What I do
I have extensive experience as a freelance writer but also worked for many years as a copywriter and strategic planner for a leading luxury watch brand. I’ve written award-winning advertising and PR copy, annual reports, web and social media texts, and articles as well as speeches and interview responses for senior managers. I’m also comfortable as a ghost writer, proofreader and editor.
These days, though, the world of corporate copywriting is changing as brands and organizations turn increasingly to artificial intelligence platforms for their copy. It was great fun to be part of that world for so many years but against this evolving creative landscape, I’ve decided to focus on a handful of projects – as a writer and as an editor – that allow me to do the in-depth research I love. A couple of books are already in the works and as they come closer to fruition, I’ll happily share the details with you.
Music journalism
Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed interviewing some of my favorite musicians and writing articles about them for some of my favorite magazines and newspapers. I look forward to continuing these activities. It’s such a treat to have in-depth conversations with creative people and to share their stories with readers who are as excited about the arts and the creative process as I am.
Copywriting
As I’ve mentioned, I’m slowly escaping from the world of corporate copywriting. There are aspects of it that still fill me with passion and I will continue to work with a handful of select clients, particularly on short scripts and quirky, off-beat advertising copy. I’ve also been privileged to work on some organizations whose work is focused on meaningful environmental and wildlife themes and I will continue to work with these earth-focused heroes.
An unusual background
My background is more than a bit unconventional.
As an undergraduate in America, sometime in the last millennium, I studied economics, politics and literature but spent the years following my graduation working as a musician. That remarkable time developed my ear not only for music but also for language – its rhythm, its tone and its melody.
Still learning
Since 2000, I have been a chronic graduate student and have earned master’s degrees in mass communications (University of Leicester, 2004), world music (University of Sheffield, 2014), and creative writing (Cambridge University, 2017). Each of these programs has expanded my horizons, broadened my mind and enhanced my understanding of the world – qualities that are (I hope!) reflected in everything I write.