Ernest is a journal for enquiring minds: an independent magazine made for those who value surprising and meandering journeys, fuelled by curiosity and guided by chance encounters. As we launch our own special Edition of the journal – which has all the authentic storytelling of Ernest together with a special chapter of tales from Another Place, The Lake – we talk to editor Jo Tinsley about her own slow journey into publishing, her early adventures in the fells and her hopes to uncover more unexpected stories in the North Lakes.
Describe the journey that ended in the first Ernest Journal.
I launched Ernest in 2014. I’d worked in publishing for a number of years, on craft titles and Countryfile magazine, before going freelance to work as an editor on someone else’s independent magazine. I soon grew to love the world of independent publishing. The vibe was entirely different. There was a feeling of optimism and innovation; print wasn’t dying out, it was regenerating. I love the specialism of independent magazines and the inclusive community; many of us publishers are good friends, who support each other’s projects and share knowledge.
We crowd-funded the first edition of Ernest, which was a slog but made all the difference and resulted in a loyal community of readers. I feel so proud when a reader buys the latest issue and tells me they’ve been supporting us since issue one. Six years on, I’m delighted to be beginning a new chapter in partnership with Another Place, The Lake. It’s a real meeting of minds. The first time I stayed at the hotel, I remember thinking: ‘if you could capture the mindset of Ernest in a place to stay, this would be it.’ So, to see the publication of our first Ernest Editions is a real joy.