back in January, and have dedicated much of 2022 to research whilst writing notes. So far I have 34 pages in a jumbled order, the idea is clearer in my head than on paper at the moment. Much like Milli I have a passion for women's human rights particularly in the birth world, and that's what my book will be focussing on. Looking for inspiration to help me grow :-)
Hi all, I’m Emma and have been toying with the idea of writing a self coaching book around health. I have a background in healthcare / teaching / coaching and made a few positive changes to my lifestyle when trying for a baby. I felt amazing and would love to write about this.
So far I’ve got headings, notes on my own experience and some coaching questions and tools in these areas, just need to keep building on this but then have ABSOLUTELY ZERO IDEA about getting a book published! I do feel it’s a itch that I need to scratch though, so it’s great to be here 😊 Am currently on maternity leave though so time / finances are limited but am keen to take as much in as I can 👍🏻
Hi Emma, lovely to have you here! It sounds like you have loads to offer! I will be looking at ways to get a book done in between 'other things' (for example small children!) I consider myself an expert on that, if nothing else! xx
Hello. This seems like a great idea Milli! I don't have such concrete plans as the others who've commented so far, although writing a book is one of many things I might do one day :-) So really, I'm probably just procrastinating and shouldn't be here, but it does seem like this will be a lovely community of inspiring people and I wonder if it might help me to see myself as someone who could do something creative like writing a book if I stick around. If I wrote a book it might be about "How can I get my children off their screens?" (something I'm terrible at but I have tried a lot of things!) or possibly "How to have a random adventure" (something we've experimented with quite a bit in our family).
Hi Hannah! You don't have to want to write a book to be here :-) I think there will be two main motivations for being here, one: people interested in the actual writing and publishing process and two: people interested in women's health, feminism, and the fun of watching a book come to life. (possible three: my stalkers LOL). But yes, maybe you will get inspired! xx
Hello. My name is Gilli. I have ambitions to write a work of fiction which is supportive of the ideals I believe in. I have started several times over the years, but never progressed.
My name is Trish. I've always wanted to write a non fiction book but wouldn't know where to start. I've been a big fan of Milli's since reading The Positive Birth book 8 years ago. I'm hoping to use The Book Forge as a way to get started writing my own book.
Hi Trish! Lovely to have you! That is great that you want to get started on your own book! I am sure this space will help. What do you think is holding you back from starting? Do you have a topic etc? Tell us more!! xx
I've always wanted to write a book for teachers on How To Manage Classroom Behaviour. It's something very close to my heart. I taught in very challenging classrooms and it amazed me that none of our teacher training covered this. I think good old fear of failure has fuelled my procrastination 😀
I touched on classroom management when doing my Cert Ed and wondered exactly the same thing! This is probably one of the biggest stresses! Great idea for a book 👍🏻
Hi I'm Robin, a mother, midwife and volunteer breastfeeding counsellor who loves to write. I live in New Zealand, so am envious of the many opportunities you who live in the UK have to meet and mingle. One of my favourite topics is matrescence, that is women transitioning to motherhood. I am also fighting to halt the erasure of mothers and women in all areas, but especially in anything to do with maternity care. Besides breastfeeding, my main passions are informed consent, VBAC and training my border collie.
Hi I’m chris I’m Australian. a Midwife for 40 years ,and a yoga teacher
My life long frustration as with most midwives is trying to create and maintain the a birth space that supports the woman completely and the physiology of birth allowing the free birthing flow of hormones. A huge challenge when we are constantly bombarded by technology interventions and undermining of the Woman's confidence. The other concern is inconstant undermining and disregard of midwives role skill and intuition . My perspective is that supporting the physiology of birth is paramount and the birth space it’s physical environment ,how clinicians behave in this space is critical . I’m presently working on a proposal for the rural hospital in which I work to try and change doctors perspectives , and support and nourish midwives
It’s Important that doctors and midwives are feeling they can contribute and make a difference To involve ourselves emotionally as well as professionally to achieve
to create and maintain the a birth space that supports the woman completely and the physiology of birth allowing the free birthing flow of hormones. A huge challenge when we are constantly bombarded by technology interventions and undermining of the Woman's confidence. The other concern is inconstant undermining and disregard of midwives role skill and intuition .
