Starting later today, I will be scribbling and sketching away here on Substack in a series of digital notebooks.
At present, this is how the idea is taking shape in my head: each notebook will last a calendar month, and will follow a single theme, which may be predominantly textual or predominantly visual. Perhaps some may include audio or video.
These posts are intended to be notebooks entries, more scribbles than polish. The themes may be inspired by something I am working on, something I want to work through or improve, or they may just be a random and fun thought that popped into my head and wouldn’t go away. Possibly, some of these raw ideas will in time develop into something else, encouraging me to work on them further and use them as a basis for their own projects. I like the thought of this.
There won’t be a notebook every single month. My hope is that these notebooks help me to create in a way that is both a challenge and enjoyable, rather than becoming a tiring bind. Some of the notebooks will be created in real-time, others not.
So far, possible outputs range from microfiction and serialised fiction to photography and attempts at learning to draw. My first notebook, starting 1st September 2023, will feature poetry (not mine) and be visual in nature. My second notebook, starting 1st December 2023, will be mostly textual, with a non-fiction theme.
I am certain that some notebooks will be more to some people’s taste than others. Isn’t that reflective of life?! I much prefer the thought that interest will naturally wax and wane depending on the current theme than feel I have to commit to one particular method or style of creation. I also like the idea of sharing these seasonal notebooks, of these being collaborative in some way.
It would be most delightful if you fancied joining me in these creative adventures.
Lydia Crow
The Highlands, Scotland