anthology

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“Brave, vulnerable and powerful! Minotti helps writers discover their voice, a privileged act that she recognizes as essential to belonging."

~ Laura Davis, author of The Courage to Heal: A Guide For Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

WHO AM I TODAY? 40 WOMEN ANSWER THE QUESTION

Edited by Jennifer A. Minotti

VIEW RECORDING of the BOOK LAUNCH!

In this stunning collection of poetry, prose, flash non-fiction, and memoir, 40 talented women from diverse backgrounds and locations around the world (including the USA, India, England, China, Ireland, Canada, and Dubai) answer the question—"Who Am I Today?"—a simple writing prompt that Jennifer A. Minotti (Editor) poses at the beginning of each of her Women's Writing Circles. This anthology illuminates the individual and collective power that arises when women's voices are held, supported and affirmed. "These brilliant women write not just for themselves but for every woman. This is a collection to savor, to return to, and to share."

Who Am I Today? 40 Women Answer the Question is available through all major online distribution channels. As you think about ways to further support women's health and human rights, please consider purchasing copies from independent bookstores who are owned and operated by women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and others who are aligned with the missions of the Women's Writing Circle and the Center for Women's Health and Human Rights. It's one more way we can advocate and help to build a more equitable, inclusive, and just world for all.

Two suggestions we have for bookstores are:

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Foreword by Amy Agigian. Published by the Center for Women's Health and Human Rights at Suffolk University in Boston, MA.

PRAISE FOR WHO AM I TODAY?

"The stories gathered here speak of heartbreaking loss and endurance and demand to be heard. They reveal how brave it is to hold space and know it is enough to be present after the heart has been soldered by life. Readers are enjoined to put doubt in abeyance and resurface daily to embrace yourself, because there is a reward for daring to write, and this is it." ~ Artress Bethany White, author of Survivor’s Guilt: Essays on Race and American Identity

"When women are given safe spaces to write, profound healing and freedom can occur. Jennifer understands this on a fundamental, human level. The personal stories in Who Am I Today? are familiar, unique, wise, honest, and downright inspiring. They prove what can happen when you give women a nurturing environment to unleash their inner Self." ~ Nancy Slonim Aronie, author of Writing from the Heart: Tapping the Power of Your Inner Voice and Memoir as Medicine

"Jennifer creates sacred space for women to name truth. The book's writers practice mesmerizing storytelling—inviting us into a previously unseen world. Through the prism of this new world, we can more fully see ourselves. This is essential social justice work." ~ Denise Padín Collazo, author of Thriving in the Fight: A Survival Manual for Latinas on the Front Lines of Change

"The 40 voices that make up Who Am I Today? fuse together to form an anthology of raw, honest and moving prose and poetry. The responses to the title’s query display the magnitude and complexity of such a question, and how the writers grapple, uncover, revel, and meditate on the words that are released onto the page. Once I finished Who Am I Today? I felt the urge to pick up a pen and paper, and answer this question for myself.” ~ Caren Osten Gerszberg, contributor for The New York Times and Psychology Today and co-editor of Drinking Diaries​

“Raw, authentic voices of women and their snapshots of their journeys. Makes us realize we all have so much within us to share that can resonate profoundly with others; it truly behooves us all to put pen to paper and expose ourselves. As we see/read, it all flows in a most self-reflective and poignant style.” ~ Harriet Cabelly, LCSW, author of Living Well Despite Adversity: Inspiration for Finding Renewed Meaning and Joy in Your Life

“This successful anthology engages readers from start to finish in a first read, and sends the reader back to favorites many times. Jennifer Minotti has inspired writers with a simple question that evokes authenticity and generates captivating stories. The answers to Who Am I Today? are as fresh and diverse as the contributors who share them. This collection throbs with awakening in the midst of illness, fierce self-love in the face of abuse, and sexy toughness after the loss of a spouse. The brave truths, shared in prose and poetry, tease out our own answers. In the words of one writer, 'I refuse to waste time at war with what is ... I want words to be bridges instead of weapons.' Minotti’s project convinces us, in every selection, that the act of writing, itself, is an answer.” ~ Kelly DuMar, author of girl in tree bark

