In my novel Genuine Fraud, the con-artist kick-ass heroine  (Jule) changes clothes in a Las Vegas bathroom. She emerges from the stall in a tight black dress, super-high heels and a red wig. 

A former prostitute  is eating a cheeseburger on the bathroom counter.    The woman watches Jule put on a lot of cosmetics – foundation, shadow and liner, highlighter, lipstick.  Jule stumbles a little on her way out. The high heels are unfamiliar.  The woman remarks on the shoes: “It’s hard to be a woman, sometimes.”  Jule replies: “Yeah, it pretty much sucks, except for the makeup.”

I am a feminist.  I write feminist novels with twisty plots.  Sometimes I feel like it does suck to be a woman.  Other times it doesn’t suck, but it’s hard. 

Nonetheless, I’m glad I am one. I am constantly amazed at the brilliant strength of the women in this world.  On cheery days, I even find being a woman deliciously fun.  In case you need a pick-me-up today, here are some reasons it’s good to be a woman:

Of course there are many other reasons to be glad to be a woman.  Many!  These are just the ones I think about on an everyday basis.  I try to remember them when I’m in a feminist rage.  It helps.

I channel the rage into a twisty piece of fiction, put on my lipstick and perfume --  and head out to meet my squad and see what we can get done in the world.

Xo

E. Lockhart