Sofia Martimianakis

Sofia completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto and her MA at the University of Waterloo. Her recent publications include Fiction in Cloudbank, nonfiction in the Rappahannock Review and Cleaning Up Glitter Magazine and poetry and photography in Chaleur Magazine and the Tiny Seed Literary Journal.

Response to creative prompt: "When I look in the mirror, I see..."

Prose/Essay – The creative prompt impacted my short nonfiction piece, by framing my experience with who I saw in the mirror and who I wanted to be. Who I chose to be. I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. I'm also a first-time mom who struggled with anxiety disorder and post-partum depression.

Poetry – 'Wrestling in the Shower' gives the reader a glimpse into an anxious mind during a panic attack. I've often found strength in my reflection during such moments, as it's often a stronger version of myself than how I feel at the time. My work draws on my daily experience living with chronic invisible illnesses. I have IBS, GERD, anxiety disorder and have battled post-partum depression.