Phillis Wheatley: Poet, Pioneer, Progressive

Life:

Image: University of Michigan

In 1760, a young girl was seized from Senegal/Gambia, West Africa. She was only seven years old. After being transported to the city of Boston on a large shipping boat of ‘refugee’ slaves, she was sold to the family of a prominent tailor, the Wheatley’s. She was named after the ship that brought her to America, and given the surname of her new owners. It was then that she first became Phillis Wheatley. While she still had to complete her share of household work, the family recognized academic curiosity within her and began to educate her. Within sixteen months of landing in America, she could read the Bible, British literature, and even Greek and Latin classics. Phillis studied astronomy, geography, and anything else that was offered to her. Her hunger for knowledge only grew from then onward, as she continued her education and began to recognize her love for the written word. Phillis began to write poetry, which the Wheatley’s quickly realized she was not only passionate about, but had a raw talent for. Her first poem was published in 1767, and by 1770 she had gained significant notoriety with the publication of “An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of the Celebrated Divine George Whitefield”. She became a household name and example for the abolitionist movement that promoted the idea of African Americans having the same intellectual and artistic ability as caucasians. This movement would eventually snowball into the antislavery movement. The Wheatley’s freed Phillis in 1773, after the publication of her first novel of poems. She continued to publish poetry throughout her life, creating a respected reputation as the first recognized Black female poet. In 1778, She married John Peters. He was a free African-American from Boston, and together they had three children, though none survived to adulthood. Since her career as a writer was not enough to support her family, she became a maid for a boardinghouse to provide extra income. In 1784, Phillis Wheatley fell ill, and sadly passed on December 5th, at the age of 31.

Political Impact:

image: the new york times

Phillis supported the American Revolution and wanted freedom for her nation. But more deeply, she believed in the freedom of all individuals. To her, the most prominent factor that was keeping America from true advancement was slavery. She strongly believed that to be a true progressive society, they must overcome classist notions. Phillis wrote to ministers and other political figures on several occasions, promoting liberty for all. During the height of her writing career she wrote a poem applauding the appointment of George Washington to commander of the Continental Army. It was enthusiastically embraced and is, to this day, one of the most notable moments of her literary career. 

Literary Accomplishment and Legacy:

As the first Black female poet to be published in America, and only the third female poet to be published, Phillis paved the way for the following generations of Black female writers. She proved that intellect and literary prowess has never been dependent on gender, race, or heritage. Instead they can be attributed to the individual and their thirst for knowledge. When she published her first novel of poems in 1773: Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral - the first American novel to ever be published by an enslaved black woman - she set a precedent for Black female writers who came after her. She created a standard of literary competency, and disproved those who viewed persons of colour as less intellectually able. This novel even included a foreword signed by John Hancock and other notable Boston academics. It also provided a portrait of Wheatley, to ensure readers that this work was truly and undoubtedly written by a woman of colour. Many institutions have honoured Wheatley and her legacy, including the reputable Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in Washington DC. Phillis defied the mountainous odds stacked against her and created an irreparable impact on modern literature that is still studied by academics to this day.

Image: BritannicA

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Clara Ivis is a student of Professional Writing from Ottawa, Ontario. When she is not inhaling books, she can be found drinking espresso martinis with friends or hiking in the Gatineau hills. A fan of the classics and high fantasy, Clara values great world-building and emotionally relatable characters. Among her favourite authors are many of the great female writers, such a Sylvia Plath and Jane Austen. Clara is currently writing her debut novel, which she often equates to climbing Everest. If you ever find yourself wanting to be in her good graces, she accepts Strava kudos and Audible credits.

The Legacy of Louisa May Alcott

Introduction

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Louisa May Alcott was a literary powerhouse and one of the most influential women writers in American history. She was an American novelist best known for writing the novel Little Women and its three sequels, Good Wives, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys. The story became even more well-known after the book was adapted into films, which helped it gain popularity and become accessible to people who hadn’t read her novels. While many of us have read Little Women in school or watched the movies, not many of us know how Louisa May Alcott helped change the path for women writers that came after her. 

