My October: Sketching Stories and Changing Seasons

Hello friends 🎃

I wanted to start this post by sharing an image I came across on Instagram that instantly inspired me.

I love the part where it says “shedding like the trees until only what is true remains.” It really resonated with me — a gentle reminder that, just like nature, we go through our own quiet seasons of change. As the trees let go of what they no longer need, we too can release old worries, habits, or thoughts that no longer serve us. What’s left behind is something more honest and grounded — a version of ourselves that feels truer.

It’s by WildeHouse Paper
— I always love the thoughtful quotes they share. This one felt a little different, though, with its collage-style and more visual approach, which made it even more inspiring.

This month, I’ve been noticing how the smallest shifts can change everything — a new place to work, a passing conversation, a book that lingers in your mind. The way leaves fall overnight, or how a scene from a story stays with you long after you’ve closed the book. October has reminded me that inspiration isn’t something you have to chase; it’s already all around us, waiting to be noticed.

We also celebrated Diwali, and as always, it felt like such a warm, glowing pause in the middle of autumn. I love how the lights, the sweets, and being surrounded by family make everything feel a little brighter. There’s something so comforting about those small rituals — lighting diyas, hearing laughter fill the house, and taking a quiet moment to reflect on new beginnings.

Recently, I wanted to go out and sketch more, especially this huge tree at the end of my road, the one whose leaves turn the most stunning shade of purple in October. But by the next day, all the leaves had fallen! I was so gutted. I love photographing these fleeting moments and finding beauty just before it disappears. This is what it looked like at the start of the month; I wish I’d captured it when the leaves turned purple — it looked so beautiful.

Books that stayed with me

I finally finished Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, and wow… what a beautifully written book! The novel follows Ivan, a young man navigating grief, relationships, and self-discovery after the death of his father. Through Ivan’s evolving connection with Margret, an older woman, and his complicated bond with his brother Peter, Rooney explores family, longing, and the search for meaning.

I gave it 5/5 ⭐ because it felt so alive and real. The writing style was a bit tricky to get used to at first, but once I settled into it, I grew to love it. I really connected with Ivan’s perspective, his quiet way of figuring out what he wants in life, especially in his relationship with Margret, an older woman he meets and slowly builds a connection with. The way he and Peter dealt with their father’s death in such different ways really struck me, I felt for Ivan so deeply.

Halfway through the book, I started imagining what the characters would look like, and I just had to illustrate my favourite scene: Peter and Ivan having dinner. Things are lighthearted at first, but then Ivan brings up Margret… and Peter’s judgemental response sparks Ivan’s anger. I captured this moment in my comic-style illustration (see below!).

I’d love to know what you thought of the book. Are you a fan of Sally Rooney’s writing style too?

I also read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Honestly, it was both heartbreaking and beautiful, and unforgettable. The story follows Mariam and Laila, two women whose lives are so tightly intertwined with love, loss, and hardship. It’s a heavy read, but every page is so powerful - you can feel the weight of their experiences, how quickly they’re forced to grow up and endure so much.

I struggled to choose a scene to illustrate because every moment is so full of emotion, but I eventually drew the part where Laila is pleading with Mariam after Rasheed’s death. It’s gut-wrenching and tender all at once, and I hope my illustration captures some of that intensity.

For both illustrations, I really leaned into a sketchy style, only using a 6B pencil on Procreate. I tried a more polished version at first, but it didn’t feel right. I love how the pencil gives the drawings character and movement, even without extra texture or depth, it just feels honest and alive. I also tried to weave in some of the colours from each book’s cover, adding subtle hints to tie the artwork back to the stories themselves.

Exploring the book world in person

I also had the chance to visit the Milton Keynes Indie Book Fair this month! It was a bit of a rushed visit, but I’m so glad I went. I managed to catch some author readings and chat with a few writers about their creative journeys — how they found the whole self-publishing process, what it was like working with illustrators, and what exciting projects they have coming up next. Even in a short time, it reminded me why I love being part of the creative world — there’s something so special about connecting with people who share your love for stories and art.

Volunteering at the Milton Keynes library

The library always has that peaceful, magical energy, and it’s been fun seeing which books are trending this month. The Halloween-themed section is out, which is always a treat. I love seeing all the spooky, autumnal books on display. I’ve been reminiscing about Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan, a favourite from my teen years, and absolutely loving the cover of Monster Island by Freddie Alexander. The bold, playful artwork immediately caught my eye; it’s so vibrant and full of personality. I love any cover that has character design on the front; it has just the right amount of quirky spookiness for October. It makes me want to open the book and dive straight into the adventure!

That’s my October in a nutshell! I even gave my little home office a Halloween makeover, with bats on the walls, cobwebs, fake spiders, and a few cute little additions that made it feel both cosy and spooky. I feel so grateful for all the stories, people, and creative moments I’ve been surrounded by this month.

I’d love to hear about your October too — what have you been reading, creating, or noticing in the world around you?

Till next time,
Love,
Janki x