Creative, colourful and considered, this is what TraceySays copywriting is all about.
Writing is not everyone’s cup of tea, ☕️ but it is mine. I’ve had plenty of practise with getting the right words down in the right order. My writing experience ranges from updating case files, reports, appraisals, monthly updates, academic essays, presentations, CVs articles, leaflets, stories, plays to blog posts.
I like meeting clients, whenever possible, especially for the first meeting. A copywriter’s role is to bring the written word about a company’s product or services to the attention of people who may need them and persuade them to buy. This is easier if we meet face-to-face.
I have worked with start-ups, others who have been in business before but introducing a new product. I’m also happy to work with clients who have skills, but not necessarily the time. In addition, if you’re a designer looking to collaborate on a project I would love to hear from you.
I’ve always had a creative personality and whilst my childhood dreams were about gracing the silver screen 🎬 the reality has been different, but no less satisfying. If you too, identify as a creative kindred spirit, you will be familiar with people who ‘don’t quite understand’ your approach. Fear not, I can provide a sympathetic ear and a constructive way to engage with your clients.
Background
I began working life as a civil servant in Leicester. As anyone who is or has been a civil servant they will tell you they took the job for ‘something to do’ whilst looking for something else, or words to that effect. I was no different, always drawn towards stage and screen whilst fantasising about the luxuries stardom could bring. When London’s bright lights 🏙 beckoned, off I went, carried by youth and hope.
Reality
Adult life kicked in quickly once I stepped onto the property ladder, my creative dreams were stifled by commuting and a sudden career path. When I reached saturation point I jumped off the big city merry-go-round 🎠 and fled to Cuba. Eight soul searching months later, life had changed, yet it would take a few more rounds with London life before I found the way back to creativity.
Call to Action
My second midlife crisis led me to Aberystwyth University as an undergraduate 🎓on a Drama and Theatre course. I was compelled to ‘get it out of my system’, confident I could return to normal life when it was all over. But I had never been a student before, my mind was blown. I needed to process and enjoy another shot of tequila, who knew!
New world, old problems
I learned about the origins of drama 🎭, different theatre practices old and new, still there was an emerging theme. The mainstream demographic make-up of theatre-makers was nearly always the same and Shakespeare (in whatever guise) remained the cornerstone of playwriting and acting. It would take an uphill battle to challenge these established traditions, with no guarantee of work, much less success. This was a young idealist’s struggle, not mine. I loved acting, even so I could not afford to risk paid work and potential cardiac arrest, to pursue it.
Ignoring the call
A wild notion led me to believe that if I truly wanted to act in any professional capacity then I would have to write the part myself. It was an amusing idea so early into my course. I shook writing from my immediate thoughts and reaffirmed my primary objective, to study and indulge my passion for drama. The more I immersed myself into my studies, various drama societies and viewing performances 🎟 the harder it was to think about doing anything else once my course ended. I toyed with the idea of including writing as part of my course, as a practical path towards gainful employment, except I lacked confidence.
Inciting moment
I dropped a Body and Movement module, the stars aligned and the opportunity to introduce writing into my course presented itself. The Writing for Television film module fit neatly into my timetable. I joined at the third combined lecture and seminar where I was treated to a discussion about The Godfather and “…the best character arc you will ever see in Michael Corleone”. I could not have agreed more, this was the place to be. It would be hard, though not impossible to develop my writing over time, maybe even reap financial💰rewards. My latent talent for writing was awake and hungry.
Caught shining
When my degree ended I stayed to undertake a Masters degree – Writing for Screen and Radio. The end of my university life came swiftly. Practicality started to override self-expression and I bounced around a few jobs in Wales 🏴. Incredibly I landed a job at BBC Earth in Bristol, unbelievable, the first step on a creative industry ladder.
Giving up what keeps you stuck
The BBC 📺 was a solid opportunity to move forward and I was seduced by its institutional gravitas. In reality it was the same familiar comfort blanket as the civil service only less secure and more isolated. It was time for another major overhaul. For the sake of sanity and creativity, relocation closer to my support network became an essential requirement.
Choosing the light
I settled in Northamptonshire and joined a local writing group where I was gently, yet firmly encouraged to start a blog. I also surrendered to the call to go freelance, ventured into the world of copywriting and onto a course with the Writers Bureau. At last, I found a viable employment source that literally spoke my language. I quickly eased into the course. I learned how to marry my writing talent and other work attributes to help me create a viable freelance life.
That’s my journey, now let’s talk about yours.
