Info

Unclassified Woman

Unclassified Woman offers an inspiring stream of conversation with women around the globe, who are building lives beyond society’s expectations. Part myth busting, part inspirational story sharing, Michelle Marie McGrath interviews amazing childless or childfree women, including authors, film-makers, activists, entrepreneurs, priestesses, leaders, speakers and creative mavens, who share their experiences and insights, while questioning the expectations of women everywhere. Michelle shares interviews with women all around the globe who are childless or childfree for a multitude of reasons. With almost 25% of women over 40 child-free by choice or childless through circumstance, it seems absurd that women still have to justify their decisions or endure pity about why they’re not mothers. Motherhood is not a mandate and yet so many women are made to feel ‘less than’ or viewed suspiciously or disparagingly, if they are creating a life of meaning beyond biological mothering. All of these outdated stereotypes lead to one dangerous assumption: what’s your value beyond being a mother? As mainstream society still tends to over-celebrate mothers juggling ‘it all’, and under-celebrate women who, whilst not mothers, have created lives of purpose and service. Unclassified Woman is the perfect antidote to limiting female narratives. Season 3 was released in April 2018. After a hiatus Michelle will return with another season in 2022! Each woman’s path in life is equally valid and sacred. Michelle is a Self-love Mentor for women birthing their soul gifts into the world and Creative Empress at Rosemere Retreat in Cornwall, UK. She offers one-on-one Intuitive Guidance/Distance Healing sessions, Womb Awakening healing sessions and the Sacred Self range of vibrational aromatherapy. www.michellemariemcgrath.com
RSS Feed
Unclassified Woman
2018
August
July
June
May
April


2017
October
September
August
July
June
May
March


2016
August
July
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: July, 2017
51: The Pregnant Pause with Jane Doucet 0
Jul 11, 2017

Do you ever feel judged by others because you’ve not had a child? Not surprisingly, many women feel this judgment of “assumptions” behind the choices or circumstances that have determined their situation.

One woman decided to take on those judgmental scenarios, so she did something about it. She wrote a novel which explores many of the situations that women find themselves in with family, friends and colleagues. I was really interested to read this book as whilst there are many non-fiction works about the topic, it's not the norm to find many novels.

My guest today is Jane Doucet, a Canadian writer based in Halifax - and she knows that feeling of being judged all too well. Since 1993, Jane has worked in various capacities for national magazines in Canada. As a freelance writer since 1998, she has written dozens of feature articles on health, parenting, gardening, entertainment, education, business, and other diverse topics for award-winning Canadian magazines and newspapers.

In 2003, Jane wrote the first draft of her debut novel, The Pregnant Pause. She wrote the book that SHE wanted to read, one that sent a positive message to women who assumed they’d have children, but for whatever reason, have not. Following a negative experience with a literary agent in the UK, Jane shelved the manuscript for 14 years.

Fast forward to 2016, when Jane dusted off her manuscript and self-published her book, in order to maintain creative control. The story is loosely based on her own experiences but is also representative of many women’s journeys.

Having read the book myself, I could relate to the situations, commentary, and assumptions that people make when you arrive at a certain age without offspring in sight. I hope you enjoy my wonderful conversation with Jane about her fascinating novel! 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • What led Jane to write The Pregnant Pause
  • An inspiration for the book at the time? Bridget Jones’ Diary
  • The uncomfortable and unfortunate experience with a literary agent in London
  • The misassumptions people make about a woman with no children
  • Addressing the topic with a light and humorous work of fiction
  • How books and articles helped her write the book
  • Changes in women’s friendships around having/not having children
  • Different ways to “mother” without having a biological child
  • How statistics around the world support the growing demographic
  • Why Jane’s book is not “just for women”
  • How the book includes relatable experiences for almost everyone
  • Why Jane speaks for the silent voices
  • How labels limit women
  • How writing brings creative fulfilment
  • Ideas for Jane’s next book!
  • Every woman’s story and perspective is valid and unique
  • The main message of the book: “Don’t judge someone whose journey is different than yours, as you never know the full story."

You can find out more about Jane and buy her book at

www.thepregnantpause.net

 

If you enjoyed this episode then I would be so grateful if you would leave a rating on Itunes and subscribe.

For more episodes go to michellemariemcgrath.com 

1