“Who Am I Today is a testament to women’s perseverance, vulnerability and their ability to transform, especially when confronted with the darkness within. The anthology shines light on how it feels to look inward, what it means to slowly slide into the perspective of inner truth, and what it's like to discard self-judgment induced by those confining social standards—and to simply look, open one’s eyes and see that fountain of inner power. Women from various backgrounds and different countries ask themselves this trick question, 'Who Am I Today?' The answer to what we all, as collective consciousness need to feel and identify with, and to find our peace and spiritual and emotional sustenance, lies within the pages of this anthology.” ~ Riham Adly, author of Love is Make-Believe

“I read this fascinating collection of 40 women’s responses to the prompt 'Who Am I Today?' in one sitting, not so much lingering on the many nuggets of raw insight or revelation, though they are worth lingering on—rather, allowing the voices to wash over and through me. Voices of mothers, daughters, widows, wives, victims, survivors, all seemingly striving to feel seen, heard, believed, known, celebrated. The cumulative effect was powerful. Jen Minotti’s beautifully conceived anthology will resonate with women of all ages and identities. Bravo!” ~ Deborah Sosin, author of Charlotte and the Quiet Place and Breaking Free of Addiction

“The heartfelt stories and poems in this inspiring, wide-ranging anthology will resonate with women from many walks of life, paying testament to the truth that the more we share what’s in our hearts, the stronger we become, individually and together. This is a collection to savor, to return to, and to share.” ~ Jennifer Browdy, PhD, author of Purposeful Memoir as a Quest for a Thriving Future

​“'Everyone is an equal access point within the circle,' states facilitator and author, Jennifer Minotti in the introduction to the Women’s Writing Circle Anthology: Who Am I Today?, a beautiful collection that sprung from her years of gathering women in a safe circle of truth. Each circle Jen facilitates begins with the simple question: 'Who Am I today?' This check-in inquiry allows each woman to take an internal snapshot of herself as an entry into what is coming up for her. This collection of essays, poetry, and prose showcases the words of 40 women who have answered that question with honesty and courage. Touching on such intimate topics as fear, identity, hope, aging, grief, and faith, these remarkable women remind us that the circumstances of life are ever-changing, shaping and defining us in powerful ways, and that by writing and sharing our truth we are not alone on the journey.” ~ Lisa Lucca, author of Ashes to Ink: A Memoir and radio host of Live True

“Writings in this emphatic collection portray the real lives and beliefs of and by women, resoundingly declaring, without any apology or guilt, who they are, who they were and who they wish to become. This is an endearing collection of poems, flash non-fiction and memoir with universal appeal on the theme of Who Am I Today? The writings reveal the exultations, anticipations, fears, and tears of women delving into the contours of their identity, one which they garner themselves, or which others or circumstances might envelope them with. In the end, the women writers in this anthology give a clarion call to the tremendous love and belief they hold for themselves and their capacity to be whosoever they wish to be. A word of high appreciation for the editor, Jennifer A. Minotti for her tireless efforts in not only bringing out this volume, but also in encouraging women writers to express and find their voice!” ~ Anita Nahal, PhD, author of What’s Wrong with Us Kali Women

“'Open the window wide, dear,’ writes Raluca Buttner in this marvelous collection that will open your heart and just might make you believe, as Buttner does as she writes, that being just might be enough. Writing, I’ve come to believe, is as basic a human activity as eating, breathing, and seeing—a sacred right and rite. How else are we to catch the moments that fill our fleeting days! How else are we to know who we were, are and can be! While the act of writing may not change our circumstances, it prevents us from being owned by them. By sharing writing in loving community, we gain courage and resilience; find wisdom, love and delight. This book is a gift and a miracle. Read it and read it—and write!” ~ Leslie Lawrence, author of The Death of Fred Astaire: Essays from a Life Outside the Lines

"Who Am I Today? is a stunning collection of poetry and prose. This small and important book touches on everything from aging, cancer diagnosis, motherhood, grandmothers, ethics, religion, wonder, hope and grace, and gratitude. These brilliant women write not just for themselves but for every woman. Don’t miss this superb and mighty anthology." ~ Laura L. Engel, author of You’ll Forget This Ever Happened—Secrets, Shame, and Adoption in the 1960s