I've spent the past two weeks trying to get to grips with all the admin and systems and IT connected with my PhD. My brain feels like knitted fog, but I think I'm getting there slowly, but surely.

At least the daily journeys to Newcastle all this week have been fruitful, I've been able to apply myself to writing my Tyndaris poem (one of Horace's women), that's when I haven't been falling asleep with my mouth open.

I went to the 'Apartment' in Collingwood Street, Newcastle yesterday (Friday) for the launch of Bitesize Theatre, which is a joint venture between New Writing North, Orange, the Journal and Apartment. Over the next week they will be serving lunch and a play for