I am:
- a poet, whose debut pamphlet Bella was published by Offa's Press in August 2018
- a student, studying an MA in Shakespeare and Theatre at the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon
- an event coordinator, who has helped programme, prepare and run events which include Verve Poetry Festival, the Anchor Gallery spring season, and poetry workshop course Pen to Paper
- an arts and heritage volunteer, in organisations which have included Birmingham Museums Trust, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Writing West Midlands, the Black Country Living Museum
- an avid theatre-goer, frequenter of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- ...and now, a blogger!
Get to know me, through 20 questions:
What do you do when you relax?
I drink tea, lots of tea. Other than that, I enjoy reading poetry books and magazines, or procrastinating on Instagram Explore.
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
I always wanted to be a writer of novels (poetry came much later). There was a brief time I wanted to be an archaeologist. In some ways, poetry is a mixture of writing and archaeology. Digging into research is always my favourite part of writing.
What is the failure that you most cherish? Why?
In my first year of university, my first creative assignment was to write either two prose pieces, or a prose piece and some poetry. I intended to do the former, and prove myself to my tutors and my peers. The pressure got to me, and I really struggled to write the first prose piece, let alone another. I turned to the latter option, and tried poetry (honest truth? because I figured it was shorter). I've written poetry ever since.
What is the most valuable thing that you own?
At the moment, I would have to say a necklace my dad gave me for my 22nd birthday. It's a simple silver chain with a handful of blue glass beads of different sizes and shades. The beads are Roman-era, that he found while field-walking over the past years. The time, dedication, and thought he put into it is just a morsel of the time, dedication, and thought he puts into helping me in all parts of my life.
How would you describe a perfect day?
Lie-in. Tea. Skincare. Wooly jumper. Sunshine. Making memories with friends. Achieving something worthwhile. Dairy milk. RuPaul's Drag Race. Back to bed.
If you could go back five years in your life, what advice would you give yourself?
Don't pick English Language A-Level, for the love of god! You'll get onto your degree course without it!
If you wrote a book, what would the title be?
I've written a book! But it doesn't have a title, not yet (titles are hard). [Edit: It does now! She's called Bella.]
If you could be any age for a week, what age would you be?
21 again! I'm only 23 now, but good things happened the year I was 21.
What experiences have most shaped who you are today?
University. Hands down, I would not be the same person mentally or emotionally without it. The experience taught me lessons, changed my mindset, informed my life choices, improved my self-esteem and mental health, and provided me with the networks, opportunities, and support systems I needed to get where I am today.
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| My graduation, July 2017. |
What is your biggest fear?
Spiders, hands down. Other than that, being stranded out in unfamiliar public places (I have agoraphobia).
If you could go any place in the world right now, where would you go?
Rome, most definitely. I went for the first time last October, and if I wasn't in love before, I was then.
If you could have one super power, which would you choose?
Teleportation, as public transport/long journeys stress me out (agoraphobia, again).
What makes you feel most fulfilled?
Finishing a poem! I like to go very in-depth with my preliminary reading and research, and I take a long time to construct the poem itself. So when it's complete, and I'm happy with it, it's a good feeling!
What are you most passionate about?
My biggest passion was always to be published, but I guess I've reached that goal. I'm passionate about continuing writing poetry about the subjects which intrigue me, continuing to study the topics which inspire me, and continuing to have experiences which inform me.
What is your greatest lesson from your hobbies?
Find people who love what you love, and keep them close. I have a small group of friends who love theatre, Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon just as much as I do. Seeing theatrical performances probably wouldn't be a hobby of mine (at least not a regular one) without them.
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| Royal Shakespeare Theatre |
What's your story?
I'm only on page 23. We'll see where it goes, but the blurb promises it's going to be a great one!
What personal passion project are you working on right now?
I'm currently in the early stages of a new poetry project, which I hope will be published as my first full length collection.
What would you like to create in the world that doesn't exist, that you would endure personal sacrifice to bring to life?
A cure for dementia.
What are you most proud of?
My pamphlet, Bella! It started as my dissertation project, but it's grown so much and I'm so proud that it's out in the world.
What is the best question you have ever been asked?
Want a cuppa?
