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Finding Your Voice

Saturday 24 February 2018
"You've got a heart as loud as lions, so why let your voice be tamed?" - Emeli Sande

I'm really enjoying writing about writing right now, so here's another spout of rambling for your eyeballs. I remember hearing the phrase "be original" and "find your voice" being drilled into our heads during the first few weeks of University, and instantly feeling unsettled. The whole point, surely, of dedicating three years to experimenting with writing styles was to form this voice organically, in an unforced way?

I found myself thinking - and still sometimes find myself wondering - why would anything I make be different? Or worth reading? Even when writing this blog, I had close friends and family questioning whether I would contribute anything individual to the ever growing community of bloggers.

This had me stopping myself from reviewing restaurants, and writing articles - convincing myself that someone 'better' would already have done so, or would do so in the future, only in a more concise way than I could ever achieve.

So this is a reminder, to myself, and to you. Put your thoughts out there, or at least write them down and keep them private until they grow into something clearer. Your 'voice' will change and evolve, along with your behaviour and desires. Some days you'll want to write about race, politics, feminism, and other days the sheer joy of watching someone you love eat a mountain of pasta will be a topic which seems to hold vital importance worth documenting. That's OK.

You also don't need to define yourself as a poet, or a journalist, or any specific label, unless you want to. Sure, it might make your CV easier to understand, but mine's a messy showcase of my indecisive self, and I'm embracing that...

I find myself wondering if writing about skincare is too trivial to be worth publishing, that no-one would care or take me seriously. But it's one of many things which interests me - and surely that's something? I'm trying to remind myself that my opinions are valid, despite any privilege I have, or how little I know about a situation, or how unimportant the things I'm drawn to might seem.

Write first, then worry - it's somewhat inevitable. Edit, scrap, salvage, forgive, release. It's so easy to allow fear and stress to consume us and stop us from even acting on impulse and starting in the first place. But maybe we can actively change this mindset, these perceptions which destroy not only our dreams and goals but result in us wasting so much potential and interesting ideas. It's a difficult spiral to escape, and one I confront each time I sit and try to untangle a mess of thoughts at a keyboard or notebook. But it's a shared struggle, that much I know.

One voice holds incredible power, if only we are brave enough to start using it, rather than worrying about what it looks (sounds?) like.

We'll speak again soon,

Mia

You Don't Owe Anyone Your Productivity

Monday 19 February 2018


I've been ill for over a week now, with a broken laptop leaving me without Netflix for longer than I'd have liked and an abandoned to-do list needing my attention. This is what encouraged me to write this post about unapologetically living your life, and adjusting our schedules when necessary.

I watched one of Leena Norms' old YouTube videos - this one  (side note: she's incredible), in which she answers the question 'How to get everything done'. Along with some great tips about balancing different projects, and finding our limits, she mentions that ultimately it's your life, and it's OK to be selfish and lazy if that's what makes you happy.

This idea has played on my mind for nearly a year, since I first watched the video. Leena unintentionally gave me permission to not need to seek permission - for anything. This seems relevant more than ever now, at a time when people are harnessing the power of self-care and mental health treatment. Just as I think we shouldn't have to justify having an extra biscuit, or sleeping in, we shouldn't need to convince anyone of our worth. We should be able to answer to ourselves alone.

If what motivates you to work hard is making your teachers and parents proud, to provide for a future family, or to make your ex jealous - then you do you -but if your current workload or schedule isn't rewarding to you personally, then is it worth it? There's always time to change things up and find new priorities. I definitely want to show my appreciation to my mum and all she has done for me, but success comes in many forms - happiness and being a decent person both make the cut.

I am all for earning the money needed to live, and to reach all the goals, but there is something incredibly liberating about realising that you can help create the world you want to exist in. I'm speaking from a place of privilege, admittedly - I only have to be responsible for feeding and washing myself. I completely understand that for many of us, caring for several people and part time work in anxiety-inducing environments is something we have little control over. But if we can inject even the smallest amount of hope and change into everyday routine, things can (with any luck) improve.

If embracing this perspective stops you beating yourself up for not achieving as much as others seemingly impressive lifestyles, it's surely a good thing. I've been feeling frustrated that I recently failed my new regular upload schedule (and other tasks) due to illness but I'm trying to forgive myself and see that in the grand scheme of things, not reaching self-inflicted deadlines isn't the end of the world.

Here are some happy memories I am grateful for, which resulted after I admitted defeat and didn't force myself to work through each sneeze: A gooey tray of raspberry and white chocolate brownies shared with friends, finishing a good book (Ruby Tandoh's Eat Up),  steaming away the troubles with a floral pink bath bomb, walking along the seafront and watching the sun set.

SO good!


