Robyn Porteous

Lately, I’ve felt this deep desire to escape the city and opt for a life of quiet, of wide open skies, and horizons that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s simply not a possibility, and besides, I love Jozi. But something in me is restless.

I’ve just finished re-reading Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the 1818 text. What a gut-wrenching final page.

“Awake and find no baby.”

“Only bring the essentials.”

Me packing:

— Franz Kafka, from "The Diaries of Franz Kafka"

More than 50 heat records were broken across Australia in the last week of January, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

This is climate change, and it can be lethal.

The book I’m reading was bought on a whim (so unusual for me). Reviews touted it as reminiscent of “The Secret History” (which I loved). But so far? This gal is wildly underwhelmed. This is why I don’t whim-buy books. I’ll give it a little longer, but I’m not hopeful. Le sigh.

Tonight, my toddler insisted on falling asleep with a book in her hands. No genetic testing needed. That’s my gal 🥰

England's right wing print newspapers were doing disinformation long before the platforms came along. A key example of why ownership matters - and how corrupting elites can wield media to their own ends.

Talk about a country in need of media ethics and standards.

I did 😂 and now I have to scrap the majority of what I’ve written

Nothing quite like completely changing the narrative of your novel a couple of months after you have begun to write it.

My mum heart is aching. I won’t see my babe until Wednesday next week!

Intersectional feminism strives to move beyond a focus on gender to analyse how social identities interact, shaping people's access to power, resources, and safety. It aims to understand and dismantle these systems of discrimination, rather than focusing on the experiences of one group (white women)

Hello! An intersectional feminist recognises that systems of oppression, such as sexism, racism, classism, and homophobia, are interconnected and create different experiences and levels of privilege or marginalisation for individuals. It’s a term that was first coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989.

In case you were confused.

How do we shift from simply being in attendance at gatherings to being in community? What defines the notion and reality of being in community for you?

“You seem happier.”

Thanks, it’s @thebookerprizes.com longlist announcement day.

I greet you all in the name of @thebookerprizes.com longlist announcement today! 🥳

In complete agreement.

Let’s talk about books you’re convinced people pretend to like 👀

Kindest and most respectful people I’ve ever met.

Today two years ago. “Snow” in Jozi. That was fun.

You can always dream. At least.

In a world so full of terror, hatred, and suffering, you always have the opportunity and the chance to show another person kindness. Why would you ever choose not to? Have you known what kindness can feel like? It can feel like a lifeline.

Home

100%. I could not agree more ❤️

When I say “Africa”, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

More and more I’m learning that it is a significant privilege to have your children in close proximity to you.

It irks my English nerd heart that the em dash is now considered the trademark of generative AI, rather than one of the punctuation tools at a writer’s disposal in the artful crafting of a well-worded work. Ugh.

I, a bibliophile, once walked out of a bookstore without buying a book. Please clap.

Nothing I’ve done has humbled or nourished me quite like becoming a mother. It’s a constant breaking and building. Unlearning and moulding. Heartache and raw beauty. Vulnerability and strength.

Every. Single. Day.

It’s my whole world held in the tiniest pair of hands.