The Evolution of Fennel's Journal - Part 6
The Fennel's Journal series of books began life as handwritten letters. This series of eleven blogs tracks the development of the letters into what we know today.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
2009: The handwritten version is reproduced in colour
By 2009 I was growing weary of manually rewriting each copy of the monthly letter. (I'd write one master and then copy it by hand twenty times, sending one to each of my close friends.) So I decided to send facsimile copies of the original. Concerned that this might be perceived as being less personal, and not wishing to dupe the recipient into thinking that the letter was not a copy, I emphasised the 'copied' bit by producing the letter as a mixture of handwritten text and photographs.
Handwriting and photos
I created several 'templates' for the layout, using red boxes for where the photographs would be placed. I then placed a sheet of paper over a template, writing along the lines but not where the photos would be. I then scaned it into PhotoShop on my computer, inserting the images in the correct places.
This picture shows the template on the left and the handwriting on the right:
I chose to feature images as old-styled polaroid pictures to enhance the 'oldy-worldy' feel to the Journal. I still use this on many of my blogs today, adding some 'sticky tape' to give it a more 'handmade' feel.
Here's the final version with the images:
If you like this blog, you'll like Fennel's book A Writer's Year.
You might like the video of The Fennel's Journal Story.
Please also subscribe to the Fennel on Friday weekly email. You'll receive either a blog, video or podcast sent to you in time for the weekend.