Creative Writing Degrees: My Experience

Wednesday 14 February 2018
I remember applying for University and there not being much out there about the specific course I had found (Creative and Media Writing). Although I found a lot of advice about English Literature courses (my original preference) which helped, I would love to start making content for people who are in the position I was then to get a sense of what the course involves.

These are some of the Creative Writing and Media units you can choose from at the University of Portsmouth:
  • Poetry
  • True stories/Memoir
  • Animation
  • Review writing
  • Fan fiction and Historical fiction 
  • News, War and Peace 
  • Cultures of Consumption
  • Feature writing
  • Writing for Children/Young Adults
  • Writing for the Press
  • Travel Writing
  • Talk Shows
  • Media & Propaganda
  • Script/Radio writing
  • Short stories
  • Non-fiction
  • Theoretical Studies/Critical Thinking (feminism, existentialism, sociology) 
  • Publishing
  • Contemporary media events
  • Popular culture
  • Magazine design and content (including learning Indesign and other applications) 
  • Film/Television studies and society
  • Print media (the history and contemporary studies) 
  • Comedy and culture 
As you can see, there is lot more to it than the 'arty' label suggests. It amazes me how much fits into a three year time frame, and I've really enjoyed the course overall.

If you are - like I was - juggling between English Literature and a Creative Writing degree, I would definitely suggest looking at the Creative Writing path as an option. Much of the essay writing is in the style of English Literature, and you can analyse your own work alongside other authors. I feel like we were able to get a taster of so many different forms, seeing what we liked and were good at, which I might not have tried outside of Uni. 

Something to bear in mind, like most courses, this one involves a lot of independent study and often assignments are broad so you are able to mould it to your chosen subject. This takes a bit of getting used to for some people, and I for one really wanted clear guidance, but after a while it becomes fun testing the boundaries and brainstorming. I applied theoretical studies to Sherlock, Gilmore Girls, Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror and so many more. Even seemingly complex concepts can be explored through modern texts, which I enjoyed experimenting with. 

So what jobs can you get after graduating? I'm in the process of researching career paths and options, but really - so long as you can find a way to use your gained skills, you can take it anywhere! People tend to become journalists, screen writers, authors and editors, but the world is quickly developing and new jobs are popping up which will be relevant, especially in the creative industry. Don't panic. Apply for internships and work experience in advance, as you will not only get experience which looks good on your CV, you'll get a sense of what kind of role you feel most comfortable doing.

Good luck! 

Thanet Food Guide - Part 3 - Margate

Monday 12 February 2018
Famous for the revived Dreamland, Turner Gallery and quirky vintage shops, Margate is filled with great places to explore and eat. I've given you a mini review of my top picks below.



GB Pizza- This place has started to become quite well known, and they are famous for their crispy based pizzas. The decor in this place is great, and I'll definitely design my future home with a similar look! Try the anchovy and chilli, pear and gorgonzola, or the new specials. Their ingredients are all sourced from local suppliers, which is always a good thing!

Roost- I visited this restaurant to celebrate receiving my A-level results a few years ago, and had simple, tasty roast chicken and chips, but their menu appears to have evolved a lot since then! Now there is seaweed, squid and various other seafood options to choose from, too.

Old Kent Market - Converted and restored from a Cinema from 1911, this indoor market is home to several stalls, from art to clothing and food. Fresh fruit, Asian buns and American street food served on an open top bus - expect the unexpected here!

The Ambrette - This place is unique with Indian-inspired menus. We've visited for various tasting evenings and have loved the creativity and international influences on the dishes. It's received Michelin stars and is definitely worth a visit.

Hantverk & Found - They host several supper clubs here, and I took my mum to a plant-based one for her birthday last year, which we enjoyed. They specialise in seafood: platters, and main dishes. Healthy and tasty.

Bottega Caruso - I've not been here yet, but I've been inside a few times and it smells incredible. The produce is a combination of locally sourced ingredients, and imported items from Southern Italy. You can buy fresh pasta and wine from their shop and I'd love to try out their lessons and workshops, too.

I hope you enjoyed this series, and that you'll give some of these places a go! Please share any of your suggestions as I'm always up for trying new restaurants and cafes. 

Thanet Food Guide - Part 2 - Broadstairs

Friday 9 February 2018
Broadstairs is a lovely little town, with lots of pubs on the seafront to visit. There are fireworks here weekly in summer, along with Folk week, Food Festivals and other events too. This is probably the shortest of the three part food guide, but hopefully it gives you some inspiration. 


Wyatt and Jones - This restaurant has receieved Michelin stars and other awards and we usually visit for birthdays and family celebrations. The sharing steak (Porterhouse) is phenomenal and comes with delicious sides, and the Dover Sole with seaweed and shellfish butter is really flavourful. Pricey but special. 

