During the late 1960s, the United States was in the throes of the devastating Vietnam War, and anti-war protests rocked the nation. That’s when author Maxine Hong Kingston started writing her award-winning memoir “The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts,” based on her upbringing as a Chinese American in California. In a time of unrest, Kingston processed her thoughts and emotions by creating. Published in 1976, the book went on to have a great impact on literature, uniquely blending folklore and autobiography to tackle complex issues such as immigration and feminism during a period of cultural revolution.

Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart emphasized the importance of preparation in her interviews and writings, many of which were later collected in “Last Flight,” a posthumously published volume that reflects the aviator’s practical approach to flying. As the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Earhart understood that daring accomplishments depend less on boldness than on careful planning, training, and foresight. Her perspective reminds us that solid groundwork can lead to fruitful outcomes — whether we’re starting a project, changing careers, or pursuing a personal goal. Preparation can’t eliminate all uncertainty, but it can give us the confidence to keep moving forward.