Melissa 🐳 Hobson

A comment by Bobby Kegley on a post by Scott Frothingham took me back a few years. As a freelance writer starting out, I used to bristle at the idea of simplifying my writing. After all, I prided myself on my extensive vocabulary and eloquent prose. However, the older, more experienced, and wiser (hopefully) me understands the importance of meeting readers where they are. It's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that our audience, particularly if they're professionals or intellectuals, will appreciate complex language. However, the truth is that even the most educated individuals may not always be operating at their peak cognitive capacity when consuming content. Think about it – our customers lead busy lives, juggling multiple responsibilities and distractions. They might be reading our content during a quick coffee break or while commuting home after a long day. In such moments, expecting them to decipher dense text filled with obscure vocabulary is unrealistic. That's where simplicity comes in. By using clear, straightforward language, we ensure that our message cuts through the noise and resonates with our audience on a deeper level. It's not about dumbing down our content; it's about making it accessible and engaging for everyone. Tools like Hemingway can be invaluable in this regard, helping us identify areas where our writing may be overly complex or convoluted. Embracing these tools isn't a sign of weakness; it's a recognition of the power of simplicity in communication. So, the next time you're crafting content, remember that clarity is key. Whether you're writing for CEOs or college students, keeping it simple ensures your message is heard loud and clear. After all, it's not about impressing with fancy words – it's about making a meaningful connection with your audience. #Brandmessaging #Copywriting #Contentwriting #EpicOwl

7

7 Comments

...Affirmations for writers... Sometimes we're our own worst enemies, aren't we? We criticise: * what we write * how we write * when we don't write And nobody needs that kind of pressure. So this is your reminder today to go easy on yourself. Your writing is your gift to share with the world. #writingtips #debutauthor #selfpublishing #findingtimetowrite #writerslife #affirmations

7

2 Comments

Whether or not you're coming to my (did I mention it was free?) workshop tomorrow, I need to know something: If you had me sitting in front of you - what question would you ask me about how to have better conversations? What worries you when it comes to talking about social and political issues? Would you want to know something about getting over fear and anxiety? Would it be something about how much knowledge you have to have on a topic to have an opinion? Or would it be something totally different? And, if you want to ask me the question in person, you can still sign up to the FREE workshop at 7.30pm BST Thursday 30th May, at the link in the comments: #PoliticsAndBusiness #SociallyConsciousMarketing #TheSoapBox #BrandMessaging

4

1 Comment

I’ve been hearing recently that op-eds are going extinct. “End of the op-ed era” read one section headline in Eleanor Hawkins’ Axios Communicators newsletter last week. That followed a colleague telling me, a few days prior, that op-eds were dying. But are they really? It seems this narrative sprung from the recent shutdown of CNN’s opinion section, which had appeared to be a healthy and vibrant forum. Hawkins wrote that this, combined with Gannett cutting back on opinion columns, new outlets like Axios never launching opinion pages, and more executives writing op-ed-length pieces on LinkedIn, indicates the end of the op-ed as we knew it. Before I go further, I’ll acknowledge my obvious bias: I run a business focused on helping clients achieve top-tier op-ed placements. I edited Fortune’s op-ed section for years. But being biased doesn’t mean I’m wrong. :) As long as free media exists, there are always going to be people writing their opinions for mass consumption. It’s true that social media has massively opened up the possibilities for writers to go directly to their audiences. And there’s definitely been a trend in recent years of executives using LinkedIn more deliberately for that purpose. It’s also true that as long as there are open forums like LinkedIn and X, there will also be demand for vetted forums, where readers know the writing was reviewed and edited by professional journalists. So does the pullback of some publications from publishing vetted opinion pieces signal the end of the op-ed era? It really depends on how you define “op-ed era.” If it means the period over the last decade or so when all major news publications went digital and expanded the number of opinion articles they were publishing, then yes, that’s changing. Maybe volume is going down. There’s no robust data to back this up, but qualitatively, it at least seems to be true. But volume isn’t the only consideration. What’s more important is the power the op-ed still carries. If there’s any reduction in volume, that might just mean that the op-eds still being published carry even more power than they once did. I wouldn’t call that the end of an era. Actually, I might call it a renaissance!

