About
The ViragoWe are a community of women who share our personal stories about how we’ve survived and thrived in our lives. We share our messages to heal and help others learn from our experiences.
Note from the editor
We are a community of women who share our personal stories about how we’ve survived and thrived in our lives. We share our messages to heal and help others learn from our experiences.
Editors
Suzanna Quintana
My voice is my superpower. Editor-in-Chief of The Virago. Founder of The Online Sanctuary for Healing After Narcissistic Abuse. www.suzannaquintana.com
Lori Welch Brown
Writer, artist, coffee guzzler. Cats and dogs. Editor at The Virago. Freelance editor & writer for hire. loriwbrown@icloud.com
Writers
Rev. Sheri Heller, LCSW, RSW
Complex trauma clinician and writer. Survivor turned thriver, with a love for world travel, the arts and nature. I think outside the box. Sheritherapist.com
Bonnie Barton
Queen of mixtapes. Lover of music, travel, and fashion. Authentic sharer of life lessons and dating foibles.
Kerry McAvoy, PhD
Psychologist & Author of LOVE YOU MORE. Follow on Tiktok/IG for narcissistic abuse tips & advice. Email: hello@kerrymcavoyphd.com
Roxanna Azimy
Interested in all things ethics, culture, gender, health & psychology. Asking the hard questions but not claiming to have all the answers. roxannaazimy.com
Carrie Wynn
❦ Writer/coach specializing in relationships. Blog: carriewynn.com Instagram: carrie_wynnmusings Support by: https://medium.com/@carriewynn/membership
Eshal Rose
Transforming thoughts into words. I can be funny sometimes. Dentist/Writer. eshalrose28@gmail.com
Glenna Gill
My memoir, “When I Was Lost,” is available now. Owner of Memories Mastered publication. Writing here since 2018 and love it!
Em Unravelling
Lover of words, books, hiking, nature and big skies. Running is my favourite thing (after the words & the books). As feisty as I need to be.
Samantha Blake
Writer & certified professional life coach for women. Making a change through words and the power of human connection. Work with me here: www.shethewarrior.net
Rebecca Shepard
Writer for Better Humans | The Virago | The Writing Cooperative | In Fitness and In Health
Niki Marinis
Weird Girl, thrift store owl collector, heartbreaker, lush, aspiring adult. IG: DocJohnnyFever nikimarinis@gmail.com https://nikimarinis.medium.com/subscribe
Sabrina Sourjah
Helping you overcome stress by addressing root causes vs managing stress, Coach, Free Class: https://calendly.com/sabrina-sourjah/lead-with-work-life-balance
Lynda Wallis
Deeply rooted in the mid west, I write about little things — everything is a little thing-art, the creative process, the natural world, and love.
Sarah Kat
Self help, neuropsychology, small business and marketing. An Elective Orphan and abuse survivor. https://bit.ly/highlights-email
Maria Angel Ferrero
Feminist, Writer, PhD, Researcher & Professor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship U. Montpellier, editor @thefacultypub and @thebravewritter blog: mariangelf.com
Gaby Rogut
Jack of too many trades. Mom to a son. Former teacher. Bi. Autistic. Mexicana. Need some feedback? Hire me! https://ko-fi.com/gabyrogut/commissions
Charlotte
I write about mental health and healing from childhood trauma & dysfunctional family systems. Send some support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HelloCharlotte
Shruthi Sundaram
I help employees transition into their mission-driven, passionate coaching biz & scale up to high-ticket clients. Book a free call: http://shruthisundaram.com
Victoria Ponte
Writing to share wonder, gratitude and a sense of humor. Poetry, life lessons, survivor. https://youtube.com/@victoriaponteagain?si=KnAt8YLlTziU6IUc
Suzanna Quintana
My voice is my superpower. Editor-in-Chief of The Virago. Founder of The Online Sanctuary for Healing After Narcissistic Abuse. www.suzannaquintana.com
Elle Silver
I write about divorce, relationships, and family. Everything I’ve learned about love, I’ve learned the hard way. You can learn from my mistakes.
