Creative Countryside is Evolving

Some big news today: we're going offline. No, not in the 'we're shutting down the blog and giving up' sense. But instead, let's slow down and simplify, and create something more tangible.

I've been struggling with what to do with this space for some time now, being torn between wanting to share the ideas I'm passionate about, and just not feeling it. A little while ago, I figured out why. Writing this blog, whilst wonderful at providing opportunities to connect with other like-minded people, and a space to document my life, has nevertheless dragged me down at times. If I commit to something, then I want it to be a success. And for a blog to be a success, you have to commit to not only writing high quality content, but also shouting about it loud enough for others to hear. This means spending an awful long time at the computer, online.

I find anything on a screen much more taxing and much less enjoyable to read than something palpable and made of paper, and I realised that I can't be the only one. There are a whole range of new independent magazines out there surviving, so why not another? The feel of a new magazine, ready to be unwrapped and savoured over many days brings me far greater joy than reading blogs online, and having designed magazines and newspapers throughout my childhood, I think it's now time to be brave and get on with creating a publication I can be proud of.

Slow living is something I've written extensively about on this blog, and so it seems a natural progression to move on to slow journalism for Creative Countryside's next venture. While this online space will remain, and I may even write here on occasion, my focus is shifting. The magazine's theme will be similar to that of this blog, and I hope that as a result you will stick around for more seasonal inspiration, creative ideas and musings on how to live a wholehearted, joyful life.

If it sounds like something you'd like to know more about, or get involved with, click here for more information and for details on our current opportunities.