This Is Woman's Work by Dominique Christina Summary

This Is Woman’s Work explores 20 archetypal incarnations of womanhood, such as the Rebel, the Beggar, and the Willing Woman, to help readers reconnect with their inner power. Through poetry, reflective exercises, and personal insights, Dominique Christina guides women to confront societal expectations and reclaim their authentic voices. The book blends creative writing prompts with feminist philosophy, offering a roadmap for self-discovery and creative expression.

This book is ideal for women seeking to dismantle limiting narratives about femininity, creativity, and identity. Artists, activists, educators, and anyone navigating transitions in career, relationships, or personal growth will find its archetypal framework transformative. It resonates particularly with readers drawn to intersectional feminist literature and fans of Christina’s award-winning poetic style.

Yes—it’s a unique blend of lyrical storytelling and practical self-inquiry, praised for its radical reimagining of womanhood. Christina’s five-time poetry slam champion expertise infuses the text with urgency, while writing exercises make abstract concepts actionable. Ideal for readers who want to engage deeply with both personal and collective feminine narratives.

The book examines 20 inner "wise women," including:

• The Rebel (challenging oppressive systems)
• The Beggar (navigating scarcity mindsets)
• The Willing Woman (embracing radical accountability)
• The Bone Collector (confronting inherited trauma)
  Each archetype includes writing prompts to integrate their lessons into daily life.

Christina uses visceral poetry to unpack complex emotions, paired with structured exercises like "Dialogues with Your Shadow Self" and "Mapping Your Ancestral Stories." This hybrid approach allows readers to engage intellectually and intuitively, bridging creative writing with therapeutic practice.

A five-time national poetry slam champion and educator with dual master’s degrees in English and Education, Christina draws from her Civil Rights Movement legacy, decade of teaching, and HBO writing credits. Her prior award-winning books (Anarcha Speaks, The Bones...) establish her expertise in feminist historiography.

Yes—its exercises are designed for solo or collaborative work, making it suitable for book clubs, writing workshops, or therapy groups. The archetype-focused chapters facilitate discussions about societal roles, creativity blocks, and intergenerational healing.

Unlike prescriptive guides, Christina prioritizes creative excavation over step-by-step fixes. The archetype framework avoids universalizing women’s experiences, instead inviting readers to customize their journey through poetry and ancestral reflection. It’s particularly distinct in its centering of Black feminist thought.

Though specific awards aren’t listed, Christina’s prior work (Anarcha Speaks) won the National Poetry Series Prize. Reviewers highlight the book’s "untangling of hidden geographies" and its utility for writers and activists. It’s also taught in university courses on feminist literature.

At 208 pages, the book is divided into 20 archetype-focused chapters, each containing:

• A poetic invocation
• Analysis of the archetype’s shadow/light aspects
• Writing prompts
• Integration exercises
  This modular design allows non-linear reading.

Yes—Christina explicitly ties archetypes to race, class, and queer identity. For example, "The Bone Collector" chapter discusses navigating systemic racism, while "The Conjure Woman" explores reclaiming marginalized spiritual practices.

Available through major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Sounds True Publishing. The ISBN is 978-1649631251, with paperback and e-book formats released in August 2023.