Category Archives: Copywriting

New year, new direction

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Filed under Copywriting, Cube Dwelling, Fear Busting, Gig Finding

Dobby

Master has given Ducky a sock.

Rather than wait for a specific date to roll around, I’ve found that just getting started on making a change when the inspiration hits is more effective and longer lasting. I’ve made them before, but they didn’t stick; as usual.

This year however, I’m being laid off.

Why is this happening?

Simple. The company is reorganizing. My position, and the positions of everyone else on my team here in Seattle, are being moved to the company’s headquarters on the other side of the country.

So, yeah…change is being forced upon me.

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5 keys to taking feedback like a badass

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Filed under Copywriting, Cube Dwelling, Freelancing, Writing

Gandalf and Saruman

No one likes to work with someone who refuses to take feedback. We’ve all worked with people like that—someone who’s determined that he/she is right and that others are wrong and that the work produced is without flaw or need of improvement at all, whatsoever. Period.

It’s not easy.

There was a period of two years during which I worked with two graphic designers who are absolute opposites when it comes to handling critique of their work.

Note: When I refer to these creative colleagues, I’m obviously not going to use their real names. So I’ll call them Gandalf and Saruman. Personal preference.

Watching them showed me their distinct approaches—and how to be better at taking feedback myself.

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Why writers should blog

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Filed under Copywriting, Creativity, Fear Busting, Writing

Evil Plans LOL Cat

Writers write. Good writers write a lot. Or so I keep telling the junior writer I currently mentor.

She’s talented, has a terrific attitude and a bright future ahead of her. I still want to flick her in the forehead when she rolls her eyes at the suggestion that she start blogging. Especially when she follows her eye roll with “Yeah, I know I should,…but…you know…”

Incidentally, “…but, you know” is one of the worst responses ever and sets my teeth on edge every time. But I’ll spare you my rant and move on.

There exist tons of articles and posts on why writers should blog. These articles exist for a reason.

Blogging is good for you. For so many reasons. Even if no one ever reads it.

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The Best Social Media Sites for Copywriters

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Filed under Copywriting, Creativity, Getting Shit Done, Writing

Ducks in a Row

Now that I’ve covered why copywriters should use social media to help build their brand, I’m going to assume that you’re reading this because you’re on board and want to get started, or you’ve started and you’re wondering if you chose the right social platform. Or you’re wondering if I know what I’m talking about. Like my husband usually does.

Of course, with new social media platforms sprouting up overnight, which one(s) are best for copywriters? Before I answer—and there is an answer—let’s make a pro/con list of a few top faves.

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Confessions of a Copywriter

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Filed under Copywriting, Creativity, Fear Busting, Writing

LOLcat amazed

In a perfect world. we’d all know our value. This is not a perfect world. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like an imposter. Me too. Especially as a copywriter. People either think I’m way smarter than I actually feel, or they simply have no idea what I do and how I do it. Either way tends to leave me at a loss for words sometimes (no pun intended).

Last week, it occurred to me: I can’t possibly be the only one who feels this way.

This is a confession. My own personal confession as a copywriter. Because (and here’s my first confession), I often feel inadequate when I feel like someone assumes I’m smarter than I feel like I actually am. Like all copywriters should be these awesome, wonderful, intelligent, creative, magical creatures who know the English language inside and out, and if I don’t live up to one of these misconceptions, I’m failing my own vocation. Like I’m not a ‘real’ copywriter if I don’t fit the pre-defined mold.

So, my putting these out there hopefully lets you know that you’re not alone if you ever feel the same way.

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