Acknowledgment that there needs to be a change is the first step. YES …. I think there is a book in me but have no idea how to get started 😊❤️
Hi Chris. I hear you. I wrote about the undermining / negative portrayal of both women and midwives in GBLAF, it may well also feature in this next book...
I sometimes feel that as we abandon or become resistant to the idea that men and women are different, that we lose the ability to discuss how the birth space is run along male / masculine rules and ideals and I feel that the space you are talking about, in which people 'involve themselves emotionally', is more of a feminine / female ideal. Hmmm. What do you feel about that?
Getting started on a book...well, we'll get to that! xxx
Hi Milli yes that’s an interesting thought though the problem I am experiencing is actually female obs bullying the women and midwives …..
when I say bullying I’m not using the word frivolously
It is outright bullying which I have had to address in a non confrontational way
When a person doesn’t appear to know the harm they are doing when they are under pressure and stress
From my whole experience of 40 years we have completely regressed from the period of empowerment of women and midwives in the 90s
To return to the 80,s in australia where many male obs dominated women completely in their care
How do you break through the mind set of people who are educated in the body’s function …know how physiology underpins the birthing process ..but constantly undermine it due to probably the panic and over diagnosis of risk factors
There is no room for normal or undisturbed birth inside a conventional public hospital …firstly …. Called a hospital … secondly all run to the convenience of a system
… the words women centred care are
Just words overused and not respected
There is a complete mind blank to what is normal pregnancy normal birth …the irony is as we all know …the more we are over vigilant with our care the more we intervene at every small deviation from normal..and of course that leads us to completely medicalise the who birth process
I was reading and you may know this obstetrician
Kirsten Small who has completed a study that concludes that overall CTG monitoring do not improve out comes
She uses the “emperors new clothes” example that no one see what’s in front of them
… it’s like we can’t turn back ..let’s completely Bognor all this information this evidence based info …
Just to suit ourselves because where di we go from here …we don’t have any thing else except amazing midwives and intermittent auscultation 😊!!!’
Our unit less than 1000 births a year has just put in 5 central ctg monitors at the office and we are commencing EMR ..
Kristin also talks about the culture surrounding Central ctg monitoring
I’m worried I won’t live long enough to see positive changes in the system for women
Women need to know and admit there’s a problem before they will drive the change and then have the motivation and energy to do it
At present they are mostly being coerced and brain washed by the medical system which seems to be more valued than midwives doulas
Will read your latest emails and Thankyou for your reply Chris
Hi Milli yes that’s an interesting thought though the problem I am experiencing is actually female obs bullying the women and midwives …..
when I say bullying I’m not using the word frivolously
It is outright bullying which I have had to address in a non confrontational way
When a person doesn’t appear to know the harm they are doing when they are under pressure and stress
From my whole experience of 40 years we have completely regressed from the period of empowerment of women and midwives in the 90s
To return to the 80,s in australia where many male obs dominated women completely in their care
How do you break through the mind set of people who are educated in the body’s function …know how physiology underpins the birthing process ..but constantly undermine it due to probably the panic and over diagnosis of risk factors
There is no room for normal or undisturbed birth inside a conventional public hospital …firstly …. Called a hospital … secondly all run to the convenience of a system
… the words women centred care are
Just words overused and not respected
There is a complete mind blank to what is normal pregnancy normal birth …the irony is as we all know …the more we are over vigilant with our care the more we intervene at every small deviation from normal..and of course that leads us to completely medicalise the who birth process
I was reading and you may know this obstetrician
Kirsten Small who has completed a study that concludes that overall CTG monitoring do not improve out comes
She uses the “emperors new clothes” example that no one see what’s in front of them
… it’s like we can’t turn back ..let’s completely Bognor all this information this evidence based info …
Just to suit ourselves because where di we go from here …we don’t have any thing else except amazing midwives and intermittent auscultation 😊!!!’