American Library association

Early Life and Influences

Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832 in Pennsylvania. She grew up in a poor family and was raised by her mother and father. Her family faced many financial struggles, and Louisa, being the caring person she was, took on various jobs and actively sought out writing opportunities to help support her family. During her childhood, she lived in Concord, Massachusetts, where she was surrounded by important writers including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. These people had a big influence on her and inspired her to pursue her love for writing. 

Breaking Barriers as a Female Writer

When Louisa first began writing, she wrote under a fake name, A.M Bernard, because at that time, no one would take her work seriously if people knew the author was a woman. Later, her publisher reached out, asking her to write a story for a female audience. This story became the famous novel Little Women, which she based on her real life, family and childhood. Louisa based the story’s main character, Josephine March, on her own personality and personal experiences. Josephine March is known for her wild spirit, fierce independence, and sometimes reckless behaviour. Many readers identify with this character and connect with her strength. When Little Women became popular, it made a big impact on girls who found themselves relating to Louisa and her story. Little Women is not just a sweet story about four sisters. It is a story that gives a voice to young women and their experiences by showing the real struggles and hardships they go through. Louisa May Alcott helped future female writers by creating strong, independent female characters. This was just the beginning of how she changed the landscape for female writers who came after her. 

A Life Beyond Writing

Throughout her life, Louisa lived a very brave and passionate life, with interests that went beyond her love for literature and writing. In late 1862, and early 1863, she worked as a nurse during the American Civil War where she cared for wounded soldiers. This brutal experience would later become the inspiration for her novel, Hospital Sketches. Along with caring for soldiers, Louisa was also a strong supporter who believed in equal rights for men and women. She actively fought to end slavery, and passionately advocated for women’s right to vote. In 1879, Louisa was the first woman to register to vote in her hometown of Concord, Massachusetts. 

More Than a Writer

Louisa May Alcott was more than just a great, talented writer. She was a powerful and courageous woman who used her platform to help and support the future success of young women in literature. Not only did she give young girls a strong voice, she also helped create a world where women can write freely and without limits. Today, many people continue to be inspired by her determination to speak up for women and her passion for helping others. 

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Areen Adi is a passionate Canadian writer, driven by creativity, curiosity, and a love for crafting stories. She is currently enrolled in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin College, where she is strengthening her writing skills. Areen enjoys creative writing, focusing mainly on short stories and poetry, and hopes to one day publish her own book of poems. Some of her favourite things include sitting by the water, hanging out with her cat Kira, reading on her trusty kindle that never leaves her book bag, and sipping on addicting iced coffees. For Areen, the perfect day is a walk by the river with an iced coffee in one hand and an e-book in the other. 

Mary Shelley: The Teenage Girl Who Invented Science Fiction

By Samantha Walt

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In 1815, an 18-year-old girl sat down to write a ghost story and ended up inventing modern science fiction. You know her, you love her – or at least, you know her creation. Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, didn’t just write a monster story. She created a genre and forced readers to confront the moral limits of human ambition. Even if you’ve never opened the book, you know her creature; stitched together, misunderstood and more human than the man who made him. 

A life shaped by genius and loss 

Mary Shelley was born Aug. 30, 1797, in London, England. Her father, William Godwin, was a philosopher and political writer. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a feminist thinker and author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Wollstonecraft died shortly after giving birth, leaving a legacy her daughter would spend her life both inheriting and redefining. 

Shelley never received a formal education, but she had access to her father’s vast library and the thinkers who visited his home. Books became her teachers, and writing became her refuge. By her late teens, she had fallen in love with the poet Percy Shelley, who was already married when they eloped. The scandal made her an outcast, but it also hardened her sense of independence. 

The ghost story that changed literature 

In the summer of 1816, Mary and Percy Shelley travelled to Geneva, where they spent time with Lord Byron and other writers. Stuck indoors by endless rain, Byron proposed a challenge: each guest should write a ghost story. What began as a dare became Frankenstein, the story of a scientist who creates life and must face the horror of what he has done. 

