Welcome back to A Writing Life, our series of monthly articles written by members of 26. It’s July, and Rob Self-Pierson steps back in for a month to share updates with us, to reveal a special offer, and to help us find this popular series’ next custodian…
Oh, hello, only me. How have you been? A lot has happened since I stepped aside from this series six months ago.
First, and so wonderfully, the superb Anita Holford has continued, with grace and great gusto, A Writing Life – now one of 26’s most popular newsletter items, I’m told. Nice work, Anita.
I’ve loved following Anita’s writing life, especially the ongoing tug of war she describes between commercial and creative writing. Do you see your own writing life in that tussle between the stuff you write for work and stuff you write for pleasure? At times, I certainly do.
Last month, Anita visited the River Monnow. Away with the fairies, a phrase that over the years she’s rightly reframed as a positive, Anita wrote a powerful, provocative reflection on the state of our rivers.
Anita also wrote this, which I’m not sure she realises is writing gold:
‘What a precious thing – to be deep in your own thoughts, imagining, reflecting.’
Indulge me, dear reader, on my return visit. As I share a little of what’s been going on. Aware of how precious it is to be in thoughts, to imagine, to reflect, and to consider it all part of a writing life.
From August, any 26 member can continue A Writing Life, shaping the series as you wish. For now, here’s what I’ve been up to.
Throwing myself into 26
I launched the 20:26 Project in January. Over 120 writers took part, reflecting on a life-shaping event between 2000 and 2026.
I’m an emotional bloke anyway, but gosh the writing floored me. Writers didn’t hold back, exploring moments of love, loss, hurt, hope, fear, anger, worry, wisdom and more – in just 46 words, or 20:26.
Soon after, John Simmons invited me to take part in a project to mark University College London’s bicentenary, known as UCL200.
26 Firsts celebrates 26 first achievements connected to the university. Alongside James, a Spanish and Portuguese languages student, I wrote about the ARPANET. Once connected to the UK in 1973, thanks to Peter Kirstein and his team at UCL, this US network of computers would go on to become today’s global internet.
For me, working with James was as special as researching that first connection. Last week, I got in touch with UCL to offer my services as a mentor in their autumn term. I hope they’ll have me.
Launching Creative Constraints Club
We’re living in difficult times. 26’s Martin Lee wrote to me during the 20:26 Project calling the writing ‘a real daily blessing’. I loved that idea, it stayed with me. Daily writing as revitalising tonic.
With Martin’s words front of my mind, I came up with Creative Constraints Club. Each weekday, I send a writing prompt to those who subscribe to this Substack experiment. Inspired by 26, each prompt has its own creative constraint: a word count, time limit, or other fun challenge to focus you and develop your writing craft.
I launched it June 1st, and now have 40 subscribers. I’d love more. So to boost numbers, I’ve created a special offer for members of 26 – enjoy 30 days free, with no obligation to continue after that.
Sign up at creativeconstraintsclub.org/26special
Enjoying good people
I spoke with 26 Chair Sophie recently about why I first joined 26 in 2009, and why I continue to pay my membership. The people. Where else can you find so many inspirations a coffee or message away?
Since December, I’ve caught up with John S. at the Royal Academy. Seen Tim Rich on the south coast, where he’s living the poet’s dream. Been on several ‘thinkathons’ with Fiona Thompson, where we eat cake and culture, and do creative things in an analogue way.
I’ve strolled through Epping Forest with Dan Oparison, walked the Thames Path with Sam Gray… It’s the brilliant people who make our organisation so valuable, and who make a writing life rewarding.
Trying to earn again
This spring, I recut my brand language quill ready to earn – following a year in the shadows, grieving for Dad and caring for Mum.
Things started well, as I helped the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) to sell seats at their biggest events. I’ve written for CITMA since developing their tone of voice in 2016.
Then last month I ran a brand language masterclass for the Australian Graphic Design Association. We discussed the power of language, in particular voice, in business and life. I enjoy workshops, and it felt good to nurture people’s writing skills and confidence.
Apart from that though, I’ve had no paid work this year. A few enquiries, yes. But writing work, no. It’s quiet out there.
With time to reflect, I’ve noticed a few things:
In branding today, organisations are set on a bargain – and so are questioning every penny of a proposal. My studio has been asked for a 90%+ discount on project fees twice since Christmas.
With brand work hard to win, some copywriters are pursuing side hustles (like Creative Constraints Club). Those who have cash in the bank are following dreams as an author, screenwriter etc. Some writers I know sadly can’t make it work and are re-training.
It’s not just writers. In the last week, I’ve learned of three creative studios going out of business. Studios thriving five years ago.
AI isn’t causing all this, but its effects are rippling out. Smart people like Rob Alderson are following the ripple, looking to understand how AI is changing the branding landscape. Read Rob at Undo.
All I can think to reassure you, and myself, is to share words offered to me by Mike Reed (of Reed Words) when I was a fledgling freelance writer and Mike a more experienced copywriter:
‘If you can write well, Rob, you’ll never be out of work.’
Although our industry is harder than I’ve ever known it, some people still want to pay for good writers. And many of those always will.
Caring for my mum
Finally, Mum. It would be remiss to not share an update on my dear mother, considering she starred early in this series of essays.
Mum’s doing well after a challenging winter. She’s enjoying any non-heatwave summer’s day. She’s heading to country houses on trips with friends. And she’s embracing being able to walk again.
Plus, she remains the supporter of my writing life. This piece is for her and Dad, as Friday would have been their 50th anniversary.
Together we go
A Writing Life began in August 2024, sparked by my memory of a documentary about A.S. Byatt. Through trauma, writing for you helped keep me sane. Anita took over, again allowing us close.
I’ve enjoyed stepping back in. But it’s time to hand over to someone new, with gentle encouragement to share with us your writing life.
Onwards,
Rob
Please email max@whiteweavearts.co.uk if you’d like to continue this series, offering the warm, supportive 26 membership a window into your own writing life.