Mary Wise (she/her)
Poetry and personal stories of past lives and paths forward. Writer, editor, teacher, photographer, behavioral health expert. I live in PA with my two children.
Ailsa Bristow
I write things for a living. Copywriting | Personal essays + Op-eds | Fiction. Find me at: ailsabristow.ca
Sarah J. Baker
Navel Gazer | Feminist | Urban Agriculturalist | Queen of Snark | Sweating the little things | FB @ SarahJBakersTeacup
Abril
Traveler,photographer, risk-taker, language trainer, aspiring wordsmith, and at the moment - a hermit.
Alexandria L.
Mental health advocate, writer, & researcher. I write about approaches to holistic healing. Top writer in This Happened to Me.
Mary Kethya Khuon
Mary is a trauma-trained somatic coach and speaker helping people build emotional resiliency in their bodies to manage anxiety, depression and heal forward.
Sarah Stroh
For a freer, sexier, less lonely world. IG: monogamish_me. Coaching, free weekly email and more - > https://linktr.ee/monogamish_me
Lori Welch Brown
Writer, artist, coffee guzzler. Cats and dogs. Editor at The Virago. Freelance editor & writer for hire. loriwbrown@icloud.com
Erica Rex
Writer for NYT, Sci Am Nat‘l Mag Award. Climate, mental health, wild things. Newsletter: https://psychedelicrenaissance.substack.com/
Suman Sandhu
Culture, style, politics | Opinions my own but not set in stone | Wide awake | London, UK | witch/queen | @thetinkpanther
Christine Schoenwald
Writer for The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Next Avenue, Business Insider, and Your Tango Christineschoenwaldwriter.com
Lea O
9X Top Writer. Essayist. Personal development. Creativity hacks. https://thewriteright.substack.com/about
Michelle Loucadoux
Author, educator, and self-improvement nerd. Co-founder of Danscend. My books: shorturl.at/lrtOV My email: Loucadouxmichelle@gmail.com
Elyse Wright
I can’t stop writing about love and love and love. I’ve been writing poems since I could talk. Welcome to my corner.
Bertilla Niveda
Artist, engineer, and writer with a lot to say. You can connect with me at bertillaniveda@gmail.com | Learn more→ https://bit.ly/3Ba489Q
Hakima T A N T R I K A
Scholar-practitioner of Classical Tantra with 15 years' experience, launching Quantum Tantra, a 3-month online program for the down-to-earth spiritual seekers
Rebecca Ruth Gould, PhD
Poetry & politics. Free Palestine 🇵🇸. Caucasus & Iran. Writer, Educator, Translator & Editor. rrgould.hcommons.org https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/rebecca-gould
Simmy
Freelance writer, video editor, Youtuber, & Complainer. I promise I’m a lot more fun at parties than these articles make you think. / thesimmybusiness@gmail.com
Alice Crady
🦋 I uplift, inspire, and empower authentic human flourishing. I create transformative, hopeful, relatable content ❤️🕯 #Mental Health #Women #Relationships
Lindsay Soberano Wilson
Hoods of Motherhood: A Collection of Poems (2023) & Casa de mi Corazon (2021) | Editor iPoetry I Creator of Put It To Rest |linktr.ee/LindsaySoberano_Wilson
Kat
Registered nurse, former teacher, soon to be ex-wife of a narcissist. Just trying to share my life a bit at a time.
Mary DeVries
The older I get, the less I know. That won’t stop me from writing about everything and anything under the sun. Join me in delighting and despairing about life.
Katie Jgln
Social scientist pushing for better humanity. London based. Also at: https://thenoosphere.substack.com
Bronte White
Australian. Writing on mental health, family, parenthood and self discovery. In Invisible Illness, Illumination, In Fitness and In Health and Modern Parent.
Karen Schwartz
Children's picture book author, fiction writer, personal essayist, kindness specialist, and lover of chocolate.
