Editor’s Note: Anne Fortier grew up in Denmark and emigrated to the United States in 2002 to work in film. She co-produced the Emmy-winning documentary “Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia” and holds a Ph.D. in the history of ideas from Aarhus University, Denmark. Her latest novel, The Lost Sisterhood, tells the story of a scholar who puts her career and reputation at risk to prove the existence of the fierce, female Amazon.

While I was doing research for The Lost Sisterhood, dozens of friends asked me whether I honestly believe the ancient Amazon warrior women were ever more than just a myth. Most people, apparently, find it utterly unrealistic that a group of women – now as in the past – would choose to live together in a small, closed society without men. Well, how about nuns? How about the proud traditions of women’s colleges such as Oxford’s Somerville? And why is it that we happily believe reports of reclusive martial-arts monks in Tibet, but refuse to imagine a similar set-up with women?

Not only am I convinced the Amazon legend has firm roots in historical fact, I am even going to take another bold step and argue that there are Amazons everywhere around us right now. You, too, may be one without realizing it. “How so?” you’ll surely ask. “Define Amazon.” But that’s a tough one. Modern-day Amazons have adapted to modern life and blend in beautifully. Manhattan alone, unquestionably, can boast thousands. Instead of riding horses, these modern-day Amazons might drive cars or take the subway. And rather than clashing with men in mighty, muddy battles, they’ll fight them in the boardroom, armed with spreadsheets instead of spears. The only common denominator is the figure of a strong, resourceful woman, who has learned to master life without a man to protect and support her. Maybe she has chosen to forego men entirely, or maybe she has dreams of a future family; whatever her long-term plans, the reality is that right now she’s her own boss on a scale of freedom her great-grandmothers would never have dared envision.

A few months ago, when I was back in Denmark for the Copenhagen Book Fair, my Mom suddenly turned to me and said, “I’m an Amazon. I never even realized it until now. I raised you all by myself; no man ever helped me with anything. In fact, come to think of it, men have been nothing but a nuisance in my life.” It’s true. As the only child of a single, working mom, I never had to look very far to see a glorious Amazon in action. Not only did Mom do splendidly without men – and still does, thank you very much – but she also never allowed the State to patronize her or treat her as someone who needed to be helped and pitied. Mom has always been tough, hardworking and frugal, and believe me, if she occasionally asks a male neighbor to help her with a jammed chainsaw it’s only to make him feel better.

Can you be an Amazon even if you live with a man? In my opinion, it doesn’t matter where you are, or what you do; anyone who feels like an Amazon is one. Even if it’s only part time. In fact, I think it’s crucial for our well-being that we acknowledge and celebrate our inner warrior woman. After three millennia of captivity she’s anxious to get out, and the only one who can help her is you. Look no further for a source of empowerment ; lock the door, put on the music you love, and let her out.

For more ideas on how to nurture and encourage your inner Amazon, go to Anne’s website, www.annefortier.com.