Published in Fearless She Wrote·PinnedMember-onlyWhy I’m No Longer Talking to Most Men About SexismSome of them just can’t handle the truth. — You know those times when you tell friends about the sexist behaviour you’ve experienced? If your friends are women, they will probably nod sympathetically or roll their eyes in that “tell me about it” way. …Women6 min read
Published in About Me Stories·PinnedMember-onlyAbout Me — Rosalind PaganMessy matriarch, dater of disastrous men, writer of provocative prose. — Sounds like there’s a story in that photo caption… There’s a story behind most of my bad dating decisions, so it’s a good thing I’ve made lots of them!! Writing about relationships is a bit vulnerable and raw but I’ve also had some fun exploring my reasons for staying single…About Me6 min read
Aug 4Member-onlyShould I Beware The Overshare or Wear My Heart on My Sleeve?The dilemma facing writers throughout history is keeping me awake at night. — Dear FROM LEMON, Back in the heady days of this platform when curation seemed more straightforward, those beautiful words every Medium writer hoped to see popped up in my email inbox: “Our curators just read your story…” It continued, “Based on its quality, they selected it…” What news, what joy…Advice6 min read
Published in Apropos of Something·Apr 21Member-onlyLet’s Make Humanity Great AgainBill Gates explains his ‘selfish’ reasons for philanthropy. — One of my favorite things to do with my son is watch Mark Rober videos on YouTube. But this one blew my mind. Around six minutes in, Bill Gates chats with former NASA and Apple engineer Mark Rober about philanthropy, and an initiative to provide clean water to the developing…Poverty4 min read
Published in Six Word Photo Story Challenge·Apr 18Member-onlyGrimy GraffitiApril Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Graffiti & Street Art” — I saw a future without you. When I first visited Manchester in England, I was shocked at how murky and ugly so many of the buildings were, even in the heart of the city. Despite all the quirky cafes and art supply stores, Manchester has never shaken off its history as the first industrial city in…Street Art2 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Apr 10Member-onlyI’m Growing a Monster in My BellyNo, it’s not a baby, it’s a tumor. — Looking down at the swollen mound spilling over my stretchy pants, I run my hands over my flesh, trying to love this changing body. I can’t fit into my jeans anymore. I’ve resorted to wearing maternity clothes again to fit over my sore, distended stomach. …Health6 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jan 17Member-onlyI’d Like a Stay-at-Home Husband So I Can Focus on My Writing CareerThe only ‘pot-boilers’ I’m churning out are my kids’ dinners. — As the famous Cyril Connolly quote goes, “There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.” He’s talking about having kids and the impact they have on your creative time and ability. The word ‘pram’ is to Brits what you would call a ‘stroller’…Life6 min read
Published in Apropos of Something·Dec 31, 2021Member-onlyThe Women Who Risk Their Lives to Cry RapeFrom Marguerite de Carrouges to Peng Shuai, silence is not always golden — Trigger warning: themes of sexual assault and rape are covered. Please read with caution. Spoiler alert: Disney movie The Last Duel is discussed. Rapists: They are not just the faceless monsters who lurk in alleyways, dragging unsuspecting women to their lairs. They are your brothers, husbands, boyfriends, fathers, friends.Rape4 min read
Published in Feedium·Sep 17, 2021Member-only5 Vital Lessons I Learned From Tim Denning’s Writing CourseSpoiler alert: it was not the sausage factory I expected. — At the tail end of 2020 I maxed out my credit card to join Tim Denning’s Medium ‘Bad-Assery’ Course. I naively expected the wave of a wand and a Penn & Teller style reveal of how the magic really happens. I wanted the mystery of Tim’s success to be explained…Writing6 min read
Published in The Pink·Aug 17, 2021Member-onlyWhat Am I Even Doing Here?From bonus to bust — impostor syndrome is plaguing my every waking moment. — Impostor Syndrome4 min read