Jessica A
Pen for hire | snack aficionado | recovering night owl. Come say hi at the other places I hang out https://linktr.ee/sowingwildnotes
Anggun Bawi
writing on trauma, dating and relationships - in the hope that you'll feel less alone on your journey | exclusive newsletter: https://anggunbawi.substack.com
Phoebe Kirke
Feminist, activist, sister, but above all, hurt. Writing is my path to living life to the fullest.
Tessa Char
(W)righting the wrongs in the world in justice, feminism, dating, self-help, travel, mental health, and well-life. https://linktr.ee/tessachar
Denisa Cerna
Freelance writer & bookworm writing on self-development, psychology, relationships, and more.
Jennifer Jones | Certified Empowerment Coach
Therapy, Me, & the 38103: Stories about life, trauma, and finding a way in this place from a girl who’s finally getting her sh*t together.
Diahala Doucouré
(She/ her) 30-something Afro-European woman. I share personal essays and opinion pieces about periods, sexual health and body positivity.
Janna Lorensen
Poodle person and lingonberry lover. Survivor of psychopathy turned tough cookie. Living well after a traumatic relationship. janna.lorensen@gmail.com
Samantha Hodder
Audio Producer, Writer | 🎙Podcast Host | 💌Narrative Podcast Newsletter https://bingeworthy.substack.com/ | 🐠Find Your Fish! https://bit.ly/Storyfish_info|
Jade M.
Jade is a Louisiana based author who loves video games and usually writes about experiences she has. https://linktr.ee/jmcculloch120
Laura Williams-Burke
Cat mom. Philly transplant, now residing in New England. Lover of coffee, books, and Bruce Springsteen. LauraWilliamsBurke.com
Emme Witt-Eden
Sex, relationships, and culture writer. Kink expert. Author of Confessions of a Middle-Aged F-Girl. emmewitt.com
Tara Blair Ball
Certified Relationship Coach, Author, and Podcast Co-host for Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse. https://beacons.page/tara.relationshipcoach
Doran Lamb
Top Writer in Mental Health + Psychology + Love. Acute observer of the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. https://doranlamb.medium.com/membership
Patrícia Williams
Relationships, Psychology, Mental Health and Spirituality ✧ https://linktr.ee/patriciaswilliams
Matilda Fairholm
Writing to rescue others from the devastation of domestic abuse, and learning to live better. https://matildafairholm.medium.com/membership
Colleen Sheehy Orme
National Relationship Columnist, Journalist & Former Business Columnist. I cover love, life, & relationships— #WomanResurrected colleen.sheehy.orme@gmail.com
Zara Everly
Writing and research information professional. Bibliophile. Forever English major. Literary harlot.
Nihan Kucukural
Turkish copywriter and screenwriter based in New Zealand. I am addicted to stories. I write screenwriting/copywriting advice and occasional funny stuff.
Jill Francis
American immigrant in Italy with too many degrees in Psychology. I write about everything I’m afraid of. jillfranciswrites@gmail.com
Heather Lynne Sparks
Bibliotherapist. Tired but hopeful mother of four. Former high school English teacher and gifted education specialist who spills her guts right here.
Lena Ann
I write about life, relationships, my journey to figure myself out … and that lady who invented fitted sheets, too. (I’m still mad, Bertha!)
Priscilla Writing
Novelist, Founder & Editor of the Battersea Anthology. I share tips on how to make money and manage finances for authors. https://writingpriscilla.substack.com/
Christina Sophia
Exploring my relationship with myself, others and the gods of my childhood. Its all up for grabs. Feeling my way forward everyday.
Maggie Q. Collins
Trying to figure out life as a polyamorous, working mom. Driven by love. Always up for coffee and sunsets.
