Social Expression
(A cooler phrase for “consumer goods writing”)
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“THINKING…” QUOTE
Thinking “here goes nothing” could be the start of everything.
That little phrase was written as part of a Hallmark project to create “share worthy” quotes for social media. It started out as a simple Facebook post, which was then shared across platforms. Based on its warm initial reception, it was then utilized as desktop wallpapers, turned into inspirational greeting cards, and then plagiarized. It’s had a crazy ride. (Equally crazy is seeing your name used as a hashtag when someone posts this quote, not knowing the quote’s originator is someone who regularly has a queso stain on his shirt.)
MAXINE
Maxine, “The Queen of Crabby,” is perhaps Hallmark’s most recognizable character. For years, her musings on work, politics, youths and life in general were featured in Crabby Road, her daily single-panel web comic posted to her website and her Facebook page. As part of the volunteer team contributing copy, I had the distinct honor of writing the first comic to reach 30,000 Likes on Facebook (July 30, 2012). Not being a grouchy geriatric woman, I was pretty excited getting the demographic’s sense of humor just right.
Side note: Every time your post hit over 20,000 Likes, you were rewarded with a small framed picture of your post
and a meal ticket for Hallmark’s cafeteria. Good times.
ADVICE FOR MY SON
Advice for My Son is a book containing a collection of advice intended for sons of just about any age. The book's copy ranged from general household tips to more philosophical advice about growing up and being an adult, all told in a casual, conversational tone.
I’m not a dad (and probably not someone people should take life advice from), but co-writing this book was a good way to think back on the things I wish I knew when I was younger, and reiterating them in an easily digestible, casual manner.
GREETING CARDS
My time at Hallmark allowed me the chance to write for a few of their greeting card brands.
(Go figure…writing greeting cards for a greeting card company.)