Shelley was still a teenager when she began the book. It took her about two years to complete and was published anonymously in 1818. Many readers assumed the author was a man. The fact that it had been written by a young woman shocked Victorian audiences, who called it blasphemous and immoral. Despite the controversy, it sold well. Of 500 printed copies, 459 were sold, and its stage adaptation, Presumption; or, the Fate of Frankenstein, made the story a cultural sensation. 

Boris Karloff as the monster in the film Frankenstein, directed by James Whale and released in 1931.

The birth of modern science fiction 

Shelley didn’t just write horror; she gave science fiction its conscience. Victor Frankenstein became the prototype for the “mad scientist,” inspiring generations of creators who dared to push the boundaries of knowledge. From Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to Jurassic Park, every tale of science gone too far owes something to Shelley’s vision. 

The novel introduced a moral question that still drives the genre: just because we can, does that mean we should? Shelley warned of the dangers of unchecked ambition long before cloning, artificial intelligence or genetic engineering were imaginable.  

Her use of real science made the story even more revolutionary. Shelley drew on contemporary experiments in electricity and anatomy, grounding her fiction in plausible detail. In doing so, she gave the world “speculative realism,” the bridge between Gothic fantasy and modern science fiction. 

Archive Photos/Getty Images

A monster with a soul 

What makes Frankenstein endure isn’t just its innovation, but its empathy. The creature isn’t born evil; he becomes monstrous because he is abandoned. Shelley’s portrait of a suffering, intelligent being rejected by society created the first “sympathetic monster.” That idea continues to shape stories from King Kong to Edward Scissorhands. 

Shelley shifted Gothic fiction away from haunted castles and toward haunted minds. The real horror, she showed, lies not in supernatural threats but in guilt, isolation and the fear of being unloved. Her exploration of alienation and identity helped pave the way for modern psychological and existential horror. 

The legacy of a teenage visionary 

Two centuries later, Frankenstein remains one of the most influential novels ever written. Its bleak landscapes, moral ambiguity and emotional depth helped define Gothic literature and inspired iconic authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker. 

But Shelley’s influence extends beyond literature. Her questions about creation, responsibility and what it means to be human still resonate in today’s debates about technology and ethics. Every time we see a robot search for meaning or a scientist play god, we see the spark Mary Shelley first imagined by candlelight. 

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Sam at a concert in downtown ottawa

Sam Walt is a writer and editor who loves shaping language and making ideas clear, concise, and engaging. Passionate about communication that connects, Sam enjoys refining complex information into writing that feels accessible and meaningful. Drawn to science fiction, dystopian worlds and genres that challenge imagination and society, her favourite books are The Handmaid’s Tale and Fahrenheit 451. Currently studying Professional Writing at Algonquin College, Sam has developed a strong foundation in editing, style, and document design, as well as a deep appreciation for the power of language across contexts. Outside of school, Sam can often be found thrifting for treasures, catching live music or tending to her growing collection of houseplants. For Sam, good communication, much like good music, is all about rhythm and connection.

Jane Austen: A Quiet Revolutionary Who Redefined Literature

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A portrait of Jane Austen by Cassandra Austen.

Jane Austen remains one of the most influential figures in English literature, celebrated not only for her wit and storytelling but also for her subtle defiance of the societal norms of her time. Born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, she lived only 41 years yet reshaped the possibilities of the novel and opened doors for women in literature.

Early Life and Education

Austen grew up as the seventh of eight children in a lively and intellectually nurturing household. Her father, a clergyman, gave her access to his library at a time when girls were rarely encouraged to read widely or critically. While most women were limited to finishing schools and the occasional lesson in music or needlework, Austen immersed herself in history, classics, and contemporary literature. Though illness cut short her time at boarding school, she never stopped learning. By adolescence, she was already writing plays, short stories, and parodies, developing the sharp writing style that would later define her novels.