Rustic. Co - A good option for brunch, with milkshakes and burgers too. The food is beautifully presented on wooden sharing boards, and the cocktails are great too. 

Morellis - This ice cream parlour is quite well-known, and it's worth the hype. Perfect for a hot chocolate pit stop after a long walk on the beach or clifftop! Dulce de Leche is my all time favourite ice cream flavour here, and I love the old fashioned decor, as it reminds me of American diners.

Albarino - A tapas bar with a wide variety of wine to go alongside sharing dishes. Choose from Patatas bravas, octopus, padron peppers, delicious chickpea and fennel chips, and my favourites - dates stuffed with cheese, honey and thyme - and more. This is another traditional birthday location for our family. 

Stay tuned for the final part of this food guide, where I'll share my favourite eateries in Margate. 

Thanet Food Guide - Part 1 - Ramsgate

Wednesday 7 February 2018
I've wanted to create a food tour of Thanet for a really long time, so here goes! I've split this into three parts, covering three fairly small towns in East Kent: Broadstairs, Margate, and Ramsgate. 


So I lived in Ramsgate for most of my teenage years, and have discovered lots of great places there:

Kyoto Sushi & Grill - Recently re-opened, this is a family favourite. Authentic Japanese food, specialising in fresh fish, but catering to vegans and vegetarians too. I recommend the Wakame salad, sashimi sets, salmon teriyaki and black cod, but the specials are always delicious and worth trying.

26 Harbour Street Bar & Kitchen - The staff here are genuinely lovely and welcoming, and they've got everything from classic coffees to Kombucha. I love the brunch options, and the variety of dinner options, including meat substitutes like tempeh. They also host live music evenings which are a lot of fun.

Flavours by Kumar - This is an award-winning Indian restaurant, with traditional dishes alongside creative modern twists. I've celebrated several birthdays and events here, and I'm never disappointed. I usually go for a vegetarian Thali as you can choose what it includes. My favourites are the charcoal roasted aubergine mash and crispy fried okra with mango powder. The specials tend to be pigeon or other game, and in-between each course you are given small tasters and palate cleansers, which are always great.

The Surin - This Thai restaurant was one of the first we went to when we moved to Ramsgate, and it's brilliant. Specialising in Thai, Cambodian and Lao cuisine, the selection is huge. I love the steamed sea bass with lime juice, fragrant glass noodle salad and pad thai. Definitely a good option if you're trying to eat more plant-based, as their vegetarian options are delicious.

Ho Wong - This has been our favourite Chinese takeaway go-to for years, but you can sit and eat in the restaurant too. It's quite pricey so we have to wean ourselves off ordering so often... I always go for the fish fillets in a sticky garlic and chilli sauce because it's seriously spicy and flavourful. The pork dumplings and chicken wings are also addictive. I've genuinely not found anywhere that beats this place!

Sorbetto - Literally seconds away from the beach, this icecream parlour is a must-try. Watermelon, Turkish Delight and Salted Caramel are my favourite flavours, but they introduce new ones often.

Vinylhead, Corby's tearoom  and Homefront - If you're after tea and cake, these are my suggestions. Vinylhead is a record store which serves homemade cakes and lunch options too. Corby's tearoom always has loads of cake options and is a lovely place to meet with friends for a quiet afternoon. Homefront is a new discovery, and arguably the most interesting. The decor is war-time themed, with a wireless, tea cosies and the staff dressed in old fashioned aprons.  

I'm yet to try Magnolia  (a little Italian restaurant), but it's been highly raved about by my parents so I'll be giving them a visit soon.

A quick note to say that our beloved Belgian Bar in Ramsgate is closing down, which is a shame. We loved it there as we could bring our dogs with us, and they served pizza until the early hours of the morning - perfect for ending the night after drinks with friends. Hopefully they are able to get going again at some point, and until then, I'm definitely going to try and support local businesses as much as possible.

Stay tuned for part 2 & 3 of my Thanet food guide! 

Writing a Dissertation: A Guide By An Anxious Mind

Monday 5 February 2018
If you're in Second Year and getting goosebumps at the thought of your final project, hopefully this post helps you! 

I'm currently writing the second half of my Creative Writing dissertation. It's weirdly split 50/50 between 10,000 and 5,000 words and the final deadline is at the end of April. I achieved a 1st in the first half, which I am really proud of. Obviously, I can't predict the total grade, but I can give coping tips and advice to make it seem a little less daunting.