22

3 Comments

Writing for clients is fun and often necessary when you’re a freelance writer. But how do you make time for your own voice? 💻✨ In the latest episode of Talk Freelance To Me, I chat with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, about how they're making the internet a more authentic and refreshing space for writers. Tony shares why Medium could be the perfect platform for freelance writers to focus on meaningful, impactful writing and reach new audiences without feeling like an "internet hustler." If you're ready to learn how to prioritize your writing and grow your personal brand, this episode is for you! Play the episode at https://lnkd.in/e7MdMxHn Or search for The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast on any major podcast app like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or watch the episode on YouTube on The Talk Freelance To Me channel at: https://lnkd.in/ewdCfRT6 How do you balance writing for clients with making time for your own creative projects? Let me know in the comments! 👇 #writers #writing #freelanceWriting #contentcreation #writingcommunity #freelancecopywriter #freelancemarketing #freelancetips #freelancewriters #freelancerlife #freelancejournalist #womenwriters #talkfreelancetome #freelancewritingpodcast #writingpodcast #podcastforwriters #Medium #TonyStubblebine

5

2 Comments

I come across a lot of people who lack confidence in their writing. If this is you, then you'll be sure to benefit from my latest blog post... https://lnkd.in/e8sV2Pu6

5

Are you struggling with climate anxiety? If so, you’re not alone. Taking action is powerfully motivating, and it’s never too late to start. But, action with what? Gardening, that's what. Small steps are where big changes begin, so please know that it's worth having a go at gardening, even if you've never done it before. It can be much easier than you think. 🌿 3 reasons to start planting in your garden 🌿 1️⃣ Planting in your garden or outdoor space mitigates:   - flooding  - wind - noise - pollution - temperature extremes The popularity of decking and astro turf means we’re losing precious pockets of planting, especially in urban/suburban areas, so growing pretty much anything green will help to reverse this problem. Small spaces can become gorgeous sanctuaries, so don’t worry if you only have a balcony, patio, doorstep or backyard. They all count. They really do. 2️⃣ Adding plants to your garden provides incredibly valuable food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. According to Professor Simon Potts, Professor of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services at the University of Reading: The sad truth is that bee populations are declining due to habitat loss, harmful chemicals used in insecticides, and climate change. And if we don't feed the bees, we won't be able to feed ourselves. 3️⃣ It can be very cheap to start gardening and make a difference. The calendula in the photo were grown from seed last year. They thrived - and flowered - all through the Scottish winter, where temperatures went down to -9C. And they're still flowering now. In fact, they're just getting going now it's warmer. And would you look at that blazing colour 🧡 The bees love them, as do butterflies. You can even eat the petals—scattered through a bargain bag of Lidl salad makes it look *very* fancy. Did I mention they're very jolly too? 🧡 All those flowers for about 50p. You can sow calendula seeds in pots or containers with compost, or scatter them straight onto bare earth. As long as you give them a wee watering, they'll be just fine. This time of year is perfect to start gardening, with balmier weather and longer daylight hours. If you collect the seeds from the fading flowers, you can save some for sowing next year and share the rest with your friends and family. 🌿 What puts you off gardening? 🌿 #EasyGardening #GardeningTips #Gardening #ClimateAnxiety #Wellbeing #FreelanceLife #RowanAmbrose #PlantYourOwnJoy

17

14 Comments

Can't begrudge working on Summer Solstice with this view 😎☀️ I've gotta say, as with any seasonal change, Summer Solstice has me in a reflective mood (especially as it's coming up to my solopreneur work-iversary 🥳 - more on that next week). As the sun pops its hat on and reaches its peak, now is the ideal time to take stock of your biz. Annnnnd, maybe shed light on areas you've been avoiding but desperately need your attention. 🧐 Ask yourself👇🏼 - What was your peak? What are you proud of?  - What's stopping you from climbing higher? - What do you need to burn the hell out of the way? 🔥🔥🔥 - Who can help get you there? For me, I know sticking to a consistent content strategy was a big challenge for the first half of this year. 😣 It's easy enough to strategise and implement for clients, but when it comes to me? Nahhh. It's a real effort. And if you're a sustainable biz owner, I'll hazard a guess that it's the same story for you. 👉🏼 What would it look like if you committed the next 6 months to honing a content strategy? One that aligns with your values and connects your key messages to your target audience? Would you be ready to reap the ✨rewards✨ of more visibility, increased brand awareness and consistent messaging? Drop me a DM if you're ready to harness the Summer Solstice magic. 💌🌞 #SustainableCopywriter #FreelanceCopywriter #EthicalMarketing 