Stephanie Leguichard
Writer, editor, leftist activist. Endlessly fascinated by the complexities of human minds and cultures. Completing my MA in Anthropology. sleguichard@gmail.com
L.J. Rose
Romance & fantasy novelist. I write mostly about love, dating, and gender roles. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lj_rose93
Lara da Rocha
Writer | MWC Semi-finalist | Improviser | Data Analyst | She/Her. I convert my bad luck into stories (to convince myself there is a point to any of this).
Ellaballerini
A 20 something yr old, living and working in Fiji. Likes to write about race, class, gender, sexuality and this hella consumerist world we live in.
Aditi Balaji
Writing about relationships. feminism and books. I’m an introvert, a fantasy/sci-fi nerd, and a dog mom.
Dr. Tonya Crombie
Mom, wife, life coach, and best-selling author of “Stop Worrying about Your Anxious Child”. Lover of fun and ridiculosity. https://guidanceforthefuture.com/
Cristina Cmn
Before the straightjacket feels comfortable again, I hit "publish", then, ca va sans dire, I re-edit my heart out until it is good enough.
Unassigned Female
I don’t want to be known by anything more than by my words and their impact on your life | Author of Words of a Daughter & Timeless Lover | January 1st, 2021
Njikwe
Self-Development, Self-Improvement, and Marketing Writer. Voracious Learner, joyful coffee addict.
E.S. Yates
Amateur writer, professional mother, expert cynic. Writing about mental health and new journeys.
Shamar M
27. Based in the UK. PG DIP HR Management. Chief of publication The First Time. Editor in About Me Stories.
Ruby Lee
Mother, Wife, Teacher, Librarian, Teller of Stories. Author of The Marriage Wars by Leeanne Beasley Berry. Top Writer in Parenting, This Happened to Me, Humor
MonalisaSmiled
Adultery 101. Dead Bedrooms. Sex out of network. I am terrible and human. So are you. Editor of The Scarlett Letter | P.S. I Hate You | Sexpressions.
Rosy Gee
An author working hard towards becoming a full-time novelist. You can find out more here: http://rosygee.substack.com
Alexandria Roswick
Top Writer in Feminism. Blogger for Say It Loud Space (UK). Trauma, relationships, and analysis of media and culture. https://linktr.ee/alexandriaroswick
Gina Pacelli
Adventure Seeker, Dream Chaser, Free Spirit, Explorer, Boston-based, Marketer, Consultant. Consider joining Medium: https://ginapacelli.medium.com/membership
Toni Hargis
Co-author of “How to Stand up to Sexism; Words for when enough is enough”. Helping women find their voices. @ToniHargis
Charity Turkula
Writing about women, horror, and art. Слава Україні! https://linktr.ee/charityturkula
Philippa Cooper
Furious learner, exploring personal development, mental health advocacy and human connections. Check out my website: borderlinekitty.com/
Debbie Walker
Debbie Walker is the creator of Middle-Pause, STOMP!, & published a 3-book anthology. Top Writer Food & Diversity. Follow her at https://linktr.ee/Debbie_Walker
The Michaels
I’ve dated 28 men. Two of them gave me an orgasm. Three of them gave me a urinary tract infection. All of them gave me a reason to write comedy.
Nova Richards🪐
Human stories & digital entrepreneurship. Building financial freedom in the creator economy. Founder: The Write Legacy
Amie Kelbing - The Spinster Life
Writer/Creator/Content Marketer - Founder of The Spinster Life, for single women who love their single life. www.spinsterlife.com www.amiekelbing.com
Billie Mall ❤️
Top Writer in Parenting | Single Mom | Mental Health | DV Survivor | Be Better — Do Better❤️| Editor@ ACWO & The Hub Publication
Stephanie Parry
Poet. Witch. Queer. Exploring Love, Sex, & Relationships. Flirting with societal norms. https://stephanieparry.medium.com/membership
Ossiana Tepfenhart
I’m a weirdo who loves to write. Deal with it. Available for hire. Instagram @ossiana.makes.content
Margaret's Reflections
Articles on my recovery journey after a toxic relationship. Here's what you need to know after leaving an abusive relationship: https://bit.ly/3Qd5973
Mona Lazar
Unapologetic writer, ecstatic painter, no bs dating expert. Decoding: Seduction | Love | Sex | the Psychology of it all.🎈FREE Seduction e-book: bit.ly/3RRCZRk
Rhyena Halpern
End of Life Doula who loves to write on Death & Dying, Third Act/Retirement, Wellness, Healing & Trauma, Sexuality/Romance/Aging. rhyhalpern@gmail.com
Amber Fraley
Writing about abortion rights, mental illness, trauma, narcissistic abuse & survival, politics. Journalist, novelist, wife, mom, Kansan, repro rights activist.
