Weaving and binding

Tying it all together

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this little space of mine. Which is interesting, as not too long ago Substack was something I was completely unaware of. And now it seems pretty much everyone has an account.

Of course, the problem is that following a lot of writers often results in a feeling of mild overwhelm. Posts and notifications are ignored or quickly deleted; yet more online stuff tugging at our sleeves for attention.

I don’t like to think in corporate terminology. But it’s occasionally necessary to consider my USP. What do I offer that’s different? This isn’t necessarily to snag lots of subscribers (paying or otherwise); there are endless posts and websites claiming to have the magic formula for that.

The fact is, I love to write. I tend not to think too much about outreach or stats. It often comes as a surprise to me that there are more than a handful of people reading what I publish.

But I do feel a real sense of responsibility - and gratitude - so it’s imperative I produce content that’s engaging, honest and inspiring.

I’ve mentioned wanting to somehow repackage the Frond & Feather Journal, to continue with aspects of it in terms of style and subject. Although I won’t be bringing out a printed journal anytime soon (or even an online version), I like the idea of a kind of magazine format. And with that comes running themes and series.

And, of course, photographs.

I do follow other Substacks. I’m always drawn to those with beautiful imagery, and having previewed my own work it struck me that portrait-oriented photographs look best on a phone screen whilst landscape suit a laptop or computer screen. And I have no idea how my readers view my posts.

Personally, I like to use my little MacBook if possible for online reading. I browse Pinterest a lot too, and can appreciate the photos better if they’re not tiny. Following a brief flirtation with portrait images here, I’m going to return to the big, full-width format. Portrait can appear on my Instagram feed.

Returning to those threads that weave through my posts, that bind them together - albeit loosely - I’ve engaged in a bit of rough planning. A diagram here, a list there.

I always write about seasonal living. I like to share any small tips which others may find useful. Books and reading play a big part in my life, both for work and as a form of relaxation and escapism. So: the bookshop, the bookshelf, the occasional review or recommendation will be (to stick with the theme) a staple.

Home is very important. So I write about that, too - specifically (at the moment) it involves a bit of renovation, a lot of redecoration, and an entire notebook of wish lists.

Sometimes, memories and experiences wind through my writing. They can be from childhood or more recent, but they’ll always be significant to me and relevant to the subject.

Walking and exploring have always given me much inspiration. Walking - and by this I mean contemplative ambling - is when I come up with ideas. And I’m curious, always looking for little details to photograph or pick up and examine.

Old things will always feature here: preloved, secondhand. Yes, I appreciate the sustainability aspect of buying vintage and used items but I also enjoy the thrill of finding something rare or unexpected, something with a story attached to it.

What inspires me? Art, folklore, nature, beautiful objects. Travel when we’re lucky enough to engage in it. So those things (and others I can’t remember at the moment) will be here, too.

I started writing a book. An idea sparked by my brother, of all people. I haven’t told him. I will. But right now it’s something I want to hold close and develop myself with nobody else’s input.

This is relevant because I’ve had to focus and use my time in a more organised way. Other than striving to achieve that daily writing habit, I read yesterday that you should try and write in the mornings. So today, I did. And I was very productive and motivated and I want to keep going later on. Granted, my first draft is all over the place. But it exists. And it’s growing. And that’s enough.

With this space, it’s nice to (as I mostly do) write spontaneously about things which suddenly occur to me and take root. But, being the person I am, I also like to be methodical and structured. I maintain two diaries - one of which doubles as a planner. Things sit better with me when I can see a clear schedule for my posts: Notes and Postcards monthly, and those running themes and series in between.

Interestingly though, more often than not my accompanying photography doesn’t really bear much relation to the written content. I try - and really want to do more - to capture more human subjects. Interiors, little vignettes from around the house and so on. But I’m fortunate to live somewhere beautiful and like to think my images give a sense of life here through the seasons, that they add some atmosphere, are evocative.

Still, it’s an intention.

Planning and coordinating written posts with photo shoots and editing would be a bit too much right now. That tab can stay firmly closed.

It’s a chilly day. The photographs here show that Sunday was, too. Jay and I walked up behind the house to the little reservoirs on the moor, and the heathery fringes had a dusting of frost. Not the spiky hoar frost of a week ago, but something which resembled a light sweeping of spray paint, or the breath of some wintry apparition.

I hadn’t seen that before. The rest of the landscape was a dull tapestry of greens and browns, but as we climbed the hills we were greeted by this strange sight.

I’ve been sitting here typing and editing, and it’s time to head downstairs to buttered toast and cats and the warmth of the living room. And I’m going to put together a list of ideas: elements which will run through my posts, connecting them.

Soon January will be at an end. But for me, the winter months are the time for laying down foundations and preparing for the year ahead. There are still many weeks to go, and I’m going steadily and (as ever) paying close attention to the details.

There’s much to come. And what better way to put my fountain pen - the joys of writing with real ink! - to good use, than making lists and drawings, and committing all my ideas to paper?

It’s the first stage of what I do here. The final one is the words and images landing in your inboxes for you to, hopefully, enjoy.

Thank you for reading.

Sarah.