Our unit less than 1000 births a year has just put in 5 central ctg monitors at the office and we are commencing EMR ..
Kristin also talks about the culture surrounding Central ctg monitoring
I’m worried I won’t live long enough to see positive changes in the system for women
Women need to know and admit there’s a problem before they will drive the change and then have the motivation and energy to do it
At present they are mostly being coerced and brain washed by the medical system which seems to be more valued than midwives doulas
Will read your latest emails and Thankyou for your reply Chris
but constantly undermine it due to probably the panic and over diagnosis of risk factors
There is no room for normal or undisturbed birth inside a conventional public hospital …firstly …. Called a hospital … secondly all run to the convenience of a system
… the words women centred care are
Just words overused and not respected
There is a complete mind blank to what is normal pregnancy normal birth …the irony is as we all know …the more we are over vigilant with our care the more we intervene at every small deviation from normal..and of course that leads us to completely medicalise the who birth process
I was reading and you may know this obstetrician
Kirsten Small who has completed a study that concludes that overall CTG monitoring do not improve out comes
She uses the “emperors new clothes” example that no one see what’s in front of them
… it’s like we can’t turn back ..let’s completely Bognor all this information this evidence based info …
Just to suit ourselves because where di we go from here …we don’t have any thing else except amazing midwives and intermittent auscultation 😊!!!’
Our unit less than 1000 births a year has just put in 5 central ctg monitors at the office and we are commencing EMR ..
Kristin also talks about the culture surrounding Central ctg monitoring
I’m worried I won’t live long enough to see positive changes in the system for women
Women need to know and admit there’s a problem before they will drive the change and then have the motivation and energy to do it
At present they are mostly being coerced and brain washed by the medical system which seems to be more valued than midwives doulas
Will read your latest emails and Thankyou for your reply Chris
Thanks for these thoughts. I think you would probably like If Women Rose Rooted (as mentioned elsewhere I am reading it right now) - if you haven't already read it!
These bullying people may be women but they are conforming to masculine / male rules and ways of behaving and systems etc.
I do agree with your sense of despair though. I feel the same. 10 years ago I started the Positive Birth Movement because I thought women themselves could change the system by demanding better. I think it had an impact but overall we are just going backwards. Added to this I've been driven out of the birth world as if I am some kind of terrible disease so they've lost at least one woman (and I know many others actually) who wanted to help and make a positive impact but was deemed unwanted because she wouldn't say that men can be women! GAH!!
Hi Milli. Thanks for including me on this. I'm not sure if i'm the right person to be here as i'm not a writer of books - but it sounds interesting!
I'm a consultant obstetrician and academic in Liverpool who was inspired by 'Give Birth like a feminist' several years ago, and now try to share some of its messages in my academic writings when the opportunity arises. I do have a draft of an book called 'Care: an obstetrician's journey' which tells through stories how my experiences in the NHS, Africa and in my personal life have shaped my understanding of what I think providing wholistic maternity care is really about. I've completed 1 full chapter and only have outlines of the rest. I showed it to a friend who was in publishing who said that they enjoyed it but thought that the market was over-crowded with medial biographies... So it's now been sat in a pile beside my desk for the last 3 years! So i'd be interested to get an insight into how it's done properly for what is going to be a retirement project in 10 years time I think!
Hi Andrew, yes you are absolutely in the right place! First of all it sounds like ARE a writer of books - since you have a draft of one!! But even if you didn't, then all are welcome here, there will be lots of discussion about women's health and I know you have huge expertise so I'll value your presence.
I’m Charlie! I have never written a book but may do one day…. A clairvoyant told me I would when I was 16. Almost 30 years later and one hasn’t appeared yet.
