Chapter 19. MY MUM IS WHITE

Last week, I write: I’m gonna wrap up the story here. But I know there needs to be another chapter where we talk about the techniques. The structure. The physical laws. How life takes hold on your inner planet.

So, I investigate how life takes hold on the Earth.

The 7-step quick version:

1. Uninhabitable Ball of Rock. After the planet Earth forms about 4.5 billion years ago, it is initially a hot, molten, and uninhabitable ball of rock.
2. Cooling and Solidification: The molten magma surface needs to cool down to form a solid, thin crust.
3. Atmosphere Formulation: Volcanic activity is needed to release gases (like water vapour, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen) from the interior to create the first atmosphere.
4. Water Delivery and Retention: Water is brought to the early planet via the bombardment of comets and meteors, which, along with outgassing from volcanoes, allows for the formation of oceans as the surface cools.
5. The "Iron Catastrophe": The planet needs to differentiate its internal structure, causing heavy metals (iron and nickel) to sink to the centre, creating the metallic core and setting up the magnetic field necessary to protect the atmosphere.
6. Formation of the Moon: A massive collision with a proto-planet (Theia) occurs early on, which likely stabilises Earth's axial tilt, affecting climate and creating the Moon. 
7. Life Takes Hold. Following these events, which takes place over roughly the first 600 million years (Hadean Era), the environment became stable enough for the first bacteria-like life to emerge around 3.7 to 3.8 billion years ago.  

I’m gonna blend the 7 steps with:

1. Techniques
2. Structure.
3. Physical laws.

Plus 4 serendipitous recent happenings:

4. Correspondence with Colin Grant Artistic Director of WritersMosaic.
5. Letter of Recommendation from John McGrath Artistic Director of Factory International.
6. Visit from my sister Elaine.
7. Going to see Prem Rawat, my guru of 46 years, in Barcelona.

So it Becomes

1.    Uninhabitable Ball of Rock. After the planet Earth forms about 4.5 billion years ago, it is initially a hot, molten, and uninhabitable ball of rock.

The techniques.

2.    Cooling and Solidification: The molten magma surface needs to cool down to form a solid, thin crust.

Structure.

3.    Atmosphere Formulation: Volcanic activity is needed to release gases (like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen) from the interior to create the first atmosphere.

Physical laws.

4.    Water Delivery and Retention: Water is brought to the early planet via the bombardment of comets and meteors, which, along with outgassing from volcanoes, allows for the formation of oceans as the surface cools.

Correspondence with Colin Grant Artistic Director of WritersMosaic.

5.    The "Iron Catastrophe": The planet needs to differentiate its internal structure, causing heavy metals (iron and nickel) to sink to the centre, creating the metallic core and setting up the magnetic field necessary to protect the atmosphere.

Letter of Recommendation from John McGrath Artistic Director of Factory International.

6.    Formation of the Moon: A massive collision with a proto-planet (Theia) occurs early on, which likely stabilises Earth's axial tilt, affecting climate and creating the Moon. 

Visit From Elaine.

7.    Life Takes Hold. Following these events, which takes place over roughly the first 600 million years (Hadean Era), the environment becomes stable enough for the first bacteria-like life to emerge around 3.7 to 3.8 billion years ago.

Attending Prem Rawat Barcelona.

I am now gonna mind-map them together to give me 8. The Sword. To pull its meaning from the rock.

This mind-map makes me think of:

• Evolutionary Origin: Approx 2.2 billion years ago, a single-celled archaea is believed to have swallowed a bacterium, which does not get digested but instead survives to become the mitochondria—the energy-producing organelle (powerhouse) in eukaryotic cells. That leads to complex organisms, like us. I re-mind-map the same blending to understand more.

Now I feel more secure. I can state facts and know my reader's subconscious will fill in the blanks most pertinent to them. Making life take hold in them. Their subconscious will swallow my subconscious.

1.    Uninhabitable Ball of Rock/ Techniques

After the planet Earth forms about 4.5 billion years ago, it is initially a hot, molten, and uninhabitable ball of rock.

