Brushing Up

I haven't created a spec ad in quite some time, so when I came across this print ad in a magazine-- I thought this was a great opportunity to brush up on my copywriting skills.

Exhibit A

By looking at that ad above, do you know what it's about? The headline is too long and wonky... not to mention the fact that it doesn't match the visual at all.

The bottom copy reads:
"Start today by finding out if you have Chronic Migraine. Knowing that what you've been living with has a name, means knowing you can find treatments that are right for you. After all, saying 'yes, I'll be there' ...and really being there... shouldn't be a luxury."

Then, it says "Don't live a Maybe life" because, you know, this ad is supposed to make me feel compelled to do something right this second.

Exhibit B

The above ad is my "after" version which includes a clean headline that speaks to the reader and ties in to the visual.

The bottom copy reads:
"If you experience 15 or more headaches a month, you may suffer from Chronic Migraine, a headache disorder that affects 3.2 million Americans, mostly women. Identifying the cause of your pain is the first step towards finding helpful treatments that are right for you."

I chose to include more information about how many people are affected by Chronic Migraine because it jumped out at me on their website. 3.2 million Americans is a lot of people, after all! Mainly women? Great, more info I would want as a reader. If I did suffer from migraines, these facts would make me want to visit the website to learn more.

I also took the bit about the "maybe life" out because maybe it didn't belong. (No, seriously, it didn't). It was cheesy and unnecessary.

So, what do my dear readers think? Thoughts? Observations? Criticisms about my basic Photoshop skills? :-) Don't hold back!

All About Dino

This is Dino, my foster dog.

On the left is what he looked like when I first met him at the shelter and the right side is Dino today. He was a stray brought into the Brooklyn shelter system and was later rescued by Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, the organization for which I manage social media.

Dino has been living with my husband and I since about June and I have fallen madly in love with him. Our dog, Frenchy, isn't too fond of him though and so we're still looking for the perfect permanent home for Dino.

Here are 10 things about Dino that you won't find in his bio:

1. You can probably see this in his "after" pic; his right ear hangs back as if he's opening it up to hear you. (It's uber cute).
2. He destroys chew toys, but will be your best friend if you give him a bone or better yet- a cow's ear.
3. He gives endless kisses and loves belly rubs.
4. He actually lets you clean his ears without a problem (my Cocker fights this like you would not believe).
5. He enjoys running (and prancing), and would probably make a great running partner.
6. He wakes us in the morning with a big lick on the face. Warning: His tongue is cold!
7. He sits and gives paw and will even give you his other paw too, if you ask nicely.
8. He sleeps with his eyes half way open, snores a lot, and is startled when you wake him.
9. He is enamored by the squirrels, birds, and cats that he sees outside our bedroom window.
10. He actually hugs like a human with his paws around the neck and everything!


If you have a fenced in backyard and no cats or kids (a prerequisite determined by the rescue) and would like to give Dino a permanent loving home, please email rescue@nyabandonedangels.com to request an application. My husband and I will be extremely sad to see him leave our family, but we know he deserves a suburban backyard. We are secretly hoping that his new owners will send us updates and photographs. :-)

If you're looking to adopt a dog, please visit www.nyabandonedangels.com to view their selection of rescued dogs. They have Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Springer Spaniels, Jack Russell Terriers, and more. They are always looking for foster homes too and can arrange to transport a dog anywhere in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Please also give them a like on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to stay up to date with rescue news, etc. (Yes, I'm their Twitter gal). Please pass the info to anybody you know who is looking for a new pooch! Words cannot express how much Frenchy (adopted from Abandoned Angels in 2007) and Dino have both changed our lives. The love you will feel for a precious, homeless animal is bigger than you can ever imagine.

Tidbits from the Typewriter (er...keyboard)

I read such a great screenplay this week! I wish I could tell you what it was called, but it's confidential. :-) Here's a hint:

That's about all I can say until the film is released. Sorry, Charlie. Just trust me, it was totally entertaining and will be a huge hit in the box office.

On another note, I've been dealing with a little bit of writer's block this week. I thought I'd take a moment to share some of my tricks:

Love to flick that thing right off my desk...

Who doesn't adore a squeezable martian?


Water! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


Let me BUILD something! Mmm... the smell is intoxicating!


Frustration no more! BANG!

Dum... dee... dum. Cute potato... Mustache!

Who knew toys from childhood would come in so handy? I'm also a huge fan of The Storymatic. It's just completely fun and useful all at the same time.


So let's hear it. What do you do about your writer's block?

Crafty? Who, me?

The following post is admittedly not about my writing career; however, reading it will give you uber secret insights into my creative thinking as well as my OCD-like nature when it comes to attention to detail.

