My top five feminist books.

These are books that I read to keep myself going while living in a patriarchy.

1. Against Our Will by Susan Brownmiller

    This book is not a quick undertaking. It is brutal, honest, and extraordinarily painful. Do not read it all at once for it is a harrowing read. If you read the reviews for the book, though, you will see many  examples of what was later labeled as #notallmen.

2. How to Suppress  Women's Writing by Joanna Russ 

    My first foray into inter-sectional feminism, the late Russ unearths all the fallacies that people drag out to minimize women's creations. 

3. Every single book by Dr. Fatima Mernissi. The late Mernissi was a Moroccan sociologist, feminist, and brilliant writer. Her work explores many of the fallacies of Islamic history and women's rights.

4. The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor. One of the finest examples of intersectional feminism, this book lays the groundwork for a more just society.

5. Afrofuturism: the world of Black sci-fi and fantasy by Ytasha L Womack. This book taught me so much the much under-represented Black experience in science fiction and fantasy. It is hopeful, exciting, and makes you want to write better books.

A few more excellent books and authors:

The Explorer's Guide to Planet Orgasm by Annie Sprinkle, PhD

Feminist Fight Club: An office survival manual for a sexist workplace by Jessica Bennet.  I really like resources that give women "boots on the ground", real life suggestions on how to deal with our daily stressors. 

Everything by Jean Shinoda Bolen

Everything by Dale Spender

The Survivor's Guide to Sex by Staci Haines

Everything by Susie Bright

 

The Oracle Deck is out!

 I've worked for ages on the Affirmations for Women in Business. I had no idea what I was doing. It was a long strange road but I finally got it done. 

It is available HERE at the Game Crafter. And it looks a little something like this:

And it reads a little bit like this:

Description: Half of a celadon green vase glows against a plain white background

There are people out there who can help you glue all the pieces together until your life is whole and beautiful. Find those you have a kinship with, people who believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, the ones who pop lovely fizzy beverages at your success, the ones who send you encouraging notes.

Early in my career, I discovered that the people who I thought would be my biggest cheerleaders weren’t. I’d tell them good news and then they would pick at me until I felt lousy. Not every voice around you is going to be helpful. These hurtful words sink into you.

I know it’s hard, but feel free to ask for what you need.

 

Journal prompts

·       Where do you think you can find supportive people? Take a peek at professional organizations, groups of women in your particular business, or mentoring alliances.

·       Who are your companions in power?

·       Listen to your body signals. Do you get headaches or nausea when a particular person talks to you? Do certain words or situations push you into a depression or leave you struggling to find your favorite self? Practice fear management.

 

One after another, her family spilled their disdain into her ears. With each blast of bitterness and anger, she shrunk deeper and deeper into herself until she felt like a hollow shell of a thing.

Like she had the day she ran away.

How was it that even from over a hundred miles away, they could still make her miserable? They could still make her feel like half a person? As less than?

The Dream Factory

 

www.LindaMercury.com

Pre-sale available for Affirmations for Women.

 

Hello, wonderful people. I have a couple of things on my mind today. First - did you know that you are awesome and that you can get through whatever you are currently surviving? I adore you all and want you to believe in yourself the same way I believe in you.

Second, my new book, Affirmations for Women in Business is now available for pre-order at all the usual spots that I list below. This is a big departure from my usual sexy vampires - it's a book of original art and original affirmations that I made up for The Dream Factory. Here is one of the images - this one is to help you get unstuck on a project.

 

 

There is a story behind this image.

In the middle of creating this book, I ran out of steam. I was completely blocked. I had nothing. Zilch. Zip. I had no idea where to go with his project or even how to keep going.
Naturally, this lead to me being convinced that this was a terrible idea that no one would care. My fear told me I should give up and spend my cold and lonely days sitting under my desk.
I had forgotten that we are meant to live in rich, interesting environments. Our brains and souls need stimulation and input if we are going to reach our favorite selves. Eventually, I yoinked myself out of the slump by listening to music, investigating other people’s processes, and smelling beautiful scent.
Journal Prompts:

• What are your favorite things to stimulate your brain?
• Make a list of interesting things that you like to do and places you want to go. Check Trip Advisor for your region, talk to your friends and colleagues, think about what feeds your spirit.
• Television and movies are wonderful places to start, but they cannot be your only mental food.
• What else can you do to feed your head?
•  

 

 

Advanced Reader Copies available!

 Hello, lovely people. 

Would you like to get an advanced reader copy (ARC) of my soon to be released book and oracle deck, Affirmations for Women in Business? I created all the art for this project, based on the wonderful affirmations from The Dream Factory.  An ARC is a mostly perfect version of an upcoming release, given to select people for reviews and comments.

Each saying has one of a kind art and includes journal prompts for further brainstorming. Currently, the ARCs are only available for the book since I am still finalizing the deck and the retailers for it.

If you want an ARC, reply and I'll get the .pdf to you. I ask you to please leave a review at your favorite e-shop. If you have any comments, such as if something doesn't make sense or I missed a typo (the most persistent of all things), email me and I'll get those taken care of before the release dates.

You can also pre-order the books.  I'll announce when the decks will be ready for order, too (since they take longer to publish than a book).

Thank you all so much. I can't wait to hear from you. <3
Linda

I got nothing.

Today, I am dealing with one of the realities of the writing life - I have no idea what to say. Usually, I grab a piece of paper and hand write it out in a bizarre stream of consciousness rant. For example:

"Holy cow, I have no idea what to do day, I'm a big mess, my brain is empty, I gotta do something but I haven't a clue what, at least I've showered - Go me! What do I talk about? I want something emotionally truthful, something that encourage the people to follow their dreams of a better world. Something to combat despair and hopelessness."

While I'm casting about, I want to hear what YOU need. What makes you feel like you can smash the patriarchy? What kinds of books do you read when you need comfort and courage? How can I help you gather your energy to live your favorite life?

Let me know! We can't create a more just world all alone.
 

Non-Fiction for the Holidays!

Last time, we talked fiction. Perhaps your friends and you need some non-fiction in your life! Over here at Maison de Mercure Charmante,
(named after The Charming Man and myself), we pride ourselves on great non-fiction aimed at helping people create an awesome life.

First up is the Little Sexy Workbook. Part of being an erotic writer means being an unofficial sex therapist. In order to help people have better communication around arousal and their preferences, I created this little book.
 

 

If you have been having problems with stress and rejection, I have Rejection, Bad Reviews, and Mean People. Aimed at writers, but helpful for every one, this book has real world, immediate suggestions to get through the shock of dealing with nasty words.

 

Finally, if you are writer who wants to create better love scenes and sexual tension, I created Arousal to Zipper: Writing the Best Sex of Your Life. It doesn't matter what heat level you write, this book helps you wring the most emotion from your characters.

 

Buy Links:
My Web Site
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Apple Books