12-words 

• A title. Gives you direction.
• Object. The first tangible object you see. Objects give you pictures. Pictures are easier to transport into someone else’s mind. They give you action. And dialogue.
• 12 associations. Tap into your subconscious. Give you 12 subconscious stepping stones across your story. Give you 12 stepping stones inside someone else’s subconscious.
• 20 minutes to write. Gives you the command to let go. There is no time to waste. No time to second guess yourself. Immediate, now, truth is all you have time for.

8-stations

1. Fallen Angel (The Protagonist)
2. Crosshatch Circle (The Theme/Backdrop)
3. The Mask (Something is Hidden)
4. Crescent Moon (A Cycle.)
5. Split Rectangle (Change/Transition)
6. The World (Equator, Capricorn, Cancer, Ozone = Emotional Climate)
7. The Ghost (The Presence of the Past)
8. The Sword (The Final Choice/Resolution.) It can stab you to death. Or like Arthur, you can pull it from the stone.

Interpret the symbols like tarot cards.

2.    Cooling and Solidification/ Structure

The molten magma surface needs to cool down to form a solid, thin crust.

• Chapters 1 – 8. We repeat 12-words — wax-on wax-off — to evolve our universe.
• Chapter 9. We gather and examine our universe of gas and dust.
• Chapter 10. We learn how to make an 8-station mind-map.
• Chapter 11 — 13. We repeat 8-station mind-maps to evolve our first, second, and third-generation stars. 12-words evolves the star our planet will orbit.
• Chapter 14 — 17.  We mind-map 4 x diagonal 8-station couplets. Each culminates in a 12-word narrative that evolves the dust and gas surrounding our star into pebbles. Then bigger pebbles. Then boulders.  
• Chapter 18. Our boulders evolve into the planet of our inner world.

3.    Atmosphere Formulation/ Physical laws. 

Volcanic activity is needed to release gases (like water vapour, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen) from the interior to create the first atmosphere.

The physical laws we have applied unleash the volcanic activity needed to release the broken hearts’ blood from the interior to create the first atmosphere.

4.    Water Delivery and Retention/ Colin Grant

Water is brought to the early planet via the bombardment of comets and meteors, which, along with outgassing from volcanoes, allows for the formation of oceans as the surface cools.

30.03.26

Hi Colin  

I hope you're well. You haven't replied to my 19.03.26 email, so sending a reminder. 

Currently in my weekly newsletter Lindabrogan59.com I'm writing my memoir, MY MUM IS WHITE, based on my HOME Exhibition.  That also teaches the reader how to write their memoir. Using 2 techniques I've developed over 25 years. 12-words. 8-stations.

Based on the laws of physics. They evolve the universe. Which evolves the stars. That evolves the elements. That builds the world of our story. 

September 2026, I'm going to see Brian Cox's Emergence in Istanbul. I'm a laws of the universe geek. But also, to give MY MUM IS WHITE the final polish. I would love to write a 1500 word WritersMosaic review about my experience of Emergence, linked to my method, and my memoir.

I am not expecting WritersMosaic to foot the bill for my flight, hotels or food. Just £127 admission fee. And £600 for the 1500 words article. This is a bargain. And an important transitional moment for me. I would really appreciate WritersMosaic's support. 

03.04.26

 Hi Linda,

Great to hear from you. I first worked with Brian Cox when I was a BBC radio producer in the Science Unit twelve years ago. I appreciate that many find him inspiring and adorable but I am weary of the amount of attention he gets, even though he is undoubtedly a good communicator. I don't think WritersMosaic wants to add to the veneration that is a characteristic of our skewed culture of exceptionalism. There are lots of other scientists (including black and brown scientists) worthy of our attention.

So it's a no from me I'm afraid but good luck with memoir when it's published. We’ll see about reviewing etc. when it’s published.

Peace and love,

Colin

03.04.26

Hi Colin 

This is very small minded of you. I am not at all interested in Brian Cox as a person, whatever his colour. I am interested in the gig and what it does to my work and how I see the universe and my book. I am entitled to that whatever his colour bearing in mind I am half white.

Also, I do feel very let down about reviews of my work: 

• 2024. Factory International. In The Ruins of The Big House. I descend Bette Davis stairs in a denim ball gown to declare myself the mistress of my dad's plantation, using my white's mum's status. I ask to be reviewed. Not a peep from WritersMosaic. 
• 2025, MY MUM IS WHITE. HOME art Gallery. I exorcise half-caste ghosts in an 8-station forest. I ask to be reviewed. Not a peep from WritersMosaic.

