When The Words Stop: Nora Ephron

"I'll have what she's having."

That infamous line from "When Harry Met Sally,"  not only brought a new commentary to women's sexuality, it also defined how many female writers felt about Nora Ephron and her career.

Everyone knows the scene from the movie where Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm in a crowded restaurant to show Billy Crystal's character how easily a woman can fool her man. The middle aged woman at the next table in complete deadpan, recites that memorable line.

Ok, so this was 1989 and while the women's movement had decidedly changed things for the better, that one line was a game changer. In thoroughly comedic fashion, Nora Ephron had every man who was dragged by his wife or girlfriend to that movie, questioning his sexual prowess. She wasn't saying, she was just saying.

Her life and career were remarkable. In a male dominated film industry, she not only wrote with the best of them, she also directed. And, she did it all with a tongue-in-cheek approach and the eye of a cynic. She wrote about her life, as so many of us do...she just did it better. A lesson she taught was tomorrow is promised to no one, so take your life by the balls. She did.

Writing takes skill, discipline and a lot of perseverance. Creating a successful career with your writing is a dream for most of us. Nora Ephron walked the walk, and along the way became an inspiration.

Her words will be missed.

Easy journey Nora.
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