Writing

There are two main sides to my writing: travel journalism and copywriting for clients.

  • Travel journalism, taken up following three years of backpacking from 1996-9 and culminating in features published in national and international press and a lecture on travel journalism to university students. See Travel journalism for recent work samples. I also keep several travel blogs – see the ‘Me on the web’ links (left).
  • Copywriting, writing either directly for publishing companies or independently with a freelance graphic designer and web designer to produce corporate and client communications. Recent projects have included Birmingham City Council’s Chamberlain Awards brochure, ceremony script and live blog, ELEY’s product guide to rimfire ammunition, and blogging for innovation, private clients and entrepreneurs channels at Grant Thornton.

    Travel
    Freelance travel writer, 2000-2009
    Features and photographs published in Allaboutyou.com, The Independent on Sunday, Sunday Mirror, Birmingham Post, Sunday Mercury and other regional UK newspapers on syndication. Have also sold travel features to magazines such as Take A Break, Red and Yachting Monthly

    Copy writing
    Copy writer, 2004-2009
    Including digital projects for Seven Squared, web writing project for Boots online; advertorials for Sainsbury’s, Homebase, Debenhams and others; brochure, script writing and live blogging for Birmingham City Council.

    Feature writing
    Freelance feature writer, 1990-2000
    Film, clubbing and women’s features published in Woman’s Realm, What’s On (Midlands), What’s On (London), Girl About Town, Film Review and Auto Express.

    Staff writer
    Leisure editor, 1989-1990, South-east London Mercury: commissioning, writing, laying out and subbing a five-page weekly entertainment section.

    PR writing
    Birmingham Music Awards: part-time press officer, 2005-2006 .
    Propagator Records: planned publicity campaign and showcase event for record label launch in 2005.
    ArtsFest: assistant PR for annual two-day festival in 2004.
    Save the Children: Area media coordinator in 2003 doing voluntary PR for charity in the Midlands region.