31

6 Comments

Everyone's on the wind down for summer. And that includes two of my clients who won't want anything until September. Usually, not a problem, cos I take time off at the start of August, but this year, I don't stop for a wee break until the 12th. So, I've got some availability before then! If you need copy for your: 🟡 ⁠Website ⚪ Blogs ⚫ ⁠Social media posts 🟡 ⁠Newsletters ⚪ ⁠Press Releases ⚫ ⁠Case Studies Or maybe you need help creating a new product name, slogan brand voice and guidelines or a content strategy, I've got time! I love writing in a chatty, fun tone of voice (but it's not essential), and I've worked with some pretty big names, including Ariston, Beano Studios, Dragon Soop, eSure, Silent Pool Distillers, Silentnight Group and TV personality, Natasha Francis. I've written fun stuff. Serious stuff. Punny stuff. And I'm also hot stuff (I mean, c'mon, look at the picture - scorchio!) I'd appreciate anyone commenting for reach or reposting. If you've seen enough and fancy taking up some of my time, send me a DM or visit my website: www.indeliblethink.co.uk 🟡 ⚪ ⚫ ⁠ ⁠ Hey, I'm Matt, a chatty brand copywriter and tone of voice consultant for businesses that want personality in their copy⁠. ⁠ Work with me, and I'll fill your copy with the same POP! 🎉 WHIZZ! ⚡ BANG! 💥 energy you felt the first time you chucked popping candy in your gob as a kid.

14

Evidently half the year has more or less eked by, so it’s time for us as freelance business owners to take a moment and give ourselves a business review. What’s going well right now? What can I really celebrate at this moment? Is the work I’m taking on aligning with my goals? What are my pain points? On June 17 12-1:30pm PST, I will be hosting a 90-minute mid-year business review. So if you need a tried-and-true way to audit your business, discuss your wins and challenges in community with other freelancers, and want a game plan on tackling your goals for Q3 and Q4 this year, this is the workshop for you. You’ll get access to TWC’s signature Business Audit worksheet, which is valued at $35! Spots are limited, due to the interactive nature of the workshop. So be sure to snag your ticket today! Also, I know that the group nature of these workshops may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for some 1:1 coaching, I’m opening up five seats for TWC listeners and community members in the last two weeks of June. (Did you know that joining as a TWC Patreon gets you 10% my coaching packages? Just show proof of your membership when you book with me, and we’ll take it from there) https://lnkd.in/gxWTPJTD

6

Where my Wild Things at? I have a thing for charity shops - the eclectic mixture of things no longer loved, and mine for the taking. Rescue dogs, abandoned baby squirrels, broken old furniture in need of TLC. I'm a fixer upper. Aren't most women? I thought I'd made a few odd purchases in my time, but nothing trumps yesterday's find - an unopened bag of 'Badger and Fox Food' - perfect to lure some Wild Things into my garden. (Full disclosure, all I caught with it, last night, was my own very greedy dog). I love me a Wild Thing - they act on instinct, raise their hackles, show their teeth, and do what they gotta do, to get by. Not shameless. But without shame. Shame is inherited. Shame is a choice. Wild Things don't need personal stylists, fancy agencies, or 6-figure business coaches to know their own brand. They are it. They own it. They don't take any sh*t. And they're magical. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm luring Wild Things into my garden with kibble. And I'd like to lure some Wild Things into signing up for my weekly newsletter, with my brand new free download - available right now, ready to get your paws on, at this very moment in time. This one goes for the jugular, so if you're more fluffy kitten, then savage beast, when it comes to personal branding, it might be too strong for your pretty, polished palette. The palette you chose off Canva, to go with your safe, sissy brand messaging - y'know, so the patriarchy doesn't sh*t the bed. If you're interested in getting your hands dirty, and finding out who your brand could be, if you let go of other people's expectations, there's a link to sign up in the comments. And if you're already signed up, the download's available to you, too. Just ask. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm not giving this piece of magnetic content any title, as it's a vibe, an idea, something to inspire, not instruct. It comes with an invitation, which shouldn't feel like a challenge. More of an open door, that you can choose to slam, and walk away from, or wander through, and see what happens. And if you're not sure you're ready for it - keep a beady eye on my content over the next few weeks. All will become clearer. Wild Thing.

