A discussion between four women authors ( Juliette Mitchell, Faye Allen BSc (Hons), PgDL, FRICS, MAE, Karen Rothwell and Tegan Johnson ) who had each decided, at different points in their careers, to write a book. Not because someone commissioned them. Not because they had a publisher knocking. But because they had something to say.
The event was organised by NAWIC London & South East hosted by Moroso and topics ranging from the mechanics of publishing to preservation of knowledge.
None of the four books began with the ambition to write a book.
· For Faye, it was the anger of discovering that experiences she had assumed were behind the industry were still happening.
· For Karen, it was the recognition that decades of recruiting knowledge could help many.
· For Juliette, it was an intention to continue to assist after steping down from her career.
· For Tegan, it began as an extension of something she already loved, coaching debaters.
None of them described the process as easy.
They talked about the discomfort of being read, the vulnerability of sending a finished draft to someone close and of walking away from the publish button more than once. But what they found on the other side was something prety remarkable.
· Karen realised she was seen as an adviser rather than a recruiter.
· Tegan found the book gave others an insight to her outside work when at a job interview the interviewer showed up with a copy.
· Faye found that her book is reaching the people who can impact change in the industry and starting conversations.
· Juliette felt the satisfaction of knowing her work will remain available to help many.
Somethig that stayed with me was the idea that writing while you are still growing changes how others see you, and how you see yourself.
And so, if you have spent years in this industry building knowledge and have ever thought "someone should have written this down" maybe it should be you who does.
- We do not need to wait until we are winding down.
- We do not need a traditional publisher, a perfect plan, or an uninterrupted month.
We need, as Juliette put it, 500 words a day and the decision to treat your own knowledge as worthy of preserving.
And of course, in a world filling up with AI slop, let's buy the books and support the writers rather than expect free copies.
· Juliette: The Storytelling Manual for Architects
· Faye: Building Women
· Tegan: The Debate Guide
· Karen: How to Recruit Like a Boss
After 13 years, I continue to volunteer at NAWIC London & South East because I believe that networks, events, and communities, are key for women to stay in the industry. Evenings like this one are not just celebrations. They are invitations to take action . Join us for free https://www.nawic.london/
Happy writing !
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