What do we have in common?
Can you relate ...?
Even after 20+ years, the copywriter life is full of surprises. I never expected to enjoy a photoshoot.
The pic below is me in Edinburgh earlier in 2023. I went to a marketing conference and met up with a client of mine, brand photographer Donna Green.
I expected to spend the entire session in intense cringe. In fact, I posed without flinching on George Street. Thanks Donna. Most marketers humans I know are camera-shy, so this turned out to be a great lesson in getting over myself. Nobody even stared or pointed.
In the spirit of George-Street-posing, I decided that after 30-odd posts here on Substack, it’s time to introduce myself to you. Potentially another cringe-fest, so please tell me what we have in common when I share some of my favourites …
My most beloved childhood animal is …
Big Bird. Couldn’t love him/her more. Look at that joyous wee skip.
Standout opening line in a novel
Bring up the Bodies. Hilary Mantel signed my copy at a Devon literature festival years ago, so it’s doubly treasured.
Outstanding final chapter
A Prayer for Owen Meany. I understand that John Irving creates the endings of his novels before writing anything else. Works for me.
Sing-along in the car to …
Zadok the Priest - although I’ve experienced some issues hitting the high notes at “rejoice and sing”. Z the P was also the Coronation Anthem, but I definitely didn’t mention it as an excuse to show you this Knitted King Charles. Keep an eye on the ears.
Watch-more-than-once TV shows & movies
Fleabag. “I look like a pencil.”
And New Girl - sadly no longer on Netflix. My lockdown staple.
Cinema Paradiso. The music. Alfredo. Salvatore (see below). Masterful storytelling.
Most hoarded words & phrases
Other people collect snow globes or football cards; I stockpile words and phrases in a word bank. Recent entries include embiggen (The Simpsons), swallowed a bird (means a great singer, by Ann Patchett) and déjà-poo (this s*** has happened to me before, courtesy of Urban Dictionary).
Last job as an employee
Marketing Manager for a big motor dealership (more than 20 years ago) pre-self employment. I learnt about the importance of the follow-up in the sales cycle!
Unsurpassed concert
U2 in Belfast in the late 80s, peak Joshua Tree era. I’ve still got the ticket somewhere.
Not-so-guilty pleasure
Shopping at TK Maxx. Website UX awful, in-store search experience awful. I’m hooked.
Feel free to tell me about your favourites in the comments.
If you’ve just arrived at Ink Tank, hello!
I’m Sue, messaging strategist and copywriter.
My current twin interests are -
Copywriting psychology (AKA psy-copy® - I’ve trademarked it, so you bet I’m going to chuck it about) and
Marketing to women.
I often write about how they interact. You can consult my free Knowledge Vault on marketing to midlife women here.
If you need strategic help with your messaging or copy project, just email Sue at inktank@substack.com
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