3

3 Comments

Yup, I'm doing THAT post today. But hear me out… I’ve always held off writing posts about results on results day. It seems a bit too obvious as a piece of content. But this time it’s different…👇 Because it’s my eldest’s turn to pick up his GCSE results today! In our house, we’ve always gone with the motto ‘effort over outcome’. Yes, of course, we care about the numbers. But not, perhaps, in the way you might think. We care more about the EFFORT that has gone into achieving them than the numbers themselves. Because hard work and effort are life skills that will take you places. You can apply them to any job or any career. Being polite and kind are also pretty important to us, too. As is problem-solving and the confidence to speak up. So too is the ability to listen and meet people where they’re at - with compassion and understanding. A willingness to make mistakes, learn and persevere also feature pretty heavily. Because it’s these things that make an exciting human experience. One filled with opportunity, growth and fun. Can I tell you what doesn’t make the list? 🎭 Remembering Macbeth quotes until they start bleeding from your nostrils 🔵 Knowing how to find the probability of a blue ball being chosen from a bag  🤴Regurgitating the different ways the country was governed in mediaeval England Are these things interesting? Sure. But will they make you a decent human being for the rest of your life? Erm… no. Is there a way to continue learning throughout your life if things didn’t quite work out today? Erm… yes. So, if things didn’t go to plan when that envelope was opened, let’s try to look at the bigger, more important picture we’re trying to paint, shall we? Not always easy. But always, ALWAYS bloody important. I'm proud of this boy's effort - whatever the outcome.

17

16 Comments

One of the things I love to do apart from writing and editing other people’s stories – have I told you I am a writer and editor? – is run. In the last few years, since I’ve started following training plans and looking out for tips and words of wisdom from serious runners, I’ve found more joy in my running. I’ve got more focused about getting quicker, rather than plodding along, which I did previously. I’ve raced a bit too – half and full marathons – while varying my training to include more intervals and speed work. I’ve got faster. Faster than I was anyway. But let me tell you, that is nothing on Anya Culling. Let me tell you about Anya Culling. The British runner ran her first marathon in London in 2019 as one of the tens of thousands in the mass field, finishing in 4 hours 34 minutes and 23 seconds. Doing one marathon is pretty good. Only something like 1% of the world’s population has ever run 26.2 miles. Move on four years and she ran the 2023 London Marathon in 2 hours 36 minutes 21 seconds, the third fastest UK woman in the race, almost two hours quicker than her first. Now it’s not unusual to make huge improvements in endurance sports with the proper training and preparation, but that is staggering and it’s not even her personal best. She ran the Copenhagen Marathon in the same year in 2 hours 34 minutes 45 seconds. Now she’s a professional runner and heading for, she hopes, another PB in Valencia at the end of year and the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Such a tremendous story and a testament to hard work and application bringing out an undiscovered talent or aptitude. There are many great stories out there without them being about running marathons. What’s yours? ____________________________________________________________________________________  If you want someone to help you tell your story, connect with me and have a no-obligations chat with a writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience, mainly in professional services, but not only that. #freelancing #writing #editing #journalism #blogging #copywriting #copyediting #proofreading Source: © Mihapix | Dreamstime.com