Please reconsider. I feel WritersMosaic owes me. I promise not to make the article about Brian Cox, but about me, the experience of the work, the universe, the experience of Istanbul. I think it is rather dictatorial that you are saying I can only write about black or brown people. Something that has bothered me for a while. We, of course, read, do and listen to and remark on many cultures. We have done all our life. 

I'm looking forward to a quick response this time. As you can tell I'm rather pissed off. I should be able to express myself how I like, as a successful artist who is brown. 

Linda 

27.04.26

I haven’t heard anything yet.

5.    The "Iron Catastrophe"/ John McGrath

The planet needs to differentiate its internal structure, causing heavy metals (iron and nickel) to sink to the centre, creating the metallic core and setting up the magnetic field necessary to protect the atmosphere.

01.04.26

Hi John 

I hope you are good. I am. 

I am applying for: VILLA LENA FOUNDATION RESIDENCY 2027. Tuscany, Italy.

A not-for-profit organisation, supporting international contemporary artists. Located in the wild Tuscan countryside, an hour from Florence and Pisa. 500 hectares of woodland, rugged hills, olive groves and vineyards. Collaboration and exchange are founding principles. Artists will take part in weekly events, open studios and live in the Villa at the centre of the estate.

What I want to do: Portrait of a Soul:

• Arts Council England is my patron. They tell me what my art is to be about. Even in the way they ask their questions. Churches are Caravaggio, Da Vinci, Angelo’s patrons. Investigating the connection, I want to do a Grand Tour in Italy. In a Fiat 500. 
• I want to A3 8-station mind-map: the painting; the artist; their audience; in situ. A triptych. Transform it into an 8ft x 8ft 8-station mind-map. I sell to a local, prestigious hotel. Connect with local artists. Local videographers. Draw the 8ft x 8ft kneeling in the church. An event. Document. Piggyback their social media. To attract a bigger crowd at the next location. Archive.
• It is a living thesis exploring: cos of the church’s fucking interference — we will never know what kind of artist they were. Cos of the Arts Council's interference — we will never know what kind of an artist I was. Of course, along the journey I will blog every day, unravelling this. 
• Depending on when I am able to raise the funds, I will either plan my Grand Tour in Villa Lena; or turn my findings into a book at the end. Both using local knowledge. My trace, I leave in Villa Lena, will be the 8-station mind-maps I make while planning the beginning or the end. 

Please will you write me a letter of recommendation? This is what they ask: 

A letter of recommendation is highly recommended as part of the application. We strongly encourage applicants to attach a recommendation letter as it may significantly impact the selection process. There is no other direction, John, so here is their website in case it helps. https://www.villa-lena.org/

Linda x

06.01.26

Hi Linda, see below for a recommendation. I think you said you will just upload it, but if you would prefer it on PDF letterhead, just let me know. Good luck! Jx

To Whom it May Concern

Linda Brogan, who is applying for Villa Lena Foundation Residency in 2027 is an artist whose work I have admired for many years.  When Artistic Director of Contact Theatre in Manchester, I commissioned her first major stage play, What’s in the Cat, which was co-produced with The Royal Court, transferring to London. More recently, as Artistic Director of Factory International and Manchester International Festival, I commissioned In the Ruins of the Big House, an immersive theatrical experience staged at Manchester’s newest and largest arts venue, Aviva Studios. In the 20 years between those projects, Linda has been one of the UK’s most adventurous and extraordinary theatre and multi-disciplinary artists, taking a journey from beautifully scripted plays, to conceptual art works which challenge the very foundations of our society and norms. Among many significant projects, a particular landmark was The Reno Project, where Linda worked with a team of archaeologists to unearth the remains of a demolished nightclub, and collaborated with the community surrounding the nightclub to bring their stories to light. In all of these works, Linda takes a precise, unrelenting yet always celebratory approach to the histories lost through colonialism, racism and class prejudice. I have no doubt that time spent in the residency, developing ideas for her new work on The Grand Tour and the impacts of patronage, will be a rich experience for all involved.

