I am so proud to be a member of Elementary Sisterhood, a women writers’ collective, who are launching our first collection this Saturday (tomorrow!) at the Old Low Lights Heritage Centre, North Shields. There are still tickets available, so come along and listen to some fantastic tales of female friendship and solidarity…
‘Sisterhood’ is a collection of ten short stories which explores the wide-ranging issues which affect women today, celebrating and promoting collaboration as the ultimate empowerment tool.
The book will be launched at a special event at Old Low Light Heritage Centre in North Shields on June 23 and all proceeds from ‘Sisterhood’ will be donated to Newcastle Women’s Aid.
Elementary Sisterhood was founded in 2017 by Victoria Watson of Elementary V Watson, to create a support network for the female writers she works with.
The aim of the group is to strengthen links between the women regarding their writing, and to provide a wider support network and to increase each woman’s confidence in their writing and themselves.
Elementary Sisterhood comprises of ten local women from diverse backgrounds, ages and writing styles including journalism, screenwriting, non-fiction and fiction. The collective also features a mix of professional playwrights, published novelists, bloggers and award-winning authors.
Victoria, who is a writer, copy-editor and creative writing tutor, from Whitley Bay said: “Events such as the Me Too movement and the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage spurred us on, as well as the lack of opportunities for women in publishing – especially in the North East, where we all hail from. These were amazing steps, showing that when women stand together, we can move mountains.”
Newcastle Women’s Aid said: “We are delighted to be involved with ‘Sisterhood’ , it’s a really interesting project. As an organisation run by women for women we hold the same ethos.
“NWA exists for the benefit of all women who have been affected by domestic abuse though the provision of specialist support, advice and information. We recognise that violence against women and girls results from the unequal position of women in society.
“We recognise that women supporting women plays a crucial role in staying safe, coping and recovering from abuse. Our work aims to empower women to take back control and live independent lives free from fear.”
The anthology, which is edited by writer and copy-editor Emma Whitehall, will be available in special limited edition copies on the launch night and as an e-book.
Emma from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland said: “I am so proud of every piece in this anthology. The wonderful, emotional, messy thing that is female friendship is navigated beautifully in these ten stories. Every member of Elementary Sisterhood has helped to create something that, I hope, will outgrow us all.”
Stories featured in the anthology include a mermaid who befriends a girl who reads her stories, a tap-dancing octogenarian, a gutsy woman who battles Lupus and a gripping tale about a murderous female friendship.
‘Sisterhood’ will be launched on Saturday, June 23 at Women of Words, an evening of poetry and readings celebrating the centenary of women’s suffrage, at Old Low Light Heritage Centre, North Shields from 7:30pm to 10pm.
Tickets cost £10 and can either be bought in advance or on the door. To find out more visit www.oldlowlight.co.uk.
Jennifer C. Wilson 