NOTES on. writing // the art of consistency

I've been writing this newsletter for five months now, and the consistency of keeping it going has provided structure in work and life. Is there room for changing things up?

As a writer and editor of both books and magazines, consistency is something that comes up a lot. It’s vital for creating a cohesive voice and visual appeal. It’s necessary for the styling of pages, paragraphs and even words. It’s ingrained in the framework of a publication, from pitch and flat-planning through words and pictures to proofreading and index. Take a publication into repeat form, via volumes or series and it becomes even more important.

Consistency might seem constraining to some but I love a bit of structure within which to let creativity flow. The pain of having to do something in a certain way or on time, sometimes involving teeth-clenching frustration in the moment, is worth it for a harmonious outcome, or one that exudes integrity – the simple act of showing up time and time again.

I’ve been writing this particular newsletter for five months now. It’s not perfect but it has provided me with a template within which to create during otherwise tumultuous times. All bases covered, parts on gardens, plants, writing, travel, books, design, and even the moon all neatly segmented into sections and sent out into the world in bite-sized pieces of one monthly delivery direct to your email.

It’s served me well during a self-imposed hiatus that followed my divorce, house sale, house move, school issues, and three months of unexpected building work to rectify a damp problem. It filled a void during the few months where I took on minimal writing and editing work in order to get back on my feet, focussing instead on expanding skills and opportunities. And it provided impetus to get out and about, observing nature instead of being on my computer all the time, but also having a place to document my findings.

There is however, always room for change and writing a newsletter with so many sections does take quite a bit of time, albeit made up of multiple short-form journallings. Looking back, the bits I’ve enjoyed writing the most are the Just. NOTES, that don’t actually appear in my newsletter at all. These tend to be on whatever inspires me at the time, or are prompted by the urge to write for therapeutic reasons. Some are short, some are long, one is turning into quite the essay and I can’t wait to get back to that – on which note, the other pieces sometimes feel distracting. I’m therefore considering a change in format, to a weekly drop of longer form musings over the monthly magazine style.

This is also prompted by a change in season, as the beginning of term looms and the way we use our time evolves once again. Ironically, I’m sat writing this on the deckchair I have spoken of before, hauled up to Wanstead Flats in order to carry on working while I watch over the youngest one playing football. I had an afternoon of writing in the finally finished kitchen planned while they were on their beloved Xbox, but having been actively asked to take them outdoors I’m not about to score an own goal and say no. Unless it rains, this is the perfect compromise, although I do look like a bit of a granny at the seaside – or perhaps I’ll start a trend! I’ve also just helped my eldest do 3 hours of homework. Our time is not always our own.

Consistency does come in many forms however, and the decision to carry on writing no matter what the circumstance is a welcome return to the dedication I’ve always given my work; a necessary professionalism. My hiatus ends tomorrow (should one call it divorce leave perhaps?) and I’m looking forward to seeing what consistency looks like on the other side.