• Writing as fun:  Who can forget the image of Jo March scribbling in her attic, cap on head, pillow at the ready, rats scurrying all around?  Though I know that Louisa May Alcott’s experience of the writing “vortex” was a bit more painful, her character’s no-holds-barred approach to writing reminds me to have some fun with the process.  After all, what other profession includes dreaming, crying, even eavesdropping in its description?
• Writing as salvation:  The story of the Brontës is all I need to remember that I am lucky to have the outlet of writing.  I may not pace around a table at Haworth, but like Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, I try to pour my relief and anxiety into my work.  It helps.
• Writing as rebellion:  She may have written a century ago, but I still consider Colette to be the ultimate literary rebel (and writing about her literary declaration of independence was one of the highlights of The Heroine’s Bookshelf).  Sometimes I find myself continuing work just to prove to myself that I can…that I have something to say, after all.  And I usually do.
• Writing as legacy:  I recently treated myself both to Francine Prose’s excellent new Anne Frank book and the Revised Critical Edition of Anne’s timeless diary.  I didn’t get a chance to include Anne in my book, but I am touched by her awareness that her legacy in the world was a written one.  I won’t ever presume to be an Anne, but thoughts of a literary legacy of some kind are a nice reminder when the going gets tough (and a push to revise the hell out of my terrible first drafts so that nobody reads them when I’m gone!).
• Writing as reading:  As an unabashed bookworm, I can say that there’s nothing so tantalizing as the thought of showing my work to others, no matter how painful that process might be.  The wit, spunk, and sass of my favorite heroines reminds me that I can’t have readers unless I write.  Talk about motivation!

I believe there are more urgent and honorable occupations than the incomparable waste of time we call suffering.

Born in 1873, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette was France’s most provocative and daring representative. Her personal relationships were as controversial and famous as her celebrated novels and short stories. Colette was given a state funeral upon her death in 1954.

For Book Clubs:

1. Though penned by Colette, Willy initially took credit for the Claudine novels. Can you find his influence in their pages?

2. Claudine’s indulgences begin at a young age. Find and discuss examples of physical and emotional indulgence in Claudine at School.

3. Colette was a famous cat lover. Discuss the role of Fanchette in the Claudine novels.

4. Does Claudine love or hate authority? Discuss the role of dominance and authority in Claudine’s relationships.

5. Are the Claudine novels scandalous today? Discuss whether literary scandal can withstand the test of time.