In her narrative non-fiction, Gillian uses the essay form to examine hidden medical places and spaces, and to explore the lived experience of illness.

THE Waiting Room of Days
Gillian uses narrative non-fiction to better understand the new medical situation in which she finds herself.
To respect the privacy of those mentioned, this piece has been pseudonymised.

Writing with and about Multiple Sclerosis
Gillian reflects on using writing to manage chronic pain for The Polyphony – and to renegotiate the objectifying medical gaze.
Image Credit: Dr Kate Reid

Thinking Through Things
Writer and doctoral researcher Gillian contemplates the history of the hypodermic syringe.
Image Credit: Wellcome Collection

Illness: A Narrative in Four Parts
Part I
Poetry, prose, and white space are used to explore the experience of being diagnosed with MS.
The Journey to Diagnosis

Illness: A Narrative in Four Parts
Part II
Poetry, prose, and white space are used to explore the aftermath of being diagnosed with MS.
Responding to the Diagnosis

Illness: A Narrative in Four Parts
Part III
A creative essay using poetry, prose, and white space to explore adapting to a life affected by illness.
Early Days of Illness