Joanell Serra – (Her)oics: Women’s Lived Experiences During the Coronavirus Pandemic (Virtual Event)

(Her)oics: Women’s Lived Experiences During the Coronavirus Pandemic draws together the stories of fifty-two women across the U.S. during the Covid-19 pandemic. The collection encompasses the perspectives of women who are: front-line responders and recovering patients; going out to work, staying home to work, and losing their jobs; living with multiple generations and living in isolation; women grieving loved ones and celebrating new love; women preparing to give birth and supporting the dying. Although differing based on location, age, race, and health, they share the unique capacity of women to bring their strength, ingenuity and love—for others and for self—to an uncertain time. The anthology is inspired by both the risks of the pandemic inherent to women and their tremendous role in the country’s response.

Joanell Serra lives with her human and canine family in Sonoma, California. Her debut novel, The Vines We Planted, was inspired by the complex community and gorgeous scenery in the California Winery. Joanell also writes poetry, creative non-fiction,  and plays. Her short plays have been produced and her work has been published  in numerous literary magazines. The other hats she wears include licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Impact Coach, retreat leader and non-profit consultant.  She conducts workshops on writing and personal transformation around the country and abroad.  More information and recent publications can be found at joanellserraauthor.com.

“I’m a proponent of sharing our truth. These womens’ stories are raw and real. They make me want to cry, or laugh, or call them up and say this sh** happened to me too! We’ve got this. These women really are the heroines of the pandemic: nurses, doctors, teachers, badass moms, women having a mental health crisis, healers, grandmas… I love this.”
—Jennifer Pastiloff, best-selling author of On Being Human

“The homefront has always been inhabited by women, including anyone who identifies with and enters the space of “woman” – caretakers and home keepers and compassionate community builders. This collection reminds us how the heart warriors never give up or in, which is the only reason we have a chance. Where are the purple heart medals for these legions of women. Secular Blessings on every one of their stories, every single body.”
—Lidia Yuknavitch, author of Verge: Stories