Yana Bostongirl
My life + relationships + writing journey → my blogs (a memoir in motion)| Boosted Writer| 🌸Substack: Yana's World 👇 https://yanabostongirl.substack.com/
Lisa Johnson
Helping those that have been hurt in the name of love rediscover their true selves. https://www.pearllifestyles.com/
Gracia Kleijnen
Sheets & comics creator. Words on YT, relationships, mental health, productivity & self-development in 35+ pubs. 📕Book author: https://bit.ly/Gracia-Book
Lakeshia Felton
Content creator sharing stories about life lessons, health and fitness. https://substack.com/@feltonz4?utm_source=user-menu
Isabella Neuro-Spicy
Questions social norms and trends while traveling the world. Prefers cats over men. Top writer in Feminism .. https://isabellaneurospicy.substack.com
Melissa Alvarez
Melissa Alvarez is a 31 year old Film Industry professional living in Los Angeles. | IG: @melannealva | © Pollyanna Productions
Zoë Kuehn
Columbia College Chicago Comedy Major (2024) with an interest in comedic writing and performing. My email is zokuehn@gmail.com.
Ilona Goanos
Yoga-Lover, Mother of Monarchs & Mid-Life Thriver. Join "The Pebble in Your Shoe" newsletter: https://ilonagoanos.substack.com/
Sarah Pessin
@sarahpessin | sarahpessin.com | professor of philosophy | interfaith chair | University of Denver | Instagram civics_salamander & sarahpessin2020
Victoria Suzanne
NCTJ-qualified journalist and editor. Follow my true crime publication @Crime-Scenes.
Mad Midori
Ph.D. holder, geek and ex-corporate turned start-up co-founder. Surfer, van traveler, cat lover with punk roots. Top writer in music, culture, poetry.
Jewel Tramontino
Writing since my teens. Kinky since my earliest memory. Leatherwoman, sensualist, thoughtful Dominant and devoted slave. Don’t let the duality disturb you.
Nara
33 y. | survivor of an abusive childhood | now experienced in the process of healing & self help ▶️ helping those who are still on their journey
KL Hellenbach
I'm a writer, poet, healing facilitator, spiritual seeker and lover of cats! I want to empower women by promoting love and acceptance of self.
Alina Schwarz
Writing about my experiences with grief and suicide | Pop-culture essays on TV and books | Essays on anything on my mind | Humor & Satire
Jessi Lynn
Join me on my journey to create meaningful art amidst chaos. Unleashing my creativity! https://medium.com/@chaoticpoetry/membership
Natalie S. Ohio
British-Nigerian LGBTQ writer raised in Spain, with a penchant for Social Anthropology, Intersectional Identity, & the Queer Experience 🏳️🌈🌍🌸
RedViolet
Feminism, Women, Career, Money, Relationships. Join my newsletter A Week In Patriarchy a-week-in-patriarchy.beehiiv.com
Stark Raving
Intersectional feminism and environmental issues. Let’s make the world a kinder, more sustainable place. Support my work! https://starkraving.medium.com/members
Sushmita Singh
Writer || Coder || Book Lover. Helping you evolve into the ultimate version of yourself. https://sushmitasingh.carrd.co/
Mallory Mosner
Queer non-binary (they/she) Jewish writer and Ayurvedic Health Counselor who loves puzzles, cats and meditation.
