Write On! interviews author Gemma Bishop

As a qualified teacher with an MSc (Oxon) in teaching and learning, Gemma Bishop has proved that you can function with anorexia. This all changed, though, after 15 years of suffering and her finally requiring an inpatient admission. Following almost four months in the hospital, she reconnected with writing. She has a passion for inspiring others and now works within higher education after eight years as a secondary school teacher.

WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?

GB: Emotive poetry designed to showcase personal thoughts and connect with individuals on life’s experiences

WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book, Wonky Thoughts: An Insight Into An Anorexic Journey?

GB: Wonky Thoughts: An Insight Into An Anorexic Journey offers a profound exploration of inner turmoil, self-discovery, and the healing power of words. Through a collection of poignant poems, I delve into themes of depression, anorexia and the struggle to cope with life’s challenges. Each poem captures raw emotions, from the pain of sleepless nights to the comfort found in love and connection. This book doesn’t provide easy answers but opens a door to hope and understanding, illuminating a path through the darkness towards the light. It’s a testament to resilience and the small steps that lead to finding oneself amidst life’s battles.

WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?

GB: A necessity to offload relentless internal thoughts. A desire to validate others experiencing similar struggles and help those who have not experienced mental illness to understand the everyday real-life thought battles.

WO: Recently Write On! explored the theme of ‘Difference.’ Writers have the potential to shape perceptions and influence how differences are understood and appreciated. Do you have a favourite example of a book that has inspired you to look at the world with new eyes, or even an example of how you have tried to build bridges through your own writing, in any genre?

GB: So often disability is viewed through a medical model lens where the person themselves is the problem. My writing hopes to break down this stigma of ‘abled’ and ‘other less abled’ through a more social model, suggesting it is societal barriers that need to change. No individual is perfect and therefore we can all celebrate the unique factor that everyone is different.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

GB: Be authentic and trust your own voice and story.

WO: Question from X user: @lisalovesbooksx What advantages do you think poetry has over novel writing when trying to share personal thoughts and feelings?

GB: Poetry is more fluid and captures a moment in time. It allows the author to have a short narrative voice that is easier to remember specific emotions.

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

GB: My poetry inspiration comes and goes with my mental state. Recently, I have struggled to reconnect with my voice again. However, I would love to continue to produce work that promotes a better understanding of eating disorders.

WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

GB: I loved the story of the ugly duckling as a child as it celebrated difference and I think a duckling would be super cute!

You can connect with Gemma on Facebook.

Wonky Thoughts: An Insight Into An Anorexic Journey is available to buy from Amazon, Foyles and the Olympia publishing website.

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Issue 24, featuring John Marrs, is out now. You will find it in libraries and other outlets. Alternatively, all current and previous editions can be found on our magazines page here. 

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