A fascination with words began
So, who is Erin and how did I come to be a copywriter in the breathtaking county of Cornwall?
Well, I’ve always been obsessed with words and language. Even as a child growing up in Scotland, I wrote cheesy short stories and somewhat dramatic shows that I’d make my little friends perform for our parents (Aladdin was my favourite!).
When the time came for university, I headed to the bonnie Scottish capital to study a Master of Arts in International Business and Languages. I loved learning languages, and rather than hating grammar like many other students, I found it fascinating. How words fit together, how the meaning changed depending on the context, and how similar-looking words meant something completely different in other languages – it was a complex code that I strived to crack.
Experimenting with the power of copy
Graduating with a 2:1 and fluent in Spanish, I started working in marketing. While I was learning new skills in product management, branding, business planning and financial planning, I got my writing fix producing copy for brochures, leaflets and customer communications, and I tested my skills in areas like tender writing and contract negotiation.
Moving to New Zealand, I found a role in a new industry, and broadened my marketing scope, writing processes, sales emails and contracts, and translating marketing briefs to a technical team. I then qualified as an ESOL teacher, where I delved into the depths of our language, uncovering grammar points and nuances I never knew existed. Taking on a dual role in teaching and marketing, I polished my writing skills. I created website copy, blog articles, social media posts and newsletters, and gained valuable insight into web design.
Becoming a freelance copywriter
Then my children came along. As well as giving me an excellent command of the imperative (!), these years taught me a lot about simplifying language and talking in plain English, important skills in the digital marketing world of today.
After being introduced to writing as a career by a friend, I was inspired to upskill and complete a diploma in copywriting, which I graduated from with a distinction. And here I am, the best part of a decade later – focusing my marketing skills and pouring my passion for language and writing into a role as a freelance copywriter, based in sunny North Cornwall.
When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me cycling around the bays, walking the South West Coast Path, or taking a dip in the crisp Atlantic waves. Oh, and I love a good sing-song, and I regularly perform with a local choir.