mssusanrubinwriter

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Breasts?

This year, I had to bribe myself to go for my mammogram—even though I know how critical it can be.

I (Still) Believe That We Will Win

Don’t give up hope. We’re in this together. We are the majority. And we will win.

This is a Post About Cats

Much like the great Neil Gaiman, I have a thing for cats. And that has become a big part of my writing

Happy Earth Day!

Every day is a good one to think about how we can save our planet. Here are ways we can all help…

On Surviving—and Speaking Out

Sexual assault isn’t fun to experience—or write about. But April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it’s long past time for people around the world to pay attention.

Three Verses for National Poetry Month

April brings a lot of beauty. This month rings in celebrations and commemorations of jazz, kindness to animals—and poetry. To mark the month, I wanted to share some of my favorite verses. See what you think. Then send me your favorites, too. Please! “To those born later,” Bertolt Brecht Hatred, even of meanness,Contorts the features.Anger,Continue reading “Three Verses for National Poetry Month”

My Mother’s Story

In her thirties she needed to go back to the dirt scrabble town of her Ukrainian ancestors, 30 miles outside of what was then Kiev. She flew to Moscow and boarded a train for Kiev on the eve of WWII.

Finally, a Feminist Beat Story

Photo by Gloria Graham via Wikimedia Commons Diane di Prima was among the famous Beat poets—but somehow, being the only woman, didn’t become famous until about a month ago. No need to ask why you’ve never heard of her. Ever read the Beats? I have—since the Beats feature in my autobiographical novel, 44 Horatio Street,Continue reading “Finally, a Feminist Beat Story”

Beyond The Second Sex

I have some unusual Women’s History Month advice: Skip the theory and turn to Simone de Beauvoir’s fiction instead.

In Search of Berthe Morisot

I assume most of you don’t know the name Berthe Morisot—although she does appear in my book, The Road Not Taken, in a scene where she discusses her own invisibility in history. During Women’s History Month, I want to do my own part to make artists like her visible again.