I wish I could still find that study that cited, “Men read other men, women read men and other women,” seemingly in that order

by Jo Diaz | May 14, 2012 | Social media, Wine, Wine Blogger, Wine Business, Wine Writer | 20 comments

I wish I could still find that study that cited, “Men read other men, women read men and other women,” seemingly in that order.

UPDATE: Anther article with a study about women’s words not be chosen by editors (or is that women don’t submit?) states that It’s 2012 already: why is opinion writing still mostly male?

I wonder if it’s because most writers are men, or at least appear to be. It seems to be something we know subliminally; otherwise why would female authors of days gone by (and even some today) take a male pseudonym as a pen name?

Eliot (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I was just reminded of this phenomenon as I picked up a small book in my library the other day while dusting, and decided to take a sojourn; like, opening the book for more information. I looked for the copyright. None… “First edition,” I thought, especially based on its age. Published by The Mershon Company. The book is titled, Romola, and it’s written by George Eliot. “Hum,” I thought. “George Eliot sounds familiar,” but I couldn’t bring up any other references in my brain. I did what we now all do, I Googled “George Eliot.”

WIKI: Mary Anne (alternatively Mary Ann or Marian) Evans (22 November 1819 – 22 December 1880), better known by her pen name George Eliot, was an English novelist, journalist and translator, and one of the leading writers of the Victorian era.

Romola, 1863: Romola, an historical novel set in late 15th century Florence and touching on the lives of several real persons such as the priest Girolamo Savonarola, displays her wider reading and interests.

So, here’s a copyright range, from Thoughts of Bibliomaven

The Mershon Company was an active publishing house between 1897 and 1906. Mainly known as a reprint house of classics and juvenile literature, it also published a number of original…

And, this is an original “reprint,” printed after George Eliot’s life ended, still over 100 years old. “What a sweet little book,” I thought.

Back to my original title… Men reading men, women reading me and other women – in that order…

About a month ago, my friend and writer colleague Alana Gentry (Girl with a Glass) started a private Facebook page for women writers (and bloggers… but, we now all know that “bloggers” are writers, the difference between writers and bloggers being the publishers… But… bloggers are self publishers. I feel like a dog chasing my tail/tale, here.) Although there are some women invited into this group who are in the wine business but not writing a blog or articles, like Julie Weinstock (Ledson Winery’s writer and editor of everything relating to the winery, and all their social media)), most of the women are wine writers with their own blogs, and/or publish stories).

Let me also make clear, if someone like Julie is a PR person, her writing skills are top notch… She’s just got a great, steady writing gig; which lots of people choose to do in the world of writing, versus trying to sell one story at a time. This, too, is why I’m also a publicist, besides my self publishing.

When I found myself put into the group, my first thought was (being very honest here), “Do I want to be part of another group? I don’t have time for another group.”

Still, intrigued, I went to the Facebook page to see what was going on. Within seconds I was drawn in. It had all the elements of a “guy” site (snarky stuff going on, included), but in a very different dialogue with each other, and very entertaining. (Thanks, ladies, for working that one out, sorta.) It’s also one of the first things I do each day, check in with this page to see who is doing what, and what ideas are being shared. I’ve now segued from reading men first and foremost, simply because this group holds more interest for me… Maybe now I’m getting why men read men, and rarely gravitate toward women writers, first and foremost.

Perhaps it’s because there are now more women writers readily available that women might gravitate more in that direction? Only time will tell.

What’s most interesting to me is the sense of urgency to be helping each other, because we know we’re such a small minority. Not only helping each other, but now a month later, Alana has her thinking cap on and is coming up with awards that will impact other women. Alana’s an innovator and is on the move with this group.

She asked, “What can we be doing to help each other?” I decided to create and have been adding daily to a list of women bloggers/writers, taking my lead from within this group. I have a list of other bloggers that I have reciprocal links with, but I decided to create a new list called: A List of Women Wine Writers | Bloggers. The list is actually of the women within this group; otherwise, the list could become longer than my Web page, and I’m not trying to have the longest Web page in the history of Web pages. Still, it a great list, and if you’re wondering about what women wine writers are having to say, this link list is a good resource. It takes a lot for me to create another link list on my blog these days. This one is definitely worth it.

A List of Women Wine Writers | Bloggers

20 Comments

Alana Gentry on May 14, 2012 at 8:08 am

What a wonderful introduction of our group to the world! It took off quite fast didn’t it? We have created an incredible brain trust of intelligent, driven, humorous and talented women wine writers. One thing that surprised me was the tremendously high level of academia we share: college graduates, post-grads and PhDs. Then we all continued our education in the wine industry and not just in traditional female jobs in the offices and tasting rooms. The women in our group have solid credentials; we’ve worked multiple seasons in the vineyards and labs, professionally judged, traveled extensively and on top of that many have done the work to get certifications (usually while raising children and/or holding straight jobs). We have successful Mommy bloggers, foodies, college professors, marketing and PR pros — quite a seasoned and seriously motivated group. As you know, I love the multiculturalism and breadth…wine writers living in Italy, France, England and all over the US who share the grapes and vintners in their backyards. I do go on…but it’s tremendously exciting to be a part of this powerhouse of wine writers.
Jo Diaz on May 14, 2012 at 8:17 am

Led by you, my dear.

