Vivian Deakins is the writing identity behind a body of work focused on life management, independence, neurodivergent perspectives, starting over, and the quiet, longer-form practice of figuring out a life. The books and essays here are written for women who are building something of their own and want writing that meets them where they actually are.
What I write about
The writing falls into five rough territories. There are books and essays, including excerpts and notes from work in progress. There is practical writing on life management and independence: budgeting, household systems, decision-making, and the foundational skills many women were never taught and now find themselves needing. There are pieces on neurodivergent living, written from and for women whose brains do not follow standard instructions and who have stopped pretending otherwise. There is writing for women who are starting over and rebuilding, in the wake of divorce, job loss, health changes, or simply waking up ready for something different. And there are longer reflections and personal essays on solitary living, creativity, self-trust, and the slow work of becoming.
Who I write for
I write for women who are doing the work themselves. Women who are building or rebuilding lives that belong to them. Women who would rather have honest writing than motivational language and who have outgrown the kind of content that talks down to them. If you are looking for material that assumes you are an intelligent adult capable of making your own decisions, you’re in the right place.
About the books
Forthcoming book information will live here.
About HTBI
HTBI (How To Be Independent) is the life management brand connected to this writing. If the practical end of what I write about lands well, HTBI is where the longer-form, more tactical material on building a self-sufficient life lives. Pieces from that side of the work occasionally appear here as well.
A note on affiliate links
Some posts on this site include affiliate links to books and tools I recommend, almost always books by other authors I’ve read. When you buy through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The full affiliate disclosure explains how I choose what to recommend.
Following the writing
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