Meet Barbara Bos, the managing editor and owner of Women Writers, Women’s Books. This vibrant online literary magazine that has become a go-to platform for female voices around the world has what’s gotten Barbara so busy!
Since launching the site in 2011, Barbara has built a welcoming space where women writers—from debut authors to seasoned novelists—share their stories, writing journeys, and publishing insights. With a deep passion for elevating women’s perspectives in literature, Barbara has created not just a website, but a global community of storytellers.
Find out more about Women Writers, Women’s Books here
Barbara does it all! Check out her personal blog CHICADEROCK here
Barbara, thank you so much for being here with us and sharing a little more insight in all that you do…
What inspired you to create Women Writers, Women’s Books—and did you imagine it would become such a vibrant community?
It was poet and author Anora McGaha who started the site in 2011. We connected via Twitter and she invited me to write a piece. I was delighted to do so, and we stayed in touch. I became involved in running the site and took it over in 2013.
I’ve always adhered to and believed in its original motto – providing women from all walks of life a platform, a space to connect, inspire, get inspired, and find support. It grew naturally.
You’ve built a space that champions women’s voices from all over the world. How do you think the stories women tell shift as they age or evolve through life stages?
Good question. I think we get drawn to different subjects when we get older, and as we age, we become a bit bolder and more confident. Or maybe we care a bit less about what other people think of us, our thoughts, our words.
Many women begin writing or publishing in their 40s, 50s, or beyond. What’s your message to late-blooming writers?
Ditch the late in late-blooming: just consider yourself blooming. It’s that simple. Certain stories need time to develop. Writing takes time to develop. I’d like to quote Sheryl Strayed from her “Tiny Beautiful Things essay: Your book has a birthday. You don’t know what it is yet.
What common themes do you see emerging in submissions by women writers today? Are there any recurring topics that surprise or delight you?
More and more authors are trying their hand at character interviews. I always love reading those. It takes creativity to another level, and I love it when authors play with the setup. Sometimes, characters interview the interviewer, some authors turn it into screenplays.
How has curating essays from women writers all over the world shaped your own view on storytelling and community?
The importance of storytelling itself, the fact that the stories we tell ourselves and others are what shape humanity. How much we all have in common, seeing the beauty in differences.
For women writers struggling with imposter syndrome or rejection, what words on encouragement would you offer?
Imposter syndrome is part and parcel of writing. Of any art. Give it a name, ideally a silly one, and when it’s breathing down your neck, you say:: “not today, Getrude, not today.”
About struggling with rejection, I’m quoting a wonderful author, Rachel Stone, who has a substack and who writes about her publishing journey: Did you come this far to only come this far?
You’ve read thousands of essays—what makes a submission stand out? Any advice for someone submitting to Women Writers, Women’s Books for the first time?
They all stand out in their individuality, there’s always the delight upon discovering a new voice, a new take on a subject. I’m always grateful someone has taken the time to write for us. A recent one I thought was brilliant, was about Work in Progress, and how life itself often is a work in progress. It was beautiful, poignant and inspiring.
And yesterday I received a piece from an author interviewing a pair of red heels. It was so stunning, I forgot to breathe while reading it.
To those submitting for the first time, don’t overthink. You’ve got a story.
Is there an essay or moment from running the site that’s stayed with you over the years—something that really moved you or affirmed your mission?
What moves me most is when an author tells me they’ve made a writing friend via our site. It makes my day. It is all about connection.
Thank you so much for featuring me!
Contact Barbara:
www.booksbywomen.org
Twitter @womenwriters
Facebook Women Writers Women(‘s) Books