A Woman Writing in Secret

Publishing as a woman in the early 19th century was not socially acceptable. “Respectable” women were expected to marry, not write for money or public recognition. Austen’s first book, Sense and Sensibility (1811) appeared anonymously, credited only to “a Lady.” The anonymity allowed her to publish, but it also erased her identity from her art in her own lifetime. She went on to publish Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma, with two more works, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, released posthumously.

Social Critique Disguised as Romance

Though often remembered for their romance, Austen’s novels go far beyond love stories. They reveal the social and economic pressures that governed women’s lives, especially the reality that marriage was frequently a financial necessity rather than a romantic choice. Her heroines resist easy categorization: they are clever, independent, and determined to claim some measure of autonomy within a system stacked against them. Through her sharp wit and irony, Austen laid bare the constraints of class and gender, showing that women’s voices and choices mattered, even in a world that insisted otherwise.

Was Austen a Feminist?

Austen did not use the language of feminism, but her work embodies its spirit. By centering women as complex, thinking individuals, she challenged the cultural narrative that women were passive participants in their own lives. Her decision never to marry, coupled with her portrayals of heroines who resist societal expectations, shows her quiet defiance. While some critics once painted her as conservative, her writing reveals a woman deeply aware of gender inequality and determined to document its impact.

Death and Literary Rebirth

Austen’s life was cut short in 1817, but her influence only expanded after her death. The publication of her nephew’s memoir decades later revived public interest and secured her reputation. What began as the quiet work of an “invisible” female author evolved into a body of literature that continues to inspire generations.

Her Lasting Legacy

Austen was a literary innovator, refining narrative techniques such as giving her readers access to her characters’ rich inner lives. This style transformed how novels could capture psychology and social nuance. Her sharp dialogue, irony, and carefully crafted heroines laid the foundation for modern romantic fiction while doubling as social commentary.

Her impact reaches far beyond the 19th century. From Virginia Woolf to modern filmmakers, countless artists have drawn from her works. Today, strong female protagonists in novels and films owe a debt to the blueprint Austen created. Her stories remain widely read and constantly adapted, reminding us that her critique of class, gender, and power remains relevant. Her face on the British £10 note is more than a tribute: it is recognition of her revolutionary role in reshaping literature.

A Revolutionary Voice

Jane Austen lived a quiet village life, but her pen spoke louder than the restrictions placed upon her. She redefined what novels could be, showing that everyday women’s struggles and triumphs were worthy of art. More than two centuries later, her work continues to resonate because she proved that even in a world designed to silence women, their voices could still transform culture.

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Évangéline Doucet is a professional translator turned writer, currently completing her final year in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin College where she has focused on honing her skills in editing, research, and digital communication. She is also a part of WordTonic, a global community where she is building her copywriting portfolio. When she’s not freelancing or studying, you can usually find her drafting essays and reflections on Substack, often inspired by literature, culture, and politics.

Why The ‘Queen of Crime’ Will Never Die

Introduction

Mysteries unveiled. Crimes unleashed. Writing unmatched. Agatha Christie was crowned the 'Queen of Mystery' for a reason. Known for her thrilling short stories, novels and plays, she has become one of the world's best-selling authors. Some of her famous works include The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920), Murder at the Vicarage, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926), and the play, The Mousetrap (1952).   

Early Life

Born in 1890, England, her writing journey began with a mother’s push. Since she was homeschooled, her mother motivated Agatha to write and expand her horizons. Christie enjoyed the imagination that came with fantasy writing, as well as creating characters. This pushed her passion on towards her promising legacy. 

Personal Events

A young agatha christie photographed in 1910

In 1912, she became engaged to Archie, a soon-to-be pilot for World War I. She embraced motherhood soon-after. Christie's life would soon become unsettling, as Archie began having an affair with Nancy Neele, a friend of Agatha’s, in 1926. A little while later, Archie demanded Christie for a divorce, even during the recent death of her mother. In the face of this new reality, she disappeared. Chaos ensued, with everyone keen on finding the talented writer. She was found a few days later, allegedly forgetful of what occurred in the days she vanished. Some said she did it on purpose to seek vengeance on Archie’s infidelity, by causing madness. Others speculated her disappearance was due to a mental break, caused by her husband’s adultery and the loss of her mother. Ultimately, the divorce was finalized in 1928 and Archie went on to marry Nancy. Fortunately, Christie was able to find happiness again. She remarried in 1930 to Max Mallowan, to which they stayed together for 33 years.