I’m a wife, mother, recently diagnosed ADHDer, aiming to be a responsive gentle parent but with 2 ND kids somewhat harder than I ever imagined, gardening enthusiast, sometime sloe gin & blackberry crumble forager, occasional hot choc & rum mountain skier and in my day job I advise large business on governance, risk and compliance tax issues!!
I’ve joined because I keep seeing Substack mentioned on Instagram and Twitter, by female writers I follow there….. & I wondered what it was all about… So here I am!
What a great idea Milli, thank you so much for including me. I am Nicky - I am a midwife and I have written a book as part of a PhD in Creative Writing, but the thesis isn't quite finished. My book is an experimental memoir of my life as a mother and midwife. I am working on the critical section of the PhD and editing the whole thesis, including the memoir. I am finding it hard to focus on this last part of the writing process as I have a fairly new job as midwifery lecturer which is taking up most of my time, energy and mental focus. So being part of a writing community, with such an inspirational woman as Milli, is exactly what I need! I can't wait to learn more about your next project Milli, and everyone else's projects.
Hey Nicky! That sounds wonderful. I wonder if you are holding yourself back, unconsciously. Finishing a project can be very emotionally loaded. I have found complex emotions myself, after the initial euphoria of meeting (or nearly meeting) the deadline has worn off! Look forward to chatting more in here xxx
Good to be here! I’m a professional writer - done many books, scripts, copy writing, 1000s of published articles in newspapers & mags, because I’ve been around forever. But the project that’s bugging me because it’s not commissioned and I don’t have a deadline is the story of Annie, butcher’s wife, who murdered her toddler in 1898. She is real (husband’s great great aunt). Fiction, non-fiction….I don’t know yet! I have a bunch of research. So being a part of an observation/discussion of the writing and publishing process might give me a kick.
Hey Heather. Wow that sounds like quite the story! I hope being here helps you focus / gives you that kick! xx
Hi, I am Anna, I had an idea to write a book back in January, and have dedicated much of 2022 to research whilst writing notes. So far I have 34 pages in a jumbled order, the idea is clearer in my head than on paper at the moment. Much like Milli I have a passion for women's human rights particularly in the birth world, and that's what my book will be focussing on. Looking for inspiration to help me grow :-)
34 pages in a jumbled order is more than I have so far Anna so you are ahead of me!
It is great to hear from you and Trish, I am already having ideas about how I might help going forwards. Very exciting! xx
Hi all, I’m Emma and have been toying with the idea of writing a self coaching book around health. I have a background in healthcare / teaching / coaching and made a few positive changes to my lifestyle when trying for a baby. I felt amazing and would love to write about this.
So far I’ve got headings, notes on my own experience and some coaching questions and tools in these areas, just need to keep building on this but then have ABSOLUTELY ZERO IDEA about getting a book published! I do feel it’s a itch that I need to scratch though, so it’s great to be here 😊 Am currently on maternity leave though so time / finances are limited but am keen to take as much in as I can 👍🏻
Hi Emma, lovely to have you here! It sounds like you have loads to offer! I will be looking at ways to get a book done in between 'other things' (for example small children!) I consider myself an expert on that, if nothing else! xx
Hello. This seems like a great idea Milli! I don't have such concrete plans as the others who've commented so far, although writing a book is one of many things I might do one day :-) So really, I'm probably just procrastinating and shouldn't be here, but it does seem like this will be a lovely community of inspiring people and I wonder if it might help me to see myself as someone who could do something creative like writing a book if I stick around. If I wrote a book it might be about "How can I get my children off their screens?" (something I'm terrible at but I have tried a lot of things!) or possibly "How to have a random adventure" (something we've experimented with quite a bit in our family).
Hi Hannah! You don't have to want to write a book to be here :-) I think there will be two main motivations for being here, one: people interested in the actual writing and publishing process and two: people interested in women's health, feminism, and the fun of watching a book come to life. (possible three: my stalkers LOL). But yes, maybe you will get inspired! xx
Hello. My name is Gilli. I have ambitions to write a work of fiction which is supportive of the ideals I believe in. I have started several times over the years, but never progressed.
