After a refreshing break, life once again has a semblance of routine with a return to work and uni for me, Grade 3 for my son. A bit of summer holiday life we’ve hung on to is a weekly morning swim, now before school and work.
I am excited about the year ahead. My themes for the year are trust and intentionality. I will be putting my writing (and myself) out there more, and nurturing and investing in community and collaboration. Oooh, and I have some exciting news that I can’t wait to share in the next issue of The Raptorial.
In news I can share, I caught David Sedaris on his Happy-Go-Lucky tour earlier this month. It turns out he is even more delightful and hilarious in-person than he is on the page.
Start the new year in style
Download a free stylesheet template
This is your friendly neighbourhood writer and editor nudging you, gently, to do your monthly/6-monthly/annual refresh of your website and marketing collateral. A refresh may involve:
updating information
tailoring message(s) to your target audience
making your about page shine
ensuring a consistent voice
checking for broken links
editing and proofreading copy
re-writing copy for clarity
creating fresh copy
optimising search engine performance.
Get in touch if you need help with a refresh.
If you’d rather go it alone, you may benefit from a stylesheet, an essential tool to help you:
document style decisions such as spelling, punctuation and ‘brand’ words
communicate style decisions to others tinkering with the words
make subsequent refreshes with ease.
Head to the WordOSaurus blog post on stylesheets to learn more; it includes a sample based on my favourite website. Or, just download your free editable template and have a crack!
Happy-Go-Lucky
An evening with David Sedaris
In lieu of a chat over a book signing, I wrote a letter to David Sedaris. Have a read and cast your vote!
Raptorial Writes
A monthly writing prompt
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write. Sit in a cafe and choose another patron, preferably someone you don’t know, as your main character. Create a character sketch, taking in their mannerisms, drink order, body language, aura, clothing, or anything else you notice. What are their inner most thoughts? What do they desire in that moment? Can you incorporate dialogue, real or imagined?
I’d love to know how you go! Post your writing to Instagram using #RaptorialWrites, or feel free to share it in the comments here. Happy writing!
Raptorial Bites
A monthly short story book club
With David Sedaris on the brain, it seems only natural to have him join our book club discussion this month.
Have a read of Miranda July’s short story Roy Spivey (2007) or listen to Sedaris read and discuss the story with Deborah Treisman, and continue the conversation over at this month’s Raptorial Bites thread.