As some of my loyal readers know, I got married in 2009. While planning the event, I discovered that I had a crafty side. Who knew? It started with the Save the Date cards which I decided I had to make myself...


...and then the invitations which I was determined to screen-print myself, using a nifty Gocco I spontaneously bought on eBay...

Photo taken by Ryan Brenizer

...and then the ceremony programs, and oh yeah- those escort cards that I hand stamped in the middle of the night...

Photo taken by Ryan Brenizer

I also decided to design the dinner menus...

Photo taken by Ryan Brenizer

...and hellooo? I had to make the favors and the favor tags!

Photo taken by Ryan Brenizer

That said, I quite honestly never thought of myself as an "arts & crafts" person before. I mean, you should see me try to draw a fish. (I've been told that it looks like a worm with feathers). ...and my storyboards in film school were stick figures, ok? So, the sudden urge to craft and create things was a big surprise to everybody who knew me. And it was fun! Soon after my wedding, I began making wire wrapped button rings and Scrabble tile pendants! I started my own Etsy shop (which needs to be updated badly at the moment) and voila- a crafty woman I became!

A few months ago, I started making these flower pins:

They're hand sewn and made from recycled wool sweaters! I started sewing them into hair clips too.

...until one day, I had a brilliant idea to make them into accessories for dogs! Finally, I can put my love for dogs to good use. So, I created more and more...

...and I started selling them at rescue events as donations to Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue!


Here are a couple of rescued dogs modeling different kinds:

Yes, that pic above is my Cocker Spaniel. She doesn't know this yet, but she'll be my official model for new designs currently in the works. Don't worry, she'll get some tasty biscuits as payment for her time.

So, feel free to visit my Etsy shop called Goo City soon because I'll be adding these "Doggie Daisies" to my inventory. Plus, I started making bow ties for male dogs! WOOT! Stay tuned...

Taking Social Media By Storm!

Tweet, tweet...


Yes, I'm on Twitter. Do you follow me? Why not?

Tweet me here: @gooblythe and I'll wave back!

While you're at it, please follow my great friends at @NYCockerRescue, @SPOTFoundation, and @spotdogsrule.

Stay tuned for more blogs about social media... coming soon!

Yes, I Can Write Filth.

I recently completed writing a very gritty game called 9mm which is set to debut this week at E3. 9mm is the story about a group of bad cops who do whatever it takes to keep the streets clean, even if that means breaking the law. Based loosely on Southern California (where I lived for 5 years), the game features gangs, a ton of violence, and all the characters have some serious potty mouths. This is definitely not a game for kids.

That said, it was an incredible collaboration with a designer named Damian who works out of a studio in another country... I can't say which. :-) Damian went to film school too, so we were really able to brainstorm and talk story well, a luxury I don't always get at my job. He happens to be a big fan of American action popcorn movies (and loves Sylvester Stallone), so we had some pretty hilarious conversations about eliminating "the cheese with which oozed" from the game. We were also very active with both the voice-over casting and recording processes which was SO great. (We're usually taken out of the loop at that point).

Don't blame me for all the cussing- this is what they wanted! :-) Check out the trailer below.




9mm is scheduled to be released any day now for Android, iPhone, iPad and iTouch devices.

Public Relations and Me... Weeee!

Long time, no blogging! I've been incredibly busy volunteering for the local dog rescue that I so adore. NY Abandoned Angels Rescue hosted an amazing fundraising event on May 17th in midtown Manhattan and I was lucky enough to be on the event committee. Grammy award winner Roberta Flack sang for the crowd and NY1 Society Reporter George Whipple even came to cover the event. WOOT!

I put my press release writing skills to the test by writing one for the event. It got picked up by several media outlets including on Hamptons.com! Here's a copy of the release:

NY Abandoned Angels Rescue To Hold Cocktail Party Fundraising Event

Local Dog Rescue Hopes to Raise Money to Help Dogs In Need

New York City - Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc. dba NY Abandoned Angels Rescue (NYAAR), a Queens-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of Cocker Spaniels and other breeds, will host their first annual cocktail party fundraising event on Tuesday, May 17th from 6-9pm at Sky Top Terrace in Manhattan.

The event will feature DJ Phoenix, a wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, vodka and tequila bars, and goodie bags. Attendees will also have the chance to meet several dogs that are currently available for both adoption and fostering. Corporate sponsors of the event include Sotheby's International Realty, TF Cornerstone, Winick Realty, MetLife Home Loans, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin Dog Food, among others.

"Most of the dogs that we rescue are seniors or have medical problems and their chances of being adopted right out of the shelter are slim to say the least," said Dolores Rodrigues, founder, NY Abandoned Angels Rescue. "Our hope is that dog lovers from across the tri-state area will come to our fundraiser to support our rescue so that we can continue to save the countless other dogs that need our help."