Great to have you here Gilli. That sounds really interesting. Look forward to hearing more....x
Hi,
My name is Trish. I've always wanted to write a non fiction book but wouldn't know where to start. I've been a big fan of Milli's since reading The Positive Birth book 8 years ago. I'm hoping to use The Book Forge as a way to get started writing my own book.
Xx
Hi Trish! Lovely to have you! That is great that you want to get started on your own book! I am sure this space will help. What do you think is holding you back from starting? Do you have a topic etc? Tell us more!! xx
Oh Gosh, tough questions.
I've always wanted to write a book for teachers on How To Manage Classroom Behaviour. It's something very close to my heart. I taught in very challenging classrooms and it amazed me that none of our teacher training covered this. I think good old fear of failure has fuelled my procrastination 😀
I touched on classroom management when doing my Cert Ed and wondered exactly the same thing! This is probably one of the biggest stresses! Great idea for a book 👍🏻
Thank you for reaffirming my thoughts 🙂 🙏
Thank you for reaffirming my thoughts 🙂
Hi I'm Robin, a mother, midwife and volunteer breastfeeding counsellor who loves to write. I live in New Zealand, so am envious of the many opportunities you who live in the UK have to meet and mingle. One of my favourite topics is matrescence, that is women transitioning to motherhood. I am also fighting to halt the erasure of mothers and women in all areas, but especially in anything to do with maternity care. Besides breastfeeding, my main passions are informed consent, VBAC and training my border collie.
Hi I’m chris I’m Australian. a Midwife for 40 years ,and a yoga teacher
My life long frustration as with most midwives is trying to create and maintain the a birth space that supports the woman completely and the physiology of birth allowing the free birthing flow of hormones. A huge challenge when we are constantly bombarded by technology interventions and undermining of the Woman's confidence. The other concern is inconstant undermining and disregard of midwives role skill and intuition . My perspective is that supporting the physiology of birth is paramount and the birth space it’s physical environment ,how clinicians behave in this space is critical . I’m presently working on a proposal for the rural hospital in which I work to try and change doctors perspectives , and support and nourish midwives
It’s Important that doctors and midwives are feeling they can contribute and make a difference To involve ourselves emotionally as well as professionally to achieve
to create and maintain the a birth space that supports the woman completely and the physiology of birth allowing the free birthing flow of hormones. A huge challenge when we are constantly bombarded by technology interventions and undermining of the Woman's confidence. The other concern is inconstant undermining and disregard of midwives role skill and intuition .
Acknowledgment that there needs to be a change is the first step. YES …. I think there is a book in me but have no idea how to get started 😊❤️
Hi Chris. I hear you. I wrote about the undermining / negative portrayal of both women and midwives in GBLAF, it may well also feature in this next book...
I sometimes feel that as we abandon or become resistant to the idea that men and women are different, that we lose the ability to discuss how the birth space is run along male / masculine rules and ideals and I feel that the space you are talking about, in which people 'involve themselves emotionally', is more of a feminine / female ideal. Hmmm. What do you feel about that?
Getting started on a book...well, we'll get to that! xxx
Hi Milli yes that’s an interesting thought though the problem I am experiencing is actually female obs bullying the women and midwives …..
when I say bullying I’m not using the word frivolously
It is outright bullying which I have had to address in a non confrontational way
When a person doesn’t appear to know the harm they are doing when they are under pressure and stress
From my whole experience of 40 years we have completely regressed from the period of empowerment of women and midwives in the 90s
To return to the 80,s in australia where many male obs dominated women completely in their care
How do you break through the mind set of people who are educated in the body’s function …know how physiology underpins the birthing process ..but constantly undermine it due to probably the panic and over diagnosis of risk factors
There is no room for normal or undisturbed birth inside a conventional public hospital …firstly …. Called a hospital … secondly all run to the convenience of a system
… the words women centred care are
Just words overused and not respected
There is a complete mind blank to what is normal pregnancy normal birth …the irony is as we all know …the more we are over vigilant with our care the more we intervene at every small deviation from normal..and of course that leads us to completely medicalise the who birth process
I was reading and you may know this obstetrician
Kirsten Small who has completed a study that concludes that overall CTG monitoring do not improve out comes
She uses the “emperors new clothes” example that no one see what’s in front of them
… it’s like we can’t turn back ..let’s completely Bognor all this information this evidence based info …
Just to suit ourselves because where di we go from here …we don’t have any thing else except amazing midwives and intermittent auscultation 😊!!!’
