Women’s Fiction Day is June 8, 2024, and one massive giveaway is going on. I promise to give all the links, but not until you have read the blog. Despite my request, I realize those of you who read the end of the story first will skip the next few sections!

WHAT IS WOMEN’S FICTION ANYWAY?

Truthfully, women’s fiction is having an identity crisis. No consensus exists on what it is. Nevertheless, Lidija Hilje, book coach, author of the upcoming novel, Slanting Towards the Sea (Simon & Schuster, August 2025), and, a friend, lays out a great explanation.

According to Hilje, the term has been used inconsistently and is generally defined as a story with a central theme of a (woman’s) emotional journey. However, the protagonist does not have to be a woman and the books are not intended exclusively for female audiences.

Some terms that might be a better fit are emotional fiction, relationship fiction, emotional journey fiction, or even adult-coming-of-age fiction.

DO MEN READ WOMEN’S FICTION?

My guess is that only a handful of men will pick up books that say, “women’s fiction.” Frankly, most women’s fiction is written by women for women. My husband is an exception; he did read my novel, Tough Trail Home, classified as women’s fiction. But to be honest, I nagged him until he did! And naturally, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

In general, according to the Guardian, many men seldom read books by women. On average, women will read roughly 50:50 books written by men and by women; for men, the ratio is 80:20. Who knew?

“I think subject matter has a lot to do with it,” the novelist Ian McEwan said. Men are assumed to be more interested in violence than relationships, preferring war or crime novels. The fascinating thing is, however, that many male writers pen stories about relationships, love gone wrong, despair, and suicide.

WHY DO I WRITE WOMEN’S FICTION?

To me, change and growth are important. Growth can be exciting. For instance, in Tough Trail Home, Lisa learns how fleeting and precious life is when her son and his friend survive being marooned in their truck as a wildfire passes through.

COME ON, ALREADY, TELL ME ABOUT THE WOMEN’S FICTION GIVEAWAY

Finally. Sorry, but good blogs are supposed to have at least six hundred words, so I had to put some fluff and filler in.

Ta-Da! Drum roll!

The Mother of all giveaways is here. Many authors of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association are giving away free books as well as critique sessions, marketing consultation, and even a $100 gift card.

I am also in a giving mood. I will be giving away three digital sets of my award-winning trilogy, Warriors for Equal Rights series. Simply visit my website at www.mariewatts.com and follow the directions.

The free giveaway you do not want to miss is from the authors of the Feisty Deeds anthology. This book bundle basket contains ten books plus a copy of Feisty Deeds, and such fun items as a DO NOT DISTURB I’M READING door hanger, writing journal, handmade cards, magnetic bookmarks and book cover, a wood-worker-crafted writing pen, recipe cards, and more! You can send your request to win to dwhogan@comcast.net.

Of course, I am partial to this anthology because my short story, The Monster, is included.  It concerns a midwife in the 1600s who is threatened to be exposed as a witch. And, feisty to the core, she fights back. Lastly, all the proceeds go to the scholarship fund at the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Even if you do not win the basket, please buy the book.

Happy Reading!

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