THE POWER OF STORY

I’ve always been drawn to the power of story. Whether through a book, a film, or the back of a cereal box, it speaks to me. And I want to speak to others in the same way.

I believe that a good story can make all the difference when it comes to marketing. I enjoy bringing my perspective and experience as a copywriter, copy editor, and proofreader to any project to make communication better, clearer, and more engaging to the intended audience.

WORK SAMPLES

This is a portfolio of projects that I’ve done for a number of clients. Once I discovered verbs, the writing really took on a life of its own. The work ranges from brochures and ads to videos and websites, as well as some feature writing. All of it represents stories that needed to be told, most with a serious take, others with a lighter touch. A PDF is available here.

UPS

In support of UPS’s marketing to the defense industry, I created this overarching brochure to summarize and highlight the company’s various capabilities. A quick read to distill this important information for very busy high-ranking decision-makers was imperative. “Wherever it’s mission critical, we’re mission-ready” became the unofficial tagline of the segment.

UPS

Marketing materials for UPS’s presence at the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show have to make their mark or risk getting lost at the hectic Las Vegas venue. Copy for this show ad complements the designer’s tattoo theme to speak to this specific automotive audience.

Fiserv

Internal sales incentive programs require engaging communications as much as external marketing, if not more so. For Fiserv’s call centers, working from our superhero theme, I created copy for various on-site communications, including this breakroom poster.

SAGE

Launching a new invoice payments feature, Sage required a video promoting the feature to small businesses. What can be a complicated and less-than-exciting subject was presented simply in this award-winning video, yet was engaging and conveyed the new benefits, all within one minute.

First DATA

As part of the onboarding kit for the Money Network program – an alternative to regular payroll services – First Data wanted a tool to speak to multiple audiences from administrators to employees. A plainspoken, straightforward approach gave this award- winning video the appeal the client desired.

UPS

UPS has a number of products that have required tutorial videos. I worked first with an internal stakeholder to outline the required information, then prepared a script, coordinated recordings with voice talent, and finally collaborated with a video specialist for the capture and to review for quality assurance.

GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY

During rebranding for the GPA, all sales collateral had to be rethought and rewritten. For the terminal brochures – the primary printed communication pieces – I presented the facts and figures vital to this audience, but wrapped them in a new story capitalizing on GPA’s growing industry presence. I used the same approach in rolling out the website copy.

ROCK-TENN

With new packaging from Rock-Tenn aimed at companies seeking to deter counterfeiting, I used the opportunity presented by this industry-publication ad to parody the disclaimer language used on pharmaceutical packages. This new product also was supported with a brochure and sales sheets.

SUNTRUST

To document and commemorate the bank’s experience during the 2008 financial crisis and its new branding, I assembled this story and drew from executive interviews, as well as consumer research, to produce a keepsake that would offer valuable insight to current employees and new hires.

UPS SUSTAINABILITY

To highlight its commitment to sustainability, UPS asked Realm to produce a number of communications, including a fact sheet, slide presentation and booklet. I worked on all pieces and developed the booklet with bite- size information helpful to both sales and customers.

REALM

To promote Realm’s sponsorship of the Actor’s Express theatre season, I collaborated with our designers to develop a series of program ads, many tied to the specific production.

SUNTRUST

With the launch of a revamped user interface and reorganization of content for its online banking services, SunTrust wanted demo videos to set customer expectations and calm fears. Working on a tight launch deadline, I created scripts and managed dummy information needed for a series of demos offering a quick and easy look at what was now a better banking experience.

UPS

To support international exports, UPS produces PDF guides for the website to promote available services and explore growing trends in specific countries. I conducted research and provided copy for select guides, including the United Kingdom and Germany, and have supplied updates as needed.

BIRLA CARBON

With its website not reflecting the evolving global company, Birla Carbon called on Realm for the update. I worked with various stakeholders and the communications director to revise the information architecture and rewrite the site, and provide faster, easier access to product and application information. .

UPS

To market to the healthcare segment, I worked with UPS to produce this capabilities brochure, offering a broad look at services and products helpful to the industry. Pleasing a wide range of stakeholders for this piece was critical as it was the first major piece of collateral to set the tone for this industry focus.

novelis

Holiday videos can be tricky, trying to evoke seasonal warmth, yet maintain corporate messaging. Realm worked with the client to produce this holiday video. I developed the script, striking the right balance the client was seeking to capture the spirit of family both at Novelis and at home.

AMERICAN BUNGALOW

As a fan of Arts and Crafts furniture and accessories, this magazine was an ideal creative outlet. After I wrote about a local home and show in a previous issue, the editor approached me to contribute the piece that closes each magazine. Needless to say, I had fun with it.

ATLANTA MAGAZINE

A coworker, knowing my love for film and movie memorabilia, shared the story of his father-in-law’s father – a painter of original movie posters. I couldn’t get there fast enough to see them, talk to him, and propose the magazine story. The “Secrets of the City” issue made it perfect timing.