Our unit less than 1000 births a year has just put in 5 central ctg monitors at the office and we are commencing EMR ..
Kristin also talks about the culture surrounding Central ctg monitoring
I’m worried I won’t live long enough to see positive changes in the system for women
Women need to know and admit there’s a problem before they will drive the change and then have the motivation and energy to do it
At present they are mostly being coerced and brain washed by the medical system which seems to be more valued than midwives doulas
Will read your latest emails and Thankyou for your reply Chris
Hi Milli yes that’s an interesting thought though the problem I am experiencing is actually female obs bullying the women and midwives …..
when I say bullying I’m not using the word frivolously
It is outright bullying which I have had to address in a non confrontational way
When a person doesn’t appear to know the harm they are doing when they are under pressure and stress
From my whole experience of 40 years we have completely regressed from the period of empowerment of women and midwives in the 90s
To return to the 80,s in australia where many male obs dominated women completely in their care
How do you break through the mind set of people who are educated in the body’s function …know how physiology underpins the birthing process ..but constantly undermine it due to probably the panic and over diagnosis of risk factors
There is no room for normal or undisturbed birth inside a conventional public hospital …firstly …. Called a hospital … secondly all run to the convenience of a system
… the words women centred care are
Just words overused and not respected
There is a complete mind blank to what is normal pregnancy normal birth …the irony is as we all know …the more we are over vigilant with our care the more we intervene at every small deviation from normal..and of course that leads us to completely medicalise the who birth process
I was reading and you may know this obstetrician
Kirsten Small who has completed a study that concludes that overall CTG monitoring do not improve out comes
She uses the “emperors new clothes” example that no one see what’s in front of them
… it’s like we can’t turn back ..let’s completely Bognor all this information this evidence based info …
Just to suit ourselves because where di we go from here …we don’t have any thing else except amazing midwives and intermittent auscultation 😊!!!’
Our unit less than 1000 births a year has just put in 5 central ctg monitors at the office and we are commencing EMR ..
Kristin also talks about the culture surrounding Central ctg monitoring
I’m worried I won’t live long enough to see positive changes in the system for women
Women need to know and admit there’s a problem before they will drive the change and then have the motivation and energy to do it
At present they are mostly being coerced and brain washed by the medical system which seems to be more valued than midwives doulas
Will read your latest emails and Thankyou for your reply Chris
but constantly undermine it due to probably the panic and over diagnosis of risk factors
There is no room for normal or undisturbed birth inside a conventional public hospital …firstly …. Called a hospital … secondly all run to the convenience of a system
… the words women centred care are
Just words overused and not respected
There is a complete mind blank to what is normal pregnancy normal birth …the irony is as we all know …the more we are over vigilant with our care the more we intervene at every small deviation from normal..and of course that leads us to completely medicalise the who birth process
I was reading and you may know this obstetrician
Kirsten Small who has completed a study that concludes that overall CTG monitoring do not improve out comes
She uses the “emperors new clothes” example that no one see what’s in front of them
… it’s like we can’t turn back ..let’s completely Bognor all this information this evidence based info …
Just to suit ourselves because where di we go from here …we don’t have any thing else except amazing midwives and intermittent auscultation 😊!!!’
Our unit less than 1000 births a year has just put in 5 central ctg monitors at the office and we are commencing EMR ..
