Every person’s personality and circumstances are unique, but we can all relate to how it feels when we dare ourselves to cross a personal divide, enter unknown terrain, take a chance, shift perspective, face a fear, or stretch a little. Liberating ourselves from long-established routines, behaviors, expectations, or fears, can be very empowering and even provide a healthy dose of levity and laughter.
This is how we grow. This is how we find our own true north.
Dare to be Fabulous features 27 personal stories of daring, joy, and empowerment from famous and not-so-famous women alike. The stories in the book were curated from 50 stories previously featured on this website. With only three exceptions, all the stories were written specifically for Dare to be Fabulous.
Track the path to your own true north. The book includes personal writing prompts for you, the reader. Ready to feel inspired? Jump in!
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ABOUT THE EDITOR
Johanna McCloy is a writer and editor, as well as a SAG-AFTRA actor with starring and guest starring roles in theatre, television, and film. Her personal essays and articles have appeared in magazines, newspapers, NPR programs, and books. She is also an advocate known for opening the door to veggie dogs and vegan options at MLB parks and other venues.
Johanna is the editor her mother’s popular memoir, Six Car Lengths Behind an Elephant: Undercover & Overwhelmed as a CIA Wife and Mother by Lillian McCloy, which received endorsement blurbs from John le Carré and other notable authors. Her latest book, Dare to be Fabulous, released in Fall, 2022.
Johanna grew up in Spain, India, Japan, and Venezuela and earned her B.A. in International Comparative Studies and Anthropology from Duke University.
Samples of Johanna’s published writing
Personal essays
- “Vegan at the Table,” KQED Radio (Perspectives)
- “My Father, the Spy,” Duke Magazine (“Before/After” in print edition)
- “Delhi Diary,” India Currents Magazine
- “I Canceled My Wedding” Dare to be Fabulous
- “Communion,” MoXie Magazine (title in left column)
Articles
- “Kathleen Courtney is Behind the Scenes at Alameda Point,” Oakland Magazine
- Multiple articles – Truth Atlas
Op-Ed
- “Bill is needed to help restore California as film capital,” Bay Area News Group (published in 11 daily and weekly newspapers)