17. The Healing Power of Love, Libido & Feminism via Historical Romance with Elizabeth Everett
Alright, let’s talk about love. Not just the romance-novel kind, though we’ll get there. I’m talking about the love that shifts paradigms, disrupts outdated norms, and pulls us into joy and power. That’s the kind of love Elizabeth Everett writes into her feminist, consent-filled historical romance novels, and it’s also the fire fueling today’s creative, entrepreneurial women who are rewriting the rules of work and success.
If you’re a creative entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, or someone building a life that doesn’t check society’s pre-approved boxes, this conversation is for you. Let’s get cozy with Elizabeth Everett, bestselling author of the Secret Scientists of London series, whose work champions badass women breaking societal rules in the 1840s—and let her story remind you of how much power we have to change the narrative, in fiction and IRL.
From Internalized Misogyny to Feminist Romance
Before she was a successful author, Elizabeth was like many of us—carrying around internalized ideas that told her what was “worthy” of her time. She wasn’t a romance reader at first. To her, romance novels were fluffy, unserious, and too joy-filled to be legitimate. She bought into the old, worn-out stereotypes (you know the ones: a trashy bodice-ripper with no depth).
But as fate would have it, one day she accidentally stumbled into the romance genre. A “you might like this” suggestion led her to What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long. That book cracked open her world. It wasn’t just romantic—it was smart. It had humor, depth, and that deliciously painful ache of falling in love. She was hooked. One book turned into 100, and before she knew it, she wasn’t just reading romance; she was writing it.
Her books? Pure magic. They center on women in STEM defying societal norms in 1840s London, showcasing feminism, agency, and equality against a backdrop of corsets and consent.
Love Is Radical, and That’s Why It’s Threatening
Here’s the tea: Romance novels are wildly subversive. Love as a central theme? That’s revolutionary in a society that values greed, fear, and consumption. Fear sells—think anti-aging creams, home security systems, and clickbait news. Love? That’s a force of connection and joy that doesn’t make anyone run out and buy stuff.
In Elizabeth’s words, “Fear is profitable. Are you afraid of growing old? Are you afraid of dying? Are you afraid of your neighbor? Fear is everywhere in our media because it feeds greed. Love, on the other hand, centers connection, which is far more powerful—and far more threatening to the systems we’ve built.”
No wonder romance as a genre, mostly written by, for, and about women, is dismissed as frivolous. It’s not just about steamy scenes (though those are a delightful bonus)—it’s about showcasing relationships based on mutual respect, breaking power imbalances, and rewriting what it means to find your happily ever after.
Writing While Parenting and Caregiving: The Creative Balancing Act
Let’s pause for a moment to talk about Elizabeth’s life, because like many of us, she wears a LOT of hats. She’s a mom of three, a caretaker for aging parents, a wife, and an activist. Oh, and she writes books that are rich with historical detail and swoony, feminist love stories.
So how does she do it? Spoiler alert: She doesn’t lock herself away for eight uninterrupted hours a day. Instead, she embraces the chaos and flow of her real life.
“I respect my work, but it’s not exclusive,” she says. “I want to write, but I also want to be present for my family. There were seasons when I wrote at 4 a.m., and now, I fit it in where I can. It’s not about rigid structure—it’s about honoring my priorities and making it work for me.”
This is where I want to shout from the rooftops: There is no one-size-fits-all way to create. Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that you don’t need perfect conditions to do meaningful work. You can prioritize your family and your creative vision without feeling like you’re failing at either.
Togetherness Is Power: The Role of Community
In the beginning, Elizabeth wrote in isolation. She didn’t tell anyone she was working on a book, and it wasn’t until she was knee-deep in the querying process that she found a writing community. She wishes she’d found that support sooner.
Today, she’s surrounded by a powerful squad of writers, a group affectionately called “The Berklets,” made up of authors who debuted with the same publisher in 2021. They swap tips, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate each other’s successes—whether that’s a New York Times bestseller or simply surviving copy edits.
“I go into bookstores and see my friends’ books on the shelves, and it’s like a piece of me is there, too,” she says. “We’re all on different paths, but we’re in this together.”
Her takeaway? Don’t go it alone. Whatever you’re creating, find your people. Build a community that uplifts you, challenges you, and reminds you that you’re not in this alone.
Navigating Publishing and Self-Promotion
Let’s talk about the business side of writing because it’s not all muses and flow. Publishing is work, and for Elizabeth, that means navigating an industry that often feels like it’s operating on outdated systems.
Case in point: traditional publishers are increasingly leaning on authors to market themselves via social media. Elizabeth spends up to 30% of her time creating posts, designing graphics, and engaging with her audience on platforms like Instagram. And while it’s not her favorite part of the job, she knows it’s essential.
“I thought going the traditional publishing route would mean I could focus on writing while my publisher handled marketing,” she admits. “But the reality is that self-promotion is non-negotiable.”
This might sound familiar if you’re a creative entrepreneur. No matter your industry, you’ve likely discovered that success isn’t just about being good at your craft—it’s about learning how to sell it.
Permission to Do It Your Way
Elizabeth’s approach to writing and life is rooted in flexibility, authenticity, and a deep respect for her own rhythms. She doesn’t write every day. She doesn’t have a strict word count. Instead, she listens to her body and intuition, balancing her work with the demands of family, caregiving, and activism.
And that’s the lesson here: There’s no “right” way to do this. Whether you’re writing a book, running a business, or creating art, you get to decide what success looks like for you. You don’t need to conform to anyone else’s expectations.
Where Romance Meets Revolution
Elizabeth’s books are a revolution disguised as romance. They’re filled with feminist heroes, steamy love stories, and rich historical detail, but beneath the surface, they’re challenging societal norms and asking big questions about power, ethics, and love.
Her next project, Mischief and Mayhem at the Wayside Hotel, is a contemporary paranormal rom-com coming in 2026, and it’s proof that she’s not afraid to evolve and experiment. Whether she’s writing about 1840s scientists or magical hotels, Elizabeth’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling to spark change.
Embrace Your Joy Bubble
Whether you’re picking up Elizabeth Everett’s latest book or diving into your own creative project, this is your permission slip to honor what lights you up. Create from a place of joy, even if the world tells you it’s frivolous. Build a life that centers connection, community, and authenticity.
And remember, love is revolutionary. Whether it’s in the pages of a romance novel or in the way you build your business, love is what changes the world.
So, grab your matcha, turn off the fear machine, and dive into whatever makes your soul come alive. And if you need a good book to start with, might I suggest A Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everett? Trust me, you’re going to want to DM me so we can gush about the characters.
Until next time, let’s go make some biz magic, break some rules, and rewrite the narrative—together.
Ready to connect with Elizabeth Everett? Follow her on Instagram @ElizabethEverettAuthor or check out her books at your local indie bookstore. And if this conversation lit you up, let’s keep it going—DM me on Instagram @Workwomb, and let’s talk.
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