A silent auction will also be held at the event with items donated by companies such as Chelsea Piers, Fresh Direct, Kiehl's, Madame Paulette, Mediabistro, Apple Seeds, The Salty Paw, The Institute of Culinary Education, Tribeca Grill, and more.

The event is scheduled to take place on the rooftop of 505 West 37th Street in Manhattan. Single tickets cost $100.00 and Junior tickets for individuals under the age of 25 are $75.00. Tickets may be purchased via PayPal on the rescue's website at www.nyabandonedangels.com, or by check mailed to NY Abandoned Angels Rescue, P.O. Box 545426, Flushing, NY 11354. Donations* in any amount will also be graciously accepted and appreciated. *All donations are tax-deductible.

About NY Abandoned Angels Rescue (NYAAR)
NY Abandoned Angels Rescue (NYAAR) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of Cocker Spaniels and other dog breeds in need of loving forever homes. NYARR will not reject any dog due to age or health reasons and often accepts dogs with temperament and/or medical issues. The rescue relies solely on donations whether through adoptions or the generosity of the public to help pay for the veterinary care of sick, physically disabled, and behaviorally challenged dogs. To date, NYAAR has rescued over 1,500 dogs.

New Online Content by Yours Truly

Recently, one of my freelance clients (SafetyWeb) launched a new product/service all about protecting one's privacy. It's called MyID.com- check 'em out!


As a result, I wrote a lot of content for their new website including both blog posts and resource articles. It's borderline ridiculous how much knowledge I now have in my brain about identity theft and online privacy. The research was fun and interesting and wow, there are a LOT of things we need to do to protect ourselves in the digital world.

Here are some links to a few of my blogs for your reading pleasure:

Twitter Can Damage Your Online Reputation

Top 10 Safety Tips for Online Dating

Tips for Staying Safe on Craigslist

Your Blog Could Get You Fired! (highly recommended reading)

More to come soon! :-)

WOOF- I heart doggies!

If you've taken one look at my photograph featured on this blog, you'll know that I'm a dog lover. The cute pooch next to me is our beautiful cocker spaniel named Frenchy. My husband and I found Frenchy on Petfinder.com through an amazing dog rescue organization in my area called Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue Inc. They are dedicated to rescuing and re-homing cocker spaniels and other breeds, and let's face it- there are a ton of homeless dogs in kill shelters around the country who need groups like this one to save them.

Here's a great pic of our baby taken during our engagement shoot a couple of years ago:


Photo taken by: Ryan Brenizer Photography

Isn't she adorable? So, why am I telling you all of this? Well, in addition to my writing work-- I also have experience in social media. I've been racking my brain for a while now to figure out how I can make a difference, particularly with this dog rescue group that has given my husband and I so much joy.

And then it hit me! Social media! Why I hadn't though of this before, I'll never know. In any case, I am now managing Abandoned Angels' Twitter page and following! I'm proud to say that within one week, we gained almost 300 followers and boy, are they loyal retweeters! :-) If you love dogs as much as I do, please follow us here: @NYCockerRescue.

And without further ado...

Today, March 15th is Adopt the Internet Day on Petfinder! Go ahead, click on the ad... it won't bite.


More than 320,000 pets are waiting for homes on Petfinder.com. Help Petfinder Adopt the Internet today and find forever homes for as many as possible! Go to Petfinder and rescue, rescue, rescue! Then, spread the word via Twitter, Facebook or on your blog all about Adopt the Internet Day. That's today, people!

If you live in the tri-state area and are looking to adopt or foster a beautiful cocker spaniel, please visit Abandoned Angel Cocker Spaniel Rescue on Facebook and give them a "like" to see all of their pooches searching for loving forever homes. Even better, check out their selection of available dogs on their Petfinder page! If you see one you like, email rescue@nyabandonedangels.com to request an application. (Yes, they do adopt out of state occasionally).

Now, get out there and get your wag on! WOOF!

A Writing Career?!

I recently came across Roni Loren’s blog post (by way of Gabriela Lessa’s blog) about all the various responses writers often get from people when they reveal that they are actual writers. This got me thinking about all the insane comments my whack-a-doodle mother has said to me over the years.

(no, that's not really my mom but it may as well be. she's just as loony)!

Here are just a few examples of her isms:

While I was attending graduate school for screenwriting: “What do you do besides watch movies all day?”

When I moved to Los Angeles: “Do you live next to a famous person?!”

When I became a copywriter: “I don’t get it. Do you write legal stuff?”

(In my mother’s defense, I actually get that question a lot).

When I started working in social media: "What is a Twit? I don’t understand how Tweeter works? If I go on Facebook, can I meet a man?"

