Prospect Lives

This month, some of our writers are looking towards the future while others are reflecting on the past, reassessing their hopes and beliefs. Sex worker Tilly Lawless is in a new kind of relationship with new norms for communication while actor Sheila Hancock is renouncing republicanism, after developing an affection for the Royals in her older age. Meanwhile, Sarah Collins, who suffers with OCD, reflects on how a health incident from years ago has sparked a present-day obsession—and a chat with his father gives Tom Martin pause for thought about his physical fitness on the farm.

This December, many of our Lives writers are pushed out of their comfort zones: sex worker Tilly Lawless reflects on the turbulent emotions she feels after performing at literary readings. Sarah Collins, who suffers with OCD, goes for a bike ride with her father’s middle-aged friends. Actor and writer Sheila Hancock is restless for political revolution and Gen Z-er Alice Garnett is forced to accept her childhood bedroom being transformed into a guest room.

This dreary November, our Lives writers seem to be wistful for the simple things in life, kindness, community and good food: Tilly Lawless cherishes a relationship where a language barrier leaves no room for overthinking, while Sheila Hancock is moved by a play with a protagonist who is gentle and good. Alice Garnett is envious of the Italian approach to La Dolce Vita after a holiday to Umbria, while Alice Goodman relishes the return of choirs to her parish.  

This month our family of seven writers approach shifting of the seasons with reflections and observations on how life has changed. Sheila Hancock considers a world without human-to-human conversation, while Alice Goodman fears that as she ages, so she is going stale. Sex worker Tilly Lawless addresses her concerns about turning 30, and farmer Tom Martin watches not only the years fly but is planning for the coming decades. Prospect brings rigorously fact-checked analysis, ideas and perspectives to the big topics the world is grappling with. Special offer: buy a digital subscription for only £3 for three months access (then £49 annually). Click here to subscribe.

This month, both Gen Zer Alice Garnett and actor and writer Sheila Hancock have lost important items, while farmer Tom Martin makes a television appearance on Countryfile. For Sarah Collins, who has OCD, a chairlift ride leads to an elevated panic attack and for Anglican priest Alice Goodman, the TV showThe Sixth Commandment leads to some reflection on abuse in the Church.

This month, Sheila Hancock is frustrated with the state of Britain's big hotels, while Anglican priest Alice Goodman awaits the arrival of a new bishop. Former England cricket Captain Mike Brearley reflects on the break he took from the sport in his twenties, while Gen Z-er Alice Garnett is overwhelmed with choice paralysis.