10

2 Comments

There is a paradigm-shifting conversation going on about the current "new realities" of filmmaking and the chasm between the traditional walled-off Hollywood filmmaking empire and the ever-passionate independent filmmaking movement. This competition has been going on for as long as making movies has existed - going back to Charlie Chaplin and his fellow filmmaking peers creating "United Artists" over 100 years ago. Today, thanks to modern communication technology, a paradigm shift is occurring. As a long-ago 63 year-old produced screenwriter I'm fascinated by today's potential independent filmmaking revolution - enabled in large part thanks to the internet, cable TV and related streaming services. Here's my reply to a passionate filmmaking artist regarding what I believe is the fundamental key to independent filmmaking success. As always, it comes down to the almighty $$$. I hope maybe it will be illuminating to some in this crazy business: -------------------------------------------- Unfortunately it's called "American Capitalism." If you can make a film and find a revenue stream and exposure then your film project has succeeded. But what about paying everyone who was onboard your project? Creatives are passionate about sharing art and stories but they also need to support themselves and make a living. Filmmaking is the most expensive Art in the world because it requires a massive community of collaborators to manifest the "story dream." This is why filmmaking is so expensive, even on an Independent filmmaking level. It costs a lot of $$$ to render the final beautiful product. This is not a value judgement it simply is a fact. Aspiring filmmakers need to understand this and embrace the expensive adventure if they deem it worthwhile. ❤️ Benjamin Gohs Jaimie Engle

34

4 Comments

Lately I've been learning about the power of reconnecting. Out of sight, out of mind is a big worry for freelance journalists. If I'm not getting the big bylines will I be forgotten by editors? If I don't post on LinkedIn for a while do people think I'm not working? Fears I've felt creeping in recently. But the truth is, being quiet doesn't mean being inactive. And if you make a good impression on someone, they WILL remember you for future opportunities. The power of reconnecting comes from doing solid work, and being easy to work with, so people call on you again. Even years later. In the past two months I've reconnected with: ➡️ Hannah Smith to work on a big copywriting project for a large financial planning firm, after first working with her at Incisive Media more than a decade ago (!) ➡️ Georgie Frost & Katie Binns who I worked with on Times Money Mentor who drove all the way from London to visit me in Aberystwyth ➡️ Tara Evans on two articles for The Sun Money, after her return from maternity leave ➡️ Emma Ann Hughes, my editor many moons ago at FT Adviser, with an interesting piece on sustainability for Insurance Post So if we have worked together in the past, I would LOVE it if you got back in touch to discuss new freelance projects. And if we haven’t worked together before, now is a GREAT time to get me on board and see how this freelancer can help. Working with a big range of organisations means I have lots of types of experience across writing, and more. #Freelance #Journalist #Reporter #Editor #Copywriter #Contentwriter #Researcher #Panelhost #Producer #Consultant #Finance #Personalfinance ↪️ My calendar is open. Drop me an email or a DM for a chat about what you need and let's make it happen. [email protected]

78

10 Comments

Thanks for all your lovely comments on my new website. Positive feedback makes the hard slog worthwhile 😊 As I was working on my new site, I recorded what I learned, the problems I uncovered and how I solved them. I've turned these into two blog posts to help other business owners who are about to embark on a new website project. Link in comments ⬇️ I’ve broken my thoughts down into content and technical lessons. This first post covers the web copy and content side of things. The techie one will follow next week. Hope you find them both useful! #Blog #NewWebsite #ContentWritingTips #WebCopy #WebsiteContent

11

1 Comment

CLIENT EDITS Workng on client edits this morning (the first book in a co-authorship story series ) and it reminded me how good it feels being able to support writers achieve their dreams. So if you’re a new writer and would like to work with me then please give me a shout. I’m considerate and professional, remain true to the vision you have for your story and will help you become a published author. Your story deserves to be read. 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗔 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗢𝗨, 𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿. 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿. 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱, 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻/𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 & 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲-𝘁𝗼-𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. #soullasediting #editing #bookeditor #writingsupport #authorssupportingauthors #writinghelp #writingskills #storiesthatmatter #feedback #thecraftofwriting #writingskills #developmentaleditor #copyeditor #writingmentor

1

It's Earth Day - brilliant - but I was thinking, 'well, that's not related to my copywriting business, so I won't do a LinkedIn post about it'. And then it struck me. Of course it's related to my and everyone else's businesses and employers, because this is where we work, this wonderful planet. The 2024 theme is reducing the production of plastics by 60% by the year 2040. Here's where you can find out more: https://lnkd.in/e5NqM4-X #EarthDay

3

1 Comment