Blog – Imogen L. Smiley

Libraries, Pride Month & Reform UK – But What’s The Problem?

Libraries, Pride Month & Reform UK – But What’s The Problem? On 3rd June 2026, Echo Essex reported that Reform UK have ordered Essex libraries to “not promote LGBTQ and inclusive pride events”. This report from Echo Essex comes on the third day of Pride Month, a month that exists to acknowledge queer history, appreciateContinueContinue reading “Libraries, Pride Month & Reform UK – But What’s The Problem?”

My Top Tip As A Fantasy Author

My Top Tip As A Fantasy Author In 2019, I graduated with a degree in Creative and Professional Writing, and then didn’t read a “proper” book for pleasure again until 2022. Crazy, I know. Especially given the fact that the lockdowns encouraged hobbies for homebodies, such as reading. Despite the explosive world of BookTok onContinueContinue reading “My Top Tip As A Fantasy Author”

Reading Like A Writer: Examining ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts

Reading Like A Writer: Examining ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts A wise university lecturer once told us that writers learn more about their craft from reading books they didn’t like, than from the ones we do. At the time, I didn’t necessarily appreciate the sentiment behind the phrase, and struggled to apply this teaching to myContinueContinue reading “Reading Like A Writer: Examining ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts”

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Was A Long Time Coming

The above is a screenshot from Taylor Swift’s ‘Fortnight’ music video, and can be found via YouTube Taylor Swift is one of the most influential artists in the music industry. On top of that, she is also one of the most prevalent poets and lyricists I can think of. She has a way with wordsContinueContinue reading “Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Was A Long Time Coming”

Why A Character-Driven Story Was The Best Move For ‘Squid Game’ Season 2

Promotional Poster for ‘Squid Game 2’ Credit: Netflix .com ‘Squid Game’ was initially released in 2021, with its second season, released on 26th December 2024, achieving a whopping 68 million views during its premiere week. The first season was fantastic, leaving fans on the edges of their seats, desperate to know what would happen toContinueContinue reading “Why A Character-Driven Story Was The Best Move For ‘Squid Game’ Season 2”

Language, Literature, and Accessibility: Are You Isolating Your Audience?

Reading should always be for pleasure – but when you’re in education, you don’t have the option to choose what texts you study. John Webster’s ‘The White Devil’ is a play from the 1600s. It is a pre-gothic text and one I studied in 2016. I was expected to memorise quotes from this book andContinueContinue reading “Language, Literature, and Accessibility: Are You Isolating Your Audience?”