Brenda Ueland (October 24, 1891 – March 5, 1985) was an American journalist, editor, freelance writer, and teacher of writing.

Brenda was raised in a relatively progressive household; her father, an immigrant from Norway, was a prominent lawyer and judge.

Brenda would spend her life as a staunch feminist and is said to have lived by two rules: To tell the truth, and to not do anything she didn't want to.

She freelanced for many publications including the Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal, Golfer and Sportsman, and varied newspapers.

Drawing heavily on the work and influence of William Blake, she suggests that writers should "Try to discover your true, honest, un-theoretical self."

It was republished in 1983 by the Schubert Club of St. Paul, Minnesota, and then picked up by Graywolf Press, for which it remains their bestselling title.

In it she writes about her childhood, time in college, her life in Greenwich Village, and love affairs, among other topics.

She tells of her affair with Raoul Hendricson, an anarchist who eventually left her for Isadora Duncan.

It included articles and essays on topics such as children, feminism, her life in Minneapolis, animals, and health and well-being.

This was a part of a series of booklets of short essays that was designed to be sent in the mail like a greeting card, and it came with an envelope for that purpose.