Sarah Bethany
Sarah is a witchy, introverted, hobby enthusiast who endeavors to expand and share her love of writing.
Marcia Abboud
And just when she thought she couldn't go on, she did - with wicked humour and a will to survive | Memoir is my first love https://linktr.ee/marciaabboudauthor
Caroline Mellor
Mother, author, Medium top writer in poetry and climate change www.carolinemellorwriter.com @_carolinemellor_
Carrie Graham
Left Coastie, Canadian-ish person. Writey-painty, artsy-webby. Arting at carriegraham.art; musicking at carrigraham.ca; devving at carriegraham.dev
Lora Dobreva
I write about metal music, the ex-Christian experience, and LGBT issues. I co-host the Meowcore podcast. Insta: ditchqueenbg
Linda Caldera
In service to the divine feminine and sacred masculine. I write about leadership and empowerment with a spiritual, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent twist.
LibrariAnna
Suburban hippie wife, mom of 4, librarian. My wholesome façade belies my recent enlightenment & kinky journey of self-discovery. Writes about life, love, & sex.
Aurelie B.
Me? 30 something French woman living in Toronto. Positive, witty & a dash sarcastic. You? Open-minded reader ready to follow me on my adventures through Medium.
Stella Brennan
Unearthing fairytale myths to prevent gendered violence. MA (Writ/Lit). Editor at The Refuge.
Nicole Akers
Teacher | Happy Mom of 2 brings amazing tips on parenting, learning, & lifestyle | 🐶 Mom | Bestselling Author | Founder of Publishous. Keep that smile.
Hazel Paine
Greetings, fellow readers! I'm a wordsmith crafting stories that resonate with the human experience.
Ladywriter
My anxiety was kept under control with an antidepressant. When I entered menopause, the medication stopped working. This blog is about my search for answers.
Karen Banes
Freelance writer sharing thoughts on life, society, creativity, and productivity. https://changetheworldwithwords.substack.com
Runa Heilung 🌻
Old Soul Alchemist. Shapeshifter. I use imagery and imagination as agents of transformation. Owner of pubs: Word Herding, Old Soul Alchemy, and Read Write Love
Lyrical Lioness, OCT, M.S.Ed., BMus.
Writing about music, creativity, education, communication, connection, relationship repair and creating secure relationships. Boosted writer x2 2024.
Badiana Badio Eckstrom
Raised in the vibrant rhythms of Haitian roots, curious about ordinary moments & the dichotomy of being black & privileged
Kate Brennan
More Humor. More Humanity. Avid Reader. Idea-Generator. Opportunity Matchmaker. Lives in Capitals. The answer to “Did you make that?” is “Yes.” katebrennan.org
Sheila Tracy
I ride motorcycles and I drink wine, but not at the same time. I’m not a writer by trade but sometimes I have something to say.
Ali Hall
Kindness = my superpower. ✍Psychology, friendship, social justice, feminism & personal growth. Destigmatising the childfree. Lover of trail running & dogs.
Bad Daters Anonymous
I’ve resorted to talking to anyone that will listen. This is dedicated to all the fucked up shit that happens to women in modern “dating”.
Kim Fedyk
Published author, wife and mom. I blog about motherhood, life and my self-publishing journey
Ronke Babajide
Woman in Tech, Natural Scientist, Life Coach, Speaker, Podcaster, Founder, Feminist. I write about Women, Feminism, Work, Science, Personal Growth & Life
A.M. Coleman
Academic l Writer l Feminist. Lover of literature, music, cooking, box sets & dark humour. Irish born, UK based. Hiberno-English expression.
Victoria Corindi
Founder of Highest Happiness. Let's talk about marriage! I'm a curly-haired GenX woman living in the Midwest. Technical architect by day, storyteller by night.
Barb Dalton
Mum to 3 humans, 2 fur balls. Kiwi-Canuck. Nursing Instructor by day; rants, reminisces and rhymes by night.