Introducing: "The Fine Print" by Carter Wilson

I write a lot and read even more. There are other writers who impress me for many reasons, including their scholarship, ability to convey an idea, and the quality of their words. I tend to gravitate towards writers who have been at it a while and have had time to hone their craft. My eldest daughter recently sent me a sample of her youngest daughter’s writing, and I was blown away. First because it was instantly clear she was a better writer than I am, and second because she’s only recently turned fourteen. I got over my jealousy and settled on pride as the appropriate response.

My granddaughter Carter has created a blog and published her first issue. I wish I could take credit for her writing, but it wasn’t me. She is currently writing a series about society’s idea of a “complete woman” and hidden standards that shape their lives. I know not what other directions she may take. She’ll be taking Latin in the fall, and I’ll now have to try to keep up with her in dead languages. Here’s an excerpt from the blog.

“Progress Begins with Understanding

Many of the struggles women face are treated as isolated issues: the pressure to marry, unrealistic beauty standards, unequal emotional labor, barriers to independence, expectations surrounding motherhood, and countless others. In reality, these experiences are often connected by the same underlying beliefs about what women should be, what they should want, and how their value should be measured.

Beginning with society’s idea of a “complete” woman, this series explores the hidden standards that shape women’s lives and the ways those standards evolve across culture, relationships, work, beauty, family, and identity. By bringing these often-overlooked influences into the open, The Fine Print aims to encourage thoughtful discussion, challenge long-standing assumptions, and contribute to a future where women are valued not for how well they fulfill prescribed roles, but for who they are.”

Here’s the part where I ask for a favor. “The Fine Print” currently has no mechanism to allow for subscribers, which is an option. Please go to her site and check out the blog. If her writing interests you and you’d like to read more, Please comment and invite her to accept subscribers so you don’t miss an issue. When her mother asked Carter about accepting subscribers, she replied, “Who would be subscribing to that?” I think she’ll be pleasantly surprised.

I’m taking the liberty to add a word to Carter:

Enjoy blogging, but don’t let it overtake the other parts of your life. You’ve always demonstrated a maturity beyond your years, which will be needed as you are introduced to this new world. You’ll attract faithful followers and eventually trolls. Blogging can be a time sucker, and for some people it becomes their substitute for real life.

At fourteen, you have years to decide what you want your blog to be or if you even want to continue at all. Please don’t get caught up in the stats, comments, and sometimes criticisms. Your classes, family, and friends are all more important than blogging. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to offer any insight I can.

Readers, please visit “The Fine Print” at:

The Fine Print | Understanding Modern Womanhood

If it’s not too much trouble, tell Carter what you think (remember she’s fourteen) and ask her to set up subscriptions if you’d like to hear more.

Thanks,

William Spivey