Nellie Bly had a lot to say for herself over the years, priding herself on her frankness. Here’s some fine examples…
Aged 21:
“The Mexicans surveyed myself and my chaperone in amazement. But I defied their gaze and showed them that a free American girl can accommodate herself to circumstances without the aid of a man.”
Pittsburg Dispatch, June 20th, 1886
First article:
Take some girls that have the ability, procure for them situations, start them on their way, and by doing so accomplish more than by years of talking.”
The Girl Puzzle, Pittsburg Dispatch, January 25th 1885
Re-visiting her madhouse story:
“Energy applied rightly and directed will accomplish anything.”
Among the Mad, Godey’s Lady’s Book, 1889
Often motivational:
And one of my favorites:
“That women should work is necessary. That they should be treated with equality for their labor is just and right. There should be no difference in the recompense for work, whether done by a man or a woman, so long as it is done equally well.”
New York Evening Journal, September 12th, 1921
Nelly Bly. As consistent in her support for women’s rights and equality for women in her 50’s as she was in her 20’s. Who wouldn’t want to read a novel about her?
“a well-researched and engrossing tale that focuses on female empowerment,” – Kirkus Reviews
“Grounded in historical research, brought to life by a novelist’s imagination, here is Nellie Bly in all her fascinating complexity: outspoken, courageous, kind, clever, sometimes headstrong, other times self-doubting. “Grounded in historical research, brought to life by a novelist’s imagination, here is Nellie Bly in all her fascinating complexity: outspoken, courageous, kind, clever, sometimes headstrong, other times self-doubting. In The Girl Puzzle Kate Braithwaite has created a character who is not easily forgotten.” – Matthew Goodman, bestselling author of Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World
“Everything a historical novel should be – illuminating, intriguing and intelligent. Kate Braithwaite has woven a fascinating and atmospheric story from what is known about the pioneering feminist journalist Nellie Bly (née Elizabeth Cochrane). Braithwaite skillfully blends Bly’s early and later career to give a new insight into a remarkable and complex woman.” – Olga Wojtas, author of Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Golden Samovar
Kate Braithwaite 