International Women's Day 2025

Today is International Women’s Day, a holiday where issues of gender equality and women’s rights are rightfully brought to the forefront.

For centuries, the literary world has been dominated by female artists and thinkers who have told stories of female empowerment and created worlds to spur forward universal female suffrage.

With this in mind, we asked some of our authors which female writers have inspired them in their own work and in their everyday lives.

Here are some of their answers…

“Time for celebration! Time for cheer! Glee and happiness to all the inspirational female authors far or near! Applause to our female writers whom have come and gone, and to those who have recently entered into the wonderful world of literature. May we as women continue to transfer our creative thoughts onto the pages for all to see and hear.

Just a few of my favorites: Charlotte Brontë, Harper Lee, Judy Blume, Alice Walker, Deanna Singh, Anne Tyler, Harriet Beecher Stowe”

Pamela Hampton Floridi, author of Rosco With The Great Big Enormous Afro

“Nancy Phelan, a prolific Australian writer, inspired me as a child. A Kingdom by The Sea is about my father’s family.

Janet Frame, a New Zealander writer and poet. The Lagoon and Other Stories, her first published book, saved her from an impending leucotomy!

Ruth Shaw, a bestselling New Zealander writer and fellow sailor, writes beautifully about her extraordinary life… The Bookseller at the End of the World.

Lin Pardey, American, cruising on small yachts for more than forty years with her husband Larry. Passages: Cape Horn and Beyond, an informative cruising book, writes compassionately about dementia, of which my sister died.”

Anne Pilcher Gough, author of Ocean Freedom

“My favourite author is Julia Donaldson, of course! The way she effortlessly weaves timeless stories filled with imagination, humour, and heart within just 700 words is genius. Her ability to create lovable characters and engaging narratives through rhyme is magical. Each book feels like a tiny masterpiece, combining fun and emotion in a way that captivates both children and adults alike. Whether it’s the playful rhythm, the wordplay, or the touching messages, her stories leave a lasting impact. It’s no wonder her books remain beloved classics, enjoyed by generations of readers around the world.”

Christina B Bianco, author of Frog, Fish, and Worm

“I’m inspired by women who break the boundaries and write freely of expectations and societal limitations. Regarded as one of the creators of the science-fiction genre, Mary Shelley’s writing showed profound thought and reflection of the human condition, to pursue our greatest ambitions and the cost of doing so. A feminist ahead of her time, she was known historically for a tortured life and a resounding strength to go against the status quo. As a lover of philosophy weaving through narrative, I am drawn towards Mary Shelley’s The Last Man. While Mary is known for her ventures into Gothic romanticism, I recently stumbled upon a work that is less well known but equally profound. The Last Man is a dystopian novel, where we follow the last living man in a world devoid of humanity and reclaimed by nature. Written after the death of her husband and children, we see Mary reflect her grief of loneliness into this work of fiction in a beautiful and enlightening way unlike her normal work. For these reasons I would rank Mary Shelley in my top writers of all time.”

Michaila Oberhoffer, author of The Root of John’s Happiness

“My favourite female authors are The Brontës - I especially love Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The resilient, free spirit of their characters and the wild backdrop of life on the Moors resonate deeply in my soul. I also adore Raynor Winn’s books, especially The Salt Path and Landlines. Her courage and staunch perseverance in the face of adversity are inspirational and she is one of the most gifted descriptive writers ever.”

Joy Martin, author of Invincible! and Beating the Odds!

“Since I’ve become a children’s book author, I recognise Shirley Hughes as someone who has inspired me in my journey so far.

Her illustrations are wondrous to me as they have that classic touch that all the family can enjoy and relate to. I find her words create a family picture when you read each page, which really sparks imagination. I smile when I read her stories to my sons, as I remember how reading her books sparked my imagination as a little girl when it came to imagining my future self as a mother and what my family’s life would be like. Reading her books now as a parent, I really resonate with them because of that.”

Emma Tarver, author of The Dream that Got me Home

“My two favourite female authors are Juliette Marillier - my favourite works are The Sevenwaters Trilogy - and Sarah J Maas - my favourite book is from the ACOTAR series, Mist and Fury.

S. Owens, author of Tales of Havengarde: Creatures in the Dark

“These two might be an odd pairing, but Beatrix Potter and Mary Shelley are my favourite female authors.

Not only did I love Beatrix Potter’s stories as a child, but I was inspired by her beautiful and intricate illustrations. I wasn’t aware of many authors who wrote the words AND drew the characters. Beatrix Potter gave me an appreciation for animals and their feelings. To this day, I always try to see life through their eyes.

Mary Shelley, who remarkably started writing Frankenstein at the age of eighteen, created such a unique masterpiece. Whether one considers it the first science fiction or Gothic horror book, Shelley introduced a controversial subject: creating life from the dead. Her words painted such compelling images and situations, while capturing how inhumane humanity can be.”

Wendy Little, author of A Frog Named Toulouse

“As an author of two books, all written by me,

I decided, a poem to celebrate the day with thee.

As one of my books is filled with gossip and love,

Everything sweet and what ladies’ dreams are made of.

Usually, I read Kafka, if I feel like I could dare,

As if I understand it, I enjoy it very much - I swear.

But if I want to feel cute and a little stupid,

I read Helen Fielding, to find that love cupid.

Happy Women’s Day to all the WOMEN out there,

Enjoy the day, shout at the top of your voice - if you so dare.

From lady to lady, I wish you all the best,

Having us in our each other’s lives, we are all so blessed.”

Aneta Darlington, author of 50 Shades of Red

Thank you for the writers who took part in this celebration of female authors and work! Who is your favourite female writer?

 

Happy International Women’s Day!