a.k.a writer

a.k.a writer

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A fork in the road: taking both paths as a writer

February 20, 2012

If I could choose one word to describe the last year, it would be focus. I’m more focused in the type of freelance copywriting projects I want and I’ve become very clear in my goals—and voice—as a creative writer.

This blog: not so focused. But I’m going to fix that.

Because this site has housed my portfolio and been the launching point for my business a.k.a writer, I’ve been mindful of being professional. I’ve written every post as though as prospective or current client might read it. That’s fine, but it’s felt very confining when it comes to the creative non-fiction writing that I love so much. It muted my voice and created a distance that didn’t feel write right.

So now I’m going to focus a.k.a writer on copywriting and freelancing, which includes things like tips for building a business and “ask a.k.a.” I’ll also be posting related images to my pinterest boards. For a more creative outlet, I’ve started a new tumblr  a written life: the alphabet’s personal. My tumblr is more of a playground and will include quotes, links, photos and posts about writing. Topics will range from memoir to finding an agent to what strikes me at the moment. (You may see some content seeded from old a.k.a writer posts; I will also be writing new pieces.) Having the two sites has been re-energizing and inspiring. There’s so much to write!

There’s no obligation to visit both sites, but I hope one of them will speak to you. If there’s anything you’d like to see on a.k.a writer, let me know in the comments here.

Dear readers, I’ll be updating my portfolio Friday afternoon, so you may see multiple new posts. My apologies to email and RSS subscribers! This format requires everything be published as a blog post, so, unfortunately, about 14 news post will come your way. Your delete key may get a work out.

September 16, 2011

aka writer | Jesaka Long | All rights reserved.

Jesaka Long | owner & chief copywriter

Add a Candle: Musings on My Second Blogiversary

August 25, 2010 — 6 Comments

My blog a.k.a writer is officially two years old today. When I started blogging, I was still living in Seattle and earning a full-time paycheck. Now I call Denver home and am very happy to be a freelance copywriter. And my creative writing “side project” has great momentum. You’ll hear no complaints from me!

But I would like to hear from you. What interests you most? My posts cover freelancing, being an entrepreneur (especially because that seems to be expected of writers these days), copywriting and creative writing. What would you like to know more about?

Last year for my blogiversary, I wrote about the top five things I learned in my first year as a blogger and what group blogging taught me. Last month, I shared how blogging helps me with writing discipline.

To celebrate a.k.a writer this year, let’s talk about guest posts. I have been so fortunate to feature amazing guest bloggers (including talented writers like Liz Sheffield, Steph Auteri, Susan Johnston, Erin Blakemore, and Hamilton Cain) who have shared new perspectives and tips. It’s been a lovely way to connect with my fellow writers and to learn new things.

Interested in sharing your words here? Check out my brand spanking new Guest Post Guidelines. I hope to see your name here this year.

Now the spotlight’s on you: what would you like to see in year three of this blog? The floor is yours!

Unplugged.

May 31, 2010 — 1 Comment

Jumping. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®

This writer is taking the U.S. Memorial Day holiday to unplug the laptop and Blackberry. For those of you with a three-day (or longer) holiday, I hope you’ve had a chance to relax.

A Snow-filled a.k.a writer Holiday

December 23, 2009

Happy Holidays Red Snowman Image. Courtesy Creative Commons.Like many of you, I’ve spent the last few weeks racing to finish client projects and wrap up personal writing goals–all while making fudge (successfully, finally!), baking and planning a playful Christmas Day brunch. I wanted pajamas to be mandatory, but got resoundingly vetoed. Maybe next year.

I will be taking some time off, both from work and blogging. However, I’ve pre-planned some posts, including a collection of stories you’ll want to read and new blogs to consider adding to your Google Reader for 2010. If you usually rely on a Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn update to know there’s a new a.k.a writer post, you may want to subscribe by rss feed or subscribe by e-mail so you won’t miss a thing.

Happy Holidays!

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nez/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Art & Copy: Inspiration & Motivation

August 31, 2009 — 1 Comment

This weekend, I saw Art & Copy, a fantastic documentary focused on advertising. Art & Copy ArtworkWhile I have to confess that I’m an advertising geek – I especially love reading about it – I can say that you don’t have to be a Mad Man or Mad Woman to appreciate Art & Copy. It’s great storytelling and I know you appreciate a well-crafted tale.

Directed by Doug Pray ((SURFWISE, SCRATCH, HYPE!), the movie focuses on inspiration and advertising as art. Mr. Pray introduces viewers to talents like Mary Wells Lawrence, Phyllis K. Robinson, Lee Clow, George Lois, the men who founded Weiden + Kennedy and more. It was fun and motivating to hear from people who created well-known campaigns like “Just Do It,” “Got Milk?” and “I Love NY.”

You don’t have to be an advertising nerd or even work with design or words to appreciate Art & Copy. My honey – who does not work in or around advertising – loved the documentary. If you do work in or around that mad, mad world, you’ll be inspired to produce better work. I’ll definitely be asking myself if I’ve done my very best work for my clients. Every time.

Not a lover?

Can’t stand advertising? I personally detest those awful pop up ads on TV. Please, please make them go away! (I’m especially talking to you, Bravo.) According to Ad Age, it looks like we may be in for more. Okay, small rant aside, if you hate advertising, then be sure to read Doug Pray’s Director Statement (it’s below the synopsis).

Women Are… Where?

Art & Copy showcases the accomplishments of Mary Wells (her memoir A Big Life (in Advertising) was published in 2002) and Phyllis K. Robinson, a writer who was in the center of the creative revolution in the 1960s. But only two of the 11 featured “giants” are women. I would love to see Doug Pray do a second film, such as “Art & Copy: The Women in Advertising.”

Mad WomenWriter Erin DeJesus wrote an amazing article for BUST magazine about Mad Women, profiling and interviewing women who were breaking ground in advertising. It’s an insightful look at how advertising was far more accepting of women than other industries in the 1960s. Be sure to check it out. I’m sure to be posting more about women in advertising here. Stay tuned!

More Art & Copy

If you’d like to learn more about Art & Copy, check it out online and on twitter.

If you’re local to Denver, Art & Copy is playing through September 3. Check out the Denver Film Society for showtimes.

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I Share, You Share: Blogging Resources

August 27, 2009 — 1 Comment

red ribbon gift. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®When I was contemplating a blog, I had a fantastic resource: a friend who lived and breathed social media. I knew about the influence of Slashdot and Technorati before I knew the difference between Blogger and WordPress. Once I moved more than 1,000 miles away from him and he started traveling for work, it wasn’t quite as easy to pester him with questions.

Left to my own devises, these are the resources I’ve frequented to answer my blog-related questions or help sharpen my skills.

  • ProBlogger Great for beginners as well as seasoned bloggers who are looking to grow.
  • CopyBlogger Everyone can benefit from the motivating posts on developing killer, rockin’ good blog content
  • UrbanMuse This links to Susan Johnston’s posts tagged “blogging.” She provides straightforward advice on starting and growing a blog. Although she targets fellow writers, any blogger (or aspiring blogger) could benefit from these tips.

Okay, your turn. What are your favorite sites for blogging tips, instructions and resources? Where do you turn when you’re trying to figure out how to add a new feature to your blog or grow your readership?

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