John McGrath

Artistic Director Factory International/MIF

6. Formation of the Moon/ Visit from Elaine 19 — 24. 04.26

A massive collision with a proto-planet (Theia) occurs early on, which likely stabilises Earth's axial tilt, affecting climate and creating the Moon. 

Me and Elaine laugh.

Swim.

Eat.

Meet Rachel every day,

Forgive mum and dad. Mum comes to all our parents’ evenings. Dad is with us till the end of his life. They just aren’t consistent. Weighed down by guilt. Elaine gets me to understand Dad will have been suffering too for leaving his kids.

Me, her and Rach' nearly die laughing watching Tropic of Thunder together.

Shock! When I come out of Rachie's. It's been so homely, I have forgotten we are in Spain

Rachel is sober — she has broken the demon my mum let in.

7.  Life Takes Hold/ Prem Rawat in Barcelona

Following these events, which take place over roughly the first 600 million years (Hadean Era), the environment becomes stable enough for the first bacteria-like life to emerge around 3.7 to 3.8 billion years ago.

I'm posting on my online community on Amanda Frances, where I am being coached to monetise my skills. Including learning to spend, to see myself as a wealthy woman.

• So, ladies. I'm ever so slightly pissed on 20-year-old single malt whiskey that I have taken from an honesty bar in a posh hotel that began at 1078 euros.
• They give me a new day rate cos of my Spanish phone that brings it down to 703 euros.
• On the plane from Nerja to Barcelona, I am anxious about travelling from the plane to my posh hotel. Then I make a decision. Fuck it. I am gonna spend the difference on being abundant. I get a taxi.
• Find out my hotel room is upgraded to include its own terrace that I am now sat on.
• Room service. Why the fuck not? Vegan Burger. Fucking beautiful. Go for a walk in a pedestrianised area. Get myself so fucking lost I have to get a taxi. 10 euros. 5 is the tip. Cos he saved me.
• Then I go to that honesty bar. 22 euros for a nightcap. 22 euros for a nightcap!
• Thousands of years ago when I used to go to see Maharaji, (Prem Rawat) my guru, in Europe, I used to envy Premies (people with Knowledge) staying in these posh hotels.
• Now. Now. Now! I am one of them. I love my violet wash. I love my fucking rainforest shower from the sky. I love this community. I cannot imagine boasting about this anywhere else in the world.

Homework

I want you to identify the steps that will make life take hold in the mind of the person reading your memoir. As they work out, according to their values, what you actually mean. The meaning evolving as their experiences evolve.

The 7-step quick version:

1.     Uninhabitable Ball of Rock.

2.     Cooling and Solidification.

3.     Atmosphere Formulation. 

1 — 3 steps are: techniques; structure; physical laws.

I want you to look for 4 serendipitous recent happenings: The first things that comes into your mind. Study mine if you need help.

Day 1

4.     Water Delivery and Retention: Water is brought to the early planet via the bombardment of comets and meteors, which, along with outgassing from volcanoes, allows for the formation of oceans as the surface cools.

What is your event? Think about the action implicit in the above statement. Think about the themes you have already been talking about.

Mind-map it.

Day 2

5.     The "Iron Catastrophe": The planet needs to differentiate its internal structure, causing heavy metals (iron and nickel) to sink to the centre, creating the metallic core and setting up the magnetic field necessary to protect the atmosphere.

What is your event? Think about the action implicit in the above statement. Think about the themes you have already been talking about.

Mind-map it.

Day 3

6.     Formation of the Moon: A massive collision with a proto-planet (Theia) occurs early on, which likely stabilises Earth's axial tilt, affecting climate and creating the Moon. 

What is your event? Think about the action implicit in the above statement. Think about the themes you have already been talking about.

Mind-map it.

This is the first time you have ever written a 12-word narrative without reading mine first. It is time. Soon we will be saying goodbye to each other.

Day 4

7.     Life Takes Hold. Following these events, which takes place over roughly the first 600 million years (Hadean Era), the environment becomes stable enough for the first bacteria-like life to emerge around 3.7 to 3.8 billion years ago.  

• Your title is; Life Takes Hold.
• What tangible object do you see?
• What 12 things do you associate with your object.
• 20 minutes to write.

Day 5

Type and log.

I will upload my Life Takes Hold narrative next week too.

Thank you for listening to me.