Life-writing, with pictures.

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In October, I took up a visiting scholarship at the Oxford Centre For Life Writing, based at Wolfson College, Oxford University. I’ve worked with them in the past and I know they are keen that as many people as possible access their research, so I will make sure anything I produce that’s related to this position is enjoyable and accessible as well as educational. It’s an unpaid, honorary position, but a huge privilege to be nominated to do this, plus I get access to all their amazing libraries and other resources. What is life-writing though? Doesn’t it just mean memoir?…

Gym closed? Try this instead.

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I’ve written about how I got fit through running before, but not in such unusual circumstances so bear with me. If you are a gym bunny who is devastated at the loss of your lifeline (because I know exercise is something that keeps many of us sane) or if you are feeling anxious about your health, circumstances, the global Corona virus crisis, etc. but haven’t exercised before, I’m going to try and talk you through how I use my own body weight to increase my strength and how I run short distances for cardio and anxiety management. I’ll be 55…

Dedicated to all the others: a play.

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Uma tradução deste blog será publicada na próxima semana. Obrigada a Carol de Assis. It’s odd that it took a trip to the theatre for me to really notice her. After all, she’s been hanging around, my little inky friend, for five years. There I sat at the back of a theatre just beneath the booth, 6,000 miles from my home and a little nervous because I’d agreed to this but suspected I might not like it. No, really, I’m serious. It’s not about ego; Una is my baby and though I’ve shared her with the world she is precious…

Run for your life

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Update alert! I’ll be running for charity on July 14th. Leeds Women’s Aid. It’s just a Fun Run (5k) but it’s my first ever race and I’d like you to sponsor me if you can, or share this post with someone who might. Here’s my GoFundMe. Let me know if you want me to run backwards, or dressed as a parakeet or whatever, I’ll do anything if it raises more money (Almost). Anyway, read my blog post below. It’s a good one. Watching the London marathon and all those amazing over achievers made me want to write about my own…