The path before us has been forged by other strong women.
When we attempt new things, we sometimes feel that we’re all alone. Yet other women have taken similar endeavors, but their stories are largely lost and forgotten.
These strong women changed their lives and the lives of others around them. They also changed our world.
This site is dedicated to these women.
About the Author
Kathleen Colvin gets courage from Amelia Earhart, determination from Jane Austen, and perseverance from Cleopatra.
While writing two books on Oregon history, she found women’s contributions were often overlooked. For the past 20 years, she’s researched strong, inspirational women in history.
To find out more about her two books published by Oregon State University Press, click here.
More About Kathleen
I love books. When I was a kid, I’d spend my allowance on books, scanning the shelves weekly in a beloved used bookstore.
I now have over 1,500 books in my bookcase-lined office, most of which are history books on Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt, and the state of Oregon. Even though my office is at capacity, I can always find space for one more book.
When I’m not reading or writing books, I’m either visiting small towns in Oregon or exercising. I’ve never done a handstand, so I’m working on it. I also love lifting heavy weights.
Why Historical Fiction?
Historical fiction allows us to reexamine past stories of women and their power. While most women did not have explicit power, but some had implicit power, allowing them to influence men and their own circumstances. Historical fiction teaches us today that women still had agency and the ability to make choices, even in a limited sphere. We have assumptions on how much women could influence their circumstances, but a reexamination of a possible historical scenario reveals to us in new ways of power.