When I began writing video games: “What kind of games do you write? Do you write Scrabble? I play a lot of Scrabble. Can you get me free Scrabble?”

…and our latest conversation (via phone last night) went a little like this:

MOM: Have you ever written a mystery?

ME: Yes.

MOM: You have??!

ME: Mom, you know I have.

MOM: Oh. You mean a game. I’m not talking about a game.

ME: No, I’ve written mystery stories other than games. You’ve read some of them.

MOM: I have? Well, I don’t remember. Anyway, I think I want to write mysteries as a hobby.

ME: Uh… okay.

MOM: But I want twists and turns and red herrings and stuff. How do you do that?

ME: Well, first you need a cast of characters.

MOM: Oh. But I want twists and turns.

ME: You still need characters.

MOM: But how do I figure out who committed the crime?

ME: What? What are you talking about?

MOM: How do I solve it? Do I start from the end? How will I know who did it?

ME: What? Just start with characters, okay?

MOM: Oh, okay. I need motives and weapons too!

ME: Decide where you want the story to be set.

MOM: Oh, I know that. In my office.

ME: Okayyyy…

MOM: We have a lot of interesting characters there! They say there’s nothing more interesting than real life!

ME: Actually, they say the opposite. Real life isn’t interesting enough. Things based on real life sometimes get dropped from the story, so be prepared for that.

MOM: Oh, but writing is such a good hobby. Don’t you think it is?

ME: Uh, yeh. That's what you've been telling me my whole life.

MOM: It's not a career. It's just something fun to do!

ME: Mom. I gotta go.

[scene]

Vampire Romance Wins Silver Award from PocketGamer!

yay! the review i've been waiting for finally arrived and i must say that i was pleasantly surprised. Vampire Romance received a score of 8 out of 10 and was honored with a Silver Award by PocketGamer!

kudos to the team!

why was i worried? well, the team's overall direction was to really play to the "twihards" (a.k.a. fans of the film and book series twilight). as a writer, this was a challenge because i wanted to create fun, original material that would warm any vampire fan's heart but develop a story that might actually stray from all the supernatural material that's already out there.

that said, the reality of the project (and let's face it, life in general) is that we had a lot of different people to please and we had to work together as a team towards one, uniform goal.

luckily for us, pocketgamer's reviewer seemed to understand our mission. (and oh yeah- he called my story "strong writing")!

yippee for me! :-)

vampire romance is available on regular mobile phones, including the blackberry! (note: not the iphone, sorry). find it in your cell phone's content area and play it today!

My Article's On Computeruser.com!

yay! one of my articles about online safety from Safetyweb got picked up by Computeruser.com!

i'm especially excited because my bio is listed there at the bottom. :-)

here's the link:
http://tinyurl.com/5ssutcs

A Working Weekend

I've been writing like mad lately. In fact, I spent my whole 3-day weekend working! No complaints here though because as my blog states, I'm trying to write as much as possible.


So, after coming up with a list of what not to get your boyfriend for Valentine's Day, I created Your 2011 Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her which was really a secret list for my husband to randomly find, ha. Then, I wrote a piece about the oh-so handsome Colin Firth winning his Golden Globe (yay!), and produced what I think is a pretty useful review of the Top 5 Study Abroad Programs for Communications Majors.

Finally, I worked on some additional projects for my other freelance clients, none of which I can mention just yet. Shhh...

Oh, and I'm still working on my magazine queries. Just waiting for a bite. Pretty please bite!

The question is: what shall I create this week? Stay tuned to find out! :-)

Get your fang on!

finally, the mobile game that i began working on over a year ago has been released! introducing Vampire Romance!


...and yeah, for some reason i couldn't grab the logo from gameloft's website, so the one above is from a different site.

anywho, it's for the mobile phones (not the iPhone...yet) and is geared mainly towards girls- tweens or young teenagers. there's all types of supernatural beings in your high school and a whole romance story evolves! plus, your choices in conversations determine how the plot changes and there's a whole "mad libs" element where you have to type in words to finish sentences! it's fun. :-)

here are some screenshots for you to enjoy:

Happy 2011! New content from moi...

I've been so busy crafting wool felt flower clips lately (don't worry, i'll post a pic soon) that my writing has somehow fallen to the back burner. Nevertheless, I recently published an article as part of Yahoo!'s Contributor Network. I've never used this network before, so I submitted an article more as an experiment than anything else. I figured the more online clips I have, the better!

So, please click, enjoy & pass it on!

How to Survive a Passive-Aggressive Boss

Also, one of my SafetyWeb resource articles was finally published- yay! If you are currently a college student or know somebody who is in college, this is a must-read. No joke. Check it out here:

Online Reputation Guide for College Students

More later, promise!