Issue 14
'Scribbles' 2026
Hi!
It's a bit late to reflect on 2025, but here I am.
I spent almost half of last year knowing that I was leaving a job I loved to take on a new challenge, with new responsibilities in September 2025.
The first 6 months at this new job have been tough. Tough, but also brilliant. I've made friends, I've learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of. But it has also made me realise that I still need a creative output outside of work.
I've dipped my toe back into ‘Scribbles’, and then my novel, some journalling, thanks to the brilliant Peggy Riley.
Scribbles, as in the magazine, became too much in 2024. I felt too much pressure from all around, including my family, my children who rolled their eyes each time I dragged them off to the post office.
So, prone as I am to impulsive decisions that cone back to bite me, I have taken time to decide exactly what I'd like to do this year.
It has to help, rather than hinder my own writing.
It can't leave me out of pocket, either financially or in terms of the time I put in.
But, most importantly, it has to encourage others to share their words, whatever experience they have, and to give them the chance to choose something safe, low stakes, warm and friendly to be part of.
The BEST thing about my new role is the creative writing group I run each week for around 10-15 wonderful teenagers. Their ideas and confidence is amazing and I want that for us. Even when we may never be published, and we work every day to keep going and keep smiling.
And here it it. One issue of ‘Scribbles’, to be printed at some point in 2026.
For those who join, we'll start with prompts during the Easter school holidays (the Derbyshire ones anyway), meeting each other virtually at live write-alongs, then we'll share and edit our work together before we prepare to open the doors to submissions from artists.
Finally, we'll print- hold our work in a beautifully bound magazine that can adorn our desks, bookshelves or coffee tables for years to come.
Who knows what else will pop up along the way!
Any questions please ask, of you're ready- jump in!
Rachael xx
P.S I'm a mum, a full time teacher, and all the other things besides. This is something I love and have thought carefully about and plan to spend many months on. If you are looking for work, prizes, instant feedback or rewards, this is probably not the right place for you. I'd be happy to suggest alternatives though.
Say hi on instagram @rachael_scribbles
Fabulous post Rachael. I completely understand that trying to balance teaching, family responsibilities and writing can feel overwhelming. It doesn't help that we are often advised to write every day (currently, I am taking a break from marking!) which just isn't always feasible in this lifestyle.
So looking forward to joining in with Scribbles 2026!
Rachael, so many things to say right now.
First off, I’m so glad that you’ve dusted off Scribbles. It’s been joyful to see your Insta posts and I itch to be able to join in with my own writings.
It’s true also what you say about the cost of putting it out: mostly importantly, the time.
So often my lovely friends tell me to ‘write the book’ - but I can’t afford to not hold a paid job and I fear that a side hussle won’t hold the same passion that I get when I randomly pick up a note and just put my words out there. (But also, AI 🫣)
So, with every fibre of my being I’d like to say I’d like to participate, but I’m going to need reminders. My current job doesn’t allow for those moments where I can write, but I’m going to try.
Good luck,
Xx