Career Success

Despite Christie's tragic circumstances, she persevered through the pain. 'The Queen of Crime' published 83 bodies of work, with some written under her pseudonym, Mary Westmacott. She would eventually trump her male counterparts, raking in more success per publication. Having exceeded excellence, Agatha Christie was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II for her impact on literature. On top of that, The Mousetrap (1952) ran at the London Theatre for 21 years, breaking the record for the most consecutive shows. According to Guinness World Records, Agatha Christie holds the record for most-sold books in history, aside from the Bible.   

Writing Style

How did Agatha Christie accomplish such greatness? It was in the power of her words. Combining minimalistic writing with complex, multi-layered character dynamics and the core elements of deception and secrecy, readers are naturally absorbed into the story. Dubbed the Queen of many things, she’s also a master of the red herring and unreliable narrators. She knew how to lure readers into a lie by skillfully diverting them, to then shock them with the truth. More-so, she conveyed personable experiences into her characters. There’s an authenticity that ropes readers into the story. Although most of her stories are focused around a main murder, she ensured to add other conflicts and subplots to enrich the piece.  

Influence of Female Characters

In a time where women were socially oppressed, Agatha Christie became a pioneer for female writers, especially in detective fiction. Her female characters were strong-willed and brazen, which was seen as unusual behaviour for women in the 1920’s. Female characters, in most genres, were portrayed as ‘damsels in distress’ or victims in storytelling. But Christie adopted these strong female characters as leads. In crime fiction, the protagonists were usually men. In the mystery genre, the male detective would rely on logic and sequences of events to solve the crime. Christie, however, introduced psychology, the human condition and social dynamics into solving the mysteries and crimes. This propelled the narrative that women are not helpless. They’re capable, resilient and intellectual assets in detective work.  

AGATHA CHRIStie’s photographed portrait

Career Obstacles

Christie wrote in a genre dominated by male writers and detective characters. Much of the female writers in crime fiction in the mid 20th century were cast aside, or were forced to publish under male pseudonyms. Unsurprisingly, Christie faced a lot of backlash and criticism for her work in the beginning. The Twenties weren’t ready for a female crime writer with female protagonists, until her prowess could no longer be ignored.

Conclusion

Agatha Christie was a trailblazer for female writers, dismantling the misogynistic narrative towards the physical and intellectual capabilities of women. Modern female writers, such as Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware, keep Christie’s spirit alive by mimicking the atmosphere, tone and sinister themes of her writing. Had it not been for Christie’s bravery in an era of misogyny masked as tradition, female literature would not be the same. She’s not only a pillar of female literature, but one of writing in general.  

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Ana M. Quinn is a writer and storyteller based in Ottawa. She explores the topics of femininity, love, loss everything in between with poetry, literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. Her passion for writing began in the 5th grade, where she picked up a pen, wrote a poem and never stopped. She's used writing as a therapeutic escape, as much as a form of artistic expression. When she's not writing, she loves to read, coffee shop-hop, spend time with her two cats and play musical instruments. Even then, she's still songwriting!

Introduction

Women used to pick up quill pens and pour themselves onto blank pages knowing the repercussions. Hidden, discredited, oppressed and silenced. Their bravery and perseverance towards creation, expression and truth paved the way for female literature, sparking the slow-burn revolution we revel in today. Having shared stories of silent struggles, sufferings and stolen sisterhoods, we pay homage to their resilience by carrying on the torch. We shine the spotlight on female writer’s past, present and future. We light the way for the next generation of little girls who love books and the writing that comes with it.