Kristin also talks about the culture surrounding Central ctg monitoring
I’m worried I won’t live long enough to see positive changes in the system for women
Women need to know and admit there’s a problem before they will drive the change and then have the motivation and energy to do it
At present they are mostly being coerced and brain washed by the medical system which seems to be more valued than midwives doulas
Will read your latest emails and Thankyou for your reply Chris
https://birthsmalltalk.com/2020/11/25/does-intrapartum-ctg-monitoring-save-lives/?fbclid=IwAR2yaZC2Cm8LS5b17CKa9gwxZhhHy4IupHCITaAWzwUzHtzgEXoKTbd6BE8
Thanks for these thoughts. I think you would probably like If Women Rose Rooted (as mentioned elsewhere I am reading it right now) - if you haven't already read it!
These bullying people may be women but they are conforming to masculine / male rules and ways of behaving and systems etc.
I do agree with your sense of despair though. I feel the same. 10 years ago I started the Positive Birth Movement because I thought women themselves could change the system by demanding better. I think it had an impact but overall we are just going backwards. Added to this I've been driven out of the birth world as if I am some kind of terrible disease so they've lost at least one woman (and I know many others actually) who wanted to help and make a positive impact but was deemed unwanted because she wouldn't say that men can be women! GAH!!
Bullies are the worst. I hope you are ok. xx
Hi Milli. Thanks for including me on this. I'm not sure if i'm the right person to be here as i'm not a writer of books - but it sounds interesting!
I'm a consultant obstetrician and academic in Liverpool who was inspired by 'Give Birth like a feminist' several years ago, and now try to share some of its messages in my academic writings when the opportunity arises. I do have a draft of an book called 'Care: an obstetrician's journey' which tells through stories how my experiences in the NHS, Africa and in my personal life have shaped my understanding of what I think providing wholistic maternity care is really about. I've completed 1 full chapter and only have outlines of the rest. I showed it to a friend who was in publishing who said that they enjoyed it but thought that the market was over-crowded with medial biographies... So it's now been sat in a pile beside my desk for the last 3 years! So i'd be interested to get an insight into how it's done properly for what is going to be a retirement project in 10 years time I think!
Hi Andrew, yes you are absolutely in the right place! First of all it sounds like ARE a writer of books - since you have a draft of one!! But even if you didn't, then all are welcome here, there will be lots of discussion about women's health and I know you have huge expertise so I'll value your presence.
Love for now xx
Hi
I’m Charlie! I have never written a book but may do one day…. A clairvoyant told me I would when I was 16. Almost 30 years later and one hasn’t appeared yet.
I’m a wife, mother, recently diagnosed ADHDer, aiming to be a responsive gentle parent but with 2 ND kids somewhat harder than I ever imagined, gardening enthusiast, sometime sloe gin & blackberry crumble forager, occasional hot choc & rum mountain skier and in my day job I advise large business on governance, risk and compliance tax issues!!
I’ve joined because I keep seeing Substack mentioned on Instagram and Twitter, by female writers I follow there….. & I wondered what it was all about… So here I am!
Well hi Charlie and that sounds like a book in itself...the clairvoyant story I mean! Wow!
That's a good point, we can talk more about substack as it's a great place to find your niche and build a following, or just practice! x
Hi Milli and everyone
What a great idea Milli, thank you so much for including me. I am Nicky - I am a midwife and I have written a book as part of a PhD in Creative Writing, but the thesis isn't quite finished. My book is an experimental memoir of my life as a mother and midwife. I am working on the critical section of the PhD and editing the whole thesis, including the memoir. I am finding it hard to focus on this last part of the writing process as I have a fairly new job as midwifery lecturer which is taking up most of my time, energy and mental focus. So being part of a writing community, with such an inspirational woman as Milli, is exactly what I need! I can't wait to learn more about your next project Milli, and everyone else's projects.
Hey Nicky! That sounds wonderful. I wonder if you are holding yourself back, unconsciously. Finishing a project can be very emotionally loaded. I have found complex emotions myself, after the initial euphoria of meeting (or nearly meeting) the deadline has worn off! Look forward to chatting more in here xxx