Celebrate the Rise in Female Authorship: Support Women Writers, Authors of Color

National Bureau of Economic Research reported that just 10 percent of nineteenth-century books that have been registered in the Library of Congress were authored by people with female first names (https://www.nber.org/digest/20234/growth-female-authorship-us-book-market). In modern times, women have made significant strides in the literary arts. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that by 2020, women writers produced the most books. 

Today, women authors often build their audience of readers while managing full-time careers, families, or other personal obligations. Lived experiences enable authors to speak to a host of readers who can select where they want their imaginations to take them while turning pages.

Summertime offers a chance to get lost in a book near a pool or seated next to an open window. Joining a book club can provide camaraderie for those who enjoy socializing or discussing deeper insight. Remember, reading keeps the brain active and reduces stress. When young people see parents and role models read, it can inspire them to embrace reading more. Consider adding new writers to your book list in 2025 if you enjoy reading. A.C. Arthur and Olivia Almagro, two women fiction authors who add to diverse literary voices, kick off the women who write book series.

A.C. Arthur

Location: Catonsville, Maryland

Profession: Paralegal

Fun Fact: A.C. Arthur is afraid of cats and loves black and white movies.

Target audience: Adults 30-65

A.C. Arthur has penned over 100 titles.

“I’ve lived in Baltimore all my life, attended Baltimore City Public Schools and the Community College of Baltimore (Catonsville Campus),” said A.C. Arthur.

 “A Lifetime In 30 Days” was published in late December 24, 2024. When a woman embarks on the next phase of her life, it is all she can do not to break under pressure in a smart, cheeky, and bighearted novel about moving on. Savannah Carlson brings in her fortieth birthday with a month-long celebration she calls ‘Freakin’ Forty and Still Fly (#FFSF) in A.C. Arthur’s fun tale.

“She has planned weekend festivities to include bowling, a pool party and culminating in a big birthday bash. All of her celebrations include her gun-toting Granny, the surly French Bulldog and her besties! The vibe is enjoying life and celebrating you in the midst of the storm,” the local storyteller added.

A.C. Arthur said that she crafted the storyline because many of her friends and relatives celebrate their birthdays throughout the month. At the same time, she usually opts for the tranquil personal celebration of her big day. 

“I often wondered why it was so important to them to do so much surrounding that one day, so I asked a lot of questions and found the poem, ‘Black Folk Don’t Have Birthdays’ by Steven Willis. Savannah’s story is her declaration of how important she is, despite her circumstances and above all the noise of life.

To learn more about A.C. Arthur, visit www.acarthur.com. 

Olivia Almagro

Location: Miami, Florida

Profession: Owner and operator of O+ Media Group LLC, a boutique public relations agency/ adjunct professor

Fun fact: Almagro loves karaoke even though she is definitely not a singer.

Target audience: 21 and over

 Almagro, the daughter of an Afro-Cuban mother and Jamaican father, fuses her cultural identity and other reflections into her writing.  She has penned three books: “The Fortunate Fall,” “Cherish the Day,” and “Christmas In April.” “Christmas In April” is scheduled for release in 2026. The proud graduate of Morris Brown College’s class of 1994 mentioned that her generation was inspired by “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World.” They believed in the power of HBCUs and the limitless possibilities they made real.

“‘In Cherish the Day,’ I had so much fun reflecting on those college years and the time that followed—the friendships, romantic relationships, and the village I was part of. Turning those memories into fiction and exploring the journey into adulthood brought me immense joy,” said Almagro. ‘Cherish the Day’ is a vibrant, modern Black love story that also celebrates the power of friendship among professional Black women and the sacred sisterhood they often share. The novel takes you on an emotional journey—one moment you’ll be laughing, the next, holding back tears,” Almagro stated.Visit http://oliviaalmagro.com to learn more about Almagro and her books.