Any group is only as good as its leader and her (or his) intentions.
Catie on May 14, 2012 at 9:28 am

Thank you Alana for starting this group and bringing us together. Thank you Jo for helping to spread the word. It is certainly true for me as I read men and women wine blogs.

However, I am thinking that all of the current male writers should read Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and a few Nancy Drew mysteries, and then get back to us.
Amy @ VineSleuth Uncorked on May 14, 2012 at 9:31 am

I agree that this has been a great group to share ideas, learn from and grow. Thanks for being a part of it and for being such an encouragement.

Amy Gross- VineSleuth Uncorked– http://vinesleuth.com/uncorked/
Catie on May 14, 2012 at 9:32 am

Scratch Nancy Drew – I forgot that series was written by a man (figures). Okay, they should read the Little House on the Prairie series …
Jo Diaz on May 14, 2012 at 9:34 am

Catie,

You’re welcome, and yes… a little Louisa May would be good for all men… (especially the Jo character; sorry, couldn’t resist, because there’s a such a parallel for me.)

Meanwhile, did any of us read “Little Men,” and “Hardy Boys?” I wonder if preteen and teenagers is mostly when we’re drawn to those of our own gender for reading?
Jo Diaz on May 14, 2012 at 9:37 am

Catie… I’m laughing, because I just assumed (having read Nancy Drew) that it would have been written by a women. Very funny on us; still, how many guys read Little Men?
Jo Diaz on May 14, 2012 at 9:55 am

Amy, the most interesting aspect of this group for me has been the open sharing.
Caroline on May 14, 2012 at 11:02 am

Great post Jo!! And thank you Alana for starting the group – I love my little hit of positive women energy and creativity every day!!
Jo Diaz on May 14, 2012 at 11:12 am

Likewise, Caroline.
Elizabeth Smith on May 14, 2012 at 12:36 pm

Mine: http://travelingwinechick.com
Rachel Voorhees on May 14, 2012 at 12:55 pm

THIS is wonderful!!! Thank you so much Jo!!!
Jo Diaz on May 14, 2012 at 12:57 pm

This post has activated women for commenting on this blog… an unexpected phenomena. Thanks for your support, Rachel.
gwendolyn alley on May 14, 2012 at 8:38 pm

Love this post, love this list, love being on it! (And happy mother’s day to you Jo, and anyone else who is a mom!) Cheers to women wine writers!
Paul Sutton on May 15, 2012 at 4:00 am

Nice article. You should add Louise Hurren to your list. She covers Languedoc Roussillon mainly and writes beautifully
Jo Diaz on May 15, 2012 at 6:30 am

Thanks for the recommendation, Paul. I’ll check her out.
Monique Soltani on May 15, 2012 at 7:23 am

I’m beyond thrilled to be apart of this amazing group! Nothing makes me happier than women helping women. I am proud to be in your company! Monique:)
Jo Diaz on May 15, 2012 at 7:34 am

Great to have you here, too. Monique. The Facebook page that Alana Gentry started has become quite powerful among ourselves, and now it’s spreading outward.
Gabriella Opaz on May 16, 2012 at 3:03 am

Jo,

I have a theory as of recent. I am not a technical writer. If anything, I’m an emotional and spiritual beast who adores describing the subtle nuances of life. I am passionate for smells, feelings, flavors, discovery and adventure. What I don’t do is quote statistics, specs, etc. I find my writing to be a bit personal, if not downright emotional, and for many (men and women both) it can be overwhelming. Hence, my sense is that women tend to fall in my boat more often then not, and when they do, it can be like touching a nerve – putting someone in an “uncomfortable” place because you’re diving into the “uncharted” territory of life. The place that we all know exists but hey, we shouldn’t talk about it, right?

Personally, I say fuck it 🙂 I could care less who reads me, just as long as I’m being authentic, being me. And the more I can practice putting myself out there, as a woman or just as Gabriella, the more I’m willing to influence others. Sure getting criticized can be scary, but being silent sounds terrifying.

Thank you for the wonderful post!
Jo Diaz on May 16, 2012 at 7:00 am

Well, Gabriella, thank you for the wonderful explanation. My brief time with you in Portugal taught me you’re all of the things you’ve mentioned… passionate, spiritual, and adventurous. I can add (from an outside observation) accomplished and a rock star!