Monica Cardenas

Writer and feminist scholar
Academic writer, Non-fiction writer, Novelist, Short fiction writer
Available for:
Collaboration, Editing, Media, Proofreading, Workshops

My research

My research explores the intersection of maternity and female bodily autonomy, with a focus on the representation of non-maternal women in literature. My own writing centres on women who do not desire children and reveals the many painful repercussions of both cultural and legal enforcement of motherhood. I author the Bad Mothers Substack.

My work

I’ve written two novels and am currently seeking representation to publish my debut. Both were borne of my interest in fertility rights and children’s well-being, as well as the often misunderstood “maternal instinct.” The Mother Law was longlisted in the Lucy Cavendish College Fiction Prize, Jericho Writers First First 500, and runner-up in the Borough Press open submission competition.

I’ve taught creative writing at the undergraduate and postgraduate level; read fiction at Litro; and I chair the Democrats Abroad UK Women’s Caucus.

My published work is listed on my website

Bio

I earned my BA in English from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, and an MA and Creative Writing Practice-based PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London.

I am from Washington, D.C., but now reside with my husband in the Chiltern Hills outside London. The oldest of six girls, I travel to the U.S. as often as possible to visit.