  • Use the internet! YouTube, Library websites, Google Scholar - even Twitter. Make a list of key sources, terms and ideas and trust me, someone will have created content in that area. Soon you'll have a list of potential books and articles to look for and methods to help you. When I was researching, I found it comforting finding a slight gap in material, where I could see my work fitting in. There was loads to reinterpret and use with my own perspective, especially when it came to literary analysis. 
  • Start Small, and Start Soon. Remember, you can't edit a blank page. The sooner you have some thoughts drafted, you can start to bulk up the content with academic sources and start to see a rough structure forming. Every little helps here. 10,000 words seems like an impossible figure, but once you reach it, it makes other smaller essays seem tiny in comparison. Last minute panic never helps, and getting started early means that when you abandon your first idea despite reaching 8,000 words, there is still time to start from scratch! I still don't know how I managed that..But ultimately the only way to reach that word count, is just to start writing. 
  • Make it interesting. Choose something you're genuinely passionate about, and try to make the initial planning memorable. Eye-catching, colourful, wild mind-maps, or neat and tidy lists - as creative as you like. It won't take long before you start to connect ideas. I don't know about you, but if notes looks aesthetically pleasing, I'm more likely to return to them. Some people say that dolling up notes is a time-waster, but ultimately, there's no rush - you can pace yourself as you wish. Bring on all the highlighters and post it notes!

  • Find unexpected assistance. Discuss your project with others! I found out that my uncle studied a similar unit to a theme within my dissertation, and he gave me a few book suggestions. People might give you advice which you don't feel is relevant, but it's worth a try. They are, most of the time, truly interested in what you are working on, so share - don't hide away, cram and burn out. I'm lucky enough to have a mum who is obsessed with editing (which is great seeing as two of my personal tutors have left me mid-final year!), but meeting up with friends to give each other feedback is another good idea. 
  • Take breaks! I know that self-care has become almost cliche now, but it is important. It makes me so worried watching people panic and stress without taking breathers. I have low days and meltdowns, but giving myself permission to take an hour, or an afternoon, or a full day off to gather my thoughts helps the bad thoughts from spiralling too much. If you work while at Uni and struggle to find balance, making a timetable with hours set aside for yourself is worth doing. It might seem self-indulgent or non-justifiable, but in the long run, prioritizing your mental health is a positive thing. 
  • Remember: you are not your work. It doesn't define you, and regardless of the grade you receive, be proud that you tried! It's cheesy but true. One day you will barely recall the essays you worked on during Uni or school, so just give it your best shot now, and don't overthink it. It's all about trying to highlight all the skills you've learnt over the past few years, and enthusiasm goes a long way as part of that.


Once I've submitted my final piece, I'd love to share more about what my dissertation was about, and make similar posts to this. Let me know if there's anything you're interested in hearing about.


What I Read in January

Friday 2 February 2018
This month has been a real mixed bag, reading wise, as I've been trying to get through my personal 'to-be-read' pile, whole working through books for University assignments. I've ended the month feeling a little burnt out, struggling to focus and really settle into a new story, but I'm happy to have a short break for a while.


  1. Writing Poetry and Getting Published - I read this as part of my research for a writing project unit, and I found this really helpful. It includes games and writing prompts, tips for editing and what to do with your poetry portfolio once it is complete. It's a small book so it doesn't take long to read.
  2. A Galaxy of Her Own - I couldn't resist picking this up in Waterstones, I think partially because I was still on a high after watching the Hidden Figures film, which if you haven't seen - you must! The cover is beautiful and this book is really similar to Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, with illustrations and profiles on women throughout history who have worked in the space industry (I think that's the right term?) - from engineers to nutritionists and fashion designers. There are great quotes in this and it would make a great coffee table book.
  3. Eating Words - This is a collection of food writing which I started over summer last year! I finally got around to finishing this, and as much as I enjoyed it in parts, it was quite academic and difficult to remember to return to. If you're interested in food writing, it's worth referring to, as it has a broad range of genres and authors from different time periods.
  4. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - It took me a while to get into this book as the honest dialogue is painful at times, but soon enough I was emotionally invested in the story. The central character is quirky and incredibly isolated, which we learn more about as the novel unfolds. Hilarious, gritty, realistic and mysterious.
  5. Rebecca – I usually don’t choose Classics, and I've not read many, but my friend Lizzie lent me her copy with the promise that I’d be hooked – and she was right. This has definite Great Gatsby elements, with a majority of the novel set in a grand estate, with a mysterious man living behind the doors. The main character is tormented by her new husband's dead ex-wife, and every paranoid feeling she has is palpable - I loved it!
  6. Kitchen – My mum has been recommending this book for ages, and I'm so happy I finally read it. It explores the power of memories, and how kitchens bring so much comfort to our lives. At one point the main character gets a taxi across cities just to give her close friend a taste of the pork katsu ramen she eats for dinner, which made me very happy. 
What have you read this month and do you have any plans to read anything in particular this year? Follow me on Goodreads here if you want more reviews and bookish updates.