fiction – Michèle Griskey

The Flying Feminist

Written by Mary Boone

Illustrated by Andrea Turk

When I was in the 6th grade, our teacher assigned us a research project on a scientist or inventor of our choice. I decided I wanted to write about a female scientist, so I went to the library to look for books about women in science. Since this was back in the Cretaceous Period, the only book I found was on Marie Curie, a worthy scientist, but where were all the other innovative women?

As an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to research previously overlooked women, and it’s wonderful to see, finally, picture books on scientists and inventors such as Ynes Mexia, Mae Jemison, Roselind Franklin, and many more.

I recently had the opportunity to read Mary Boone’s latest book, The Flying Feminist, illustrated by Andrea Turk, and I marveled learning about an inventor I hadn’t known about before.

The Flying Feminist is the story of the innovative, Lilian Bland. During the time of aviation’s infancy, Lilian designed, built, and flew her own airplane. The story introduces us to Lilian who challenged society’s expectations for women in many ways; from wearing trousers to covering sports as a journalist, Lilian wasn’t afraid to do what she wished. When she learned about aviation and airplanes, she decided she wanted to fly.

Lilian faced many obstacles, and she overcame them with clever solutions. Readers find out if the airplane she designed and built herself will actually fly.

The story is told with beautiful, bright illustrations showcasing Lilian’s inspiration and perspiration to achieve her goals. Mary Boone’s clear and lyrical writing brings excitement to every page.

This would be a wonderful book for any reader curious about a woman who turned her dreams into real adventure. If I were back in the 6th grade, I know I would have wanted to learn about The Flying Feminist (no offense to Marie Curie, of course).

Murder, She Writes

Anyone who has wrestled with writing a story has most likely faced that echoing, horrible pit of “Nothing is Working.” I recently found a gaping plot hole in my work in progress and am not sure I fixed it in the best way possible. I wish to fix it in such a way that no one will ever know a hole existed, but sometimes the problem doesn’t have an easy solution. I will be weeding the garden, driving my car, or washing the dishes, and I bet, the answer to the problem will appear.

At least that’s been my experience.

I recently finished reading a mystery novel from a series that wasn’t one of my favorite reads. I’m not going to share the author or title here because you, dear reader, may find the book compelling. The writer’s work is popular, so I cheer her on.

The challenge with the book? The crime didn’t logically make sense. The murderer didn’t need to murder the victim to get what they wanted, and, at least in the story, no motivation was given. As both a writer and a reader I’ve experienced my share of the suspension of disbelief. I am willing to accept or create something that pushes expectations. There’s a kind of magic here worth indulging in.

In this unnamed novel, the murder was planned. It was not a passionate outburst that the antagonist later regretted. The process of figuring out the murder held my interest, but the writer also used a number of unnecessary workplace dramas that seemed unrealistic and petty. The kind of things that would send most of us in search of a better job.

Again, this is my subjective response. I hope the writer has avid readers and sells many books.

With my own work? Well, I’ll keep at it. I do love my characters and hope my readers will as well. That plot hole will be fixed and the story will move forward. Often, when I struggle, a stronger answer emerges.

Write on!