Becoming Forty by Lynne Clark
I am thirty nine and I am unmarried and childless and I feel like a failure.
12 lessons to my younger self
writing at the age of 23, Imogen Bristow's prose piece entrusts a series of life lessons to her younger self. in doing so she highlights the value of learning, adapting, the inevitability of making mistakes and the power of finding resilience through time. Imogen's written work provides a comforting shoulder on which her adolescent self may rest her head, whilst attempting to nurse her through approaching formative years.
sexy
this fictional short story by Hollie Sherwood-Martin chronicles anxiety, harassment and intimidation of a young woman at a concert. the aim of the piece was to capture that ‘awful feeling of certainty, panic, and guilt’ shared by young women around the world when they find themselves alone, outside, at night. the story is paired with the writer’s own artwork.
third culture kid
Georgia Nelson explores the contrasting world of privilege that exists within international expat communities alongside the lives of those who facilitate that very privilege through these short excerpts from her crime drama pilot script, Third Culture Kid.
Cask of Amontillado
Safiya Budaly modernises an Edgar Allan Poe short story with an LGBTQ+ focus in a short screenplay celebrating Pride month. Illustration by Esme Lee.
How to Fall Down and then Get Back Up Again
An anonymous writer shares a beautiful reflection on the journey through emotional hardship, on falling down, and how to become your own support system in times of trouble. The piece is accompanied by the writer’s original artwork.
Reflections on Mother's Day
Rachel Alcock-Hodgson takes us to the wilds of Norfolk to recover from a bout of existential anxiety, pondering what home means to her along the way.
what is a letter?
Lainey Thomas explores the act of letter-writing, its meanings, purposes, and its healing powers as meditation in moments of grief and pain.
Girls Night Out (Part 2)
in the final instalment of Kyende’s story, she discusses the impact club culture can have on women who are left feeling uncomfortable by unwanted male attention.
Unhappy Holidays
Mia Nicole Davies discusses the universality of Christmas during holiday season, and how the general election has impacted her feelings towards it.
Reclaiming the Sun: Why I Sunbathe Topless
Ria Lilley writes about how she finds freedom through sunbathing topless during the summer months. the piece is accompanied by the original work of Imogen Bristow.
Lenses of Longing
Cecilia Pang writes a recollection of her journey to find belonging and home again after repeated health trials. Here she shares her experiences of pain and growth through a creative non-fiction piece. the work is accompanied by the original illustration of Melanie Grandidge.
Lessons From A Puzzle
using a metaphor of jigsaw puzzles, Kyende provides a piece of creating writing which explores the life lessons that we can learn from childhood games.
'Bad Survivors' of Sexual Assault: Validating My Own Experience
Meredith Mack discusses her experience with sexual assault and unpacks the patriarchal injustices present in society that survivors encounter.
Girls' Night Out (part 1)
in the first part of her series, Kyende writes about the experience of a girl who goes out with her friends only to encounter misogyny that manifests differently across the men who are present in the club.
I PUT MYSELF IN THE SEA
‘I Put Myself in the Sea' takes it's title from an art project by Ellie Grendon's friend Jessica. it explores ritual, magic and discovery through prose poetry.
Dear Stuart Part 2: Harassment in Clubs
in this second instalment of her series "Dear Stuart", Sally Mac continues to expand on the relationship between misogyny and public spaces. in this piece, she discusses night clubs and the discomfort women can find.
Dear Stuart (part 1)
in this open letter, Sally Mac addresses the discomfort women feel when approached on public transport.
A Daughter's Perspective on Motherhood
in this heart-warming tribute to motherhood, Katy Jones reflects on her own upbringing to capture how influential women unintentionally shape the people we become.