Unlocking The Writer’s Mind

Writing, for me, is not only a therapeutic personal process but also a tool to amplify others’ stories and advocate for social justice. I view digital media and journalism as resources integral to my creative writing. My focus is often on the lived experiences of disability and chronic illness, aiming to evoke empathy and engagement from readers. I also explore themes such as class, gender, and overcoming barriers like the ‘glass ceiling’. Having recently completed a PhD, I often felt like an outsider in academia – being disabled, working-class, in my mid-40s, and the first in my family to attend university. However, hearing from others considering pursuing education after seeing ‘someone like me’ makes the journey worthwhile. Social media unexpectedly became a therapeutic tool during my practice-based PhD, which included a digital diary. Recently, I won New Writing North’s ‘Writing Chance’ journalism award, which opened opportunities with mentors from The Daily Mirror and the broader writing community. I believe in bringing creative writing into contemporary contexts, using all available tools to share stories.

What Tools Do I Use?
Like many, financial limitations affect the resources I use. Ideally, I would have a top-tier writing setup, but I make do with what I have. I alternate between my laptop and phone –phone notes and social media are particularly helpful for reflexive writing. I use a basic laptop with a separate keyboard and mouse, and I have a bed trolley to raise my legs for comfort. After experimenting, this setup works best for me. I also write with the TV on (muted) and curtains closed. Everyone has their quirks! Ultimately, the key is finding what works best for you, whether writing in a quiet room or a bustling coffee shop.

For editing, I use Grammarly (I prefer the Premium version, but the free one works too). I re-edit academic work more thoroughly than creative writing, and I find editing and formatting more challenging than writing. Always allocate time for these types of things. But as always, everyone’s process is different.

What Helps Me Write?
As someone with multiple disabilities, including conditions affecting manual dexterity, along with dyslexia and dyspraxia, writing may seem an unlikely choice. However, I am drawn to people who defy stereotypes, and my PhD provided structure when illness made things difficult. Entering writing competitions also helped develop my practice, and during my PhD, I unexpectedly won two.

The first win was an art exhibition called ‘Trial by TikTok’ (January 2024). Although I’m not an artist, this piece demonstrated the value of trying new forms of expression, even those outside your comfort zone, bridging creative writing within an art form. It featured a hospital bed surrounded by a fictional news vlog, expanding legislation to deport refugees to disabled people. Described as a “bureaucratic dystopia”, it critiqued government policy (now scrapped under the new Labour government, which came into power in the UK in July 2024) and issues related to transportation access (A ). The second win was the journalism competition I mentioned earlier, which introduced me to influential writers and broadened my world (B ).

Role of Adult Education
I’ve attended a long-term Creative Writing class at an Adult Education College, significantly shaping my writing practice. The friends and connections I made there spurred me to pursue a PhD and continue developing my writing. This experience has been an invaluable resource in my creative journey. My PhD was practice-based and included an online ‘Diary of a Disabled PhD Student’ (C) found on my research website (D ).

Role of Lapidus
In 2024, I began collaborating voluntarily with Lapidus and one of the Directors, Buki Akilapa, on long-term strategic projects, particularly in equality, diversity, and inclusion. This role allows me to apply my research to serve areas beyond academia, challenging stereotypes of voluntary work. I’m proud to be part of a community that recognises the value of diverse stories and the importance of inclusion. Lapidus has greatly enriched my writing practice. I’m optimistic about its future growth, especially in recognising the therapeutic benefits of writing and expanding access through oral storytelling and digital media.

What Would I Say to My Younger Self?
Give things a go. I regret missed opportunities more than any cringe-worthy moments I’ve had along the way. Even mistakes make for great stories later.

End Comments
As writer Cazz Anders says, “It’s never too late”. Don’t let self-doubt or external judgments deter you from pursuing your path.

Socials:
PhD research website with socials: linktr.ee/disabledphdstudent
Journalism/Writing website with socials: linktr.ee/emmaastra

Emma Astra – Associate Director, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion