I came across this image when scrolling ‘ze Web and it totally sums up my feelings about reading. Enjoy!
Image courtesy: TheMetaPicture
Archives for category: Musings
As a renter, I have tried to avoid accumulating too many books. It is very rare that apartments will have appropriate built in shelves or the space for numerous bookshelves, not to mention the hassle and cost of regularly relocating them. So I have made a conscious decision to limit the number of books in my possession.
However, that hasn’t stopped me dreaming about what my perfect home library would look like. Sometimes I imagine it would be big and light, spanning two levels. Other times, I imagine a cosy little room with bookshelves along most of the walls and a big comfy armchair to snuggle into.
I love the idea of a whole double storey wall of books. But I fear, as I am a little short, that the top books would be rather neglected. Still, I’d enjoy looking at it:
Pierre Chareau bookcase. Image courtesy 1stdibs review via Apartment Therapy
I would probably spend hours in this library propped on a stair reading old classics:
Staircase of books. Image courtesy: Apartment Therapy
Diane Keaton’s library, below, is nestled into the entrance of her room. I think I would feel immediately at home if I entered a space like this:
Diane Keaton’s library/entrance. Image courtesy: Apartment Therapy
This room feels charmingly cosy. I can see myself curled up on that leather lounge, a dog nestled at my feet and a gripping thriller in my hands:
Cosy reading nook. Image courtesy: Apartment Therapy
So tell me, do you have any magnificent library fantasies? Or just a small book room fetish?
I’ve always been a little obsessed with words. Even before I could read I was fascinated by stories and when I did learn to read I would devour books, one after the other. It sounds cliche to say it, but I could most often be found with a nose in a book. I think Mum and Dad got a little frustrated by it, actually. I had to be nagged to put down my book at dinner time, and I would read in bed well after my parents had demanded I turn my light out (I had a little torch and would read under the covers).
As I got older, this fascination with the written word only intensified. As well as English, I took Drama classes at school and began to truly appreciate the effect that good fiction writing can have on people. I loved discovering a new expression or turn of phase, and would take great delight in using them in my own conversations and writing.
In fact, I once got in trouble from my Mum after commenting in front of her guests that the biscuits that she had served ‘tasted like cardboard’. They didn’t really, but I had just learned that expression and wanted to try it out. Of course, Mum was terribly embarrassed and I was rightly scolded.
As an adult, my interest moved from fiction to non-fiction writing. I studied International Relations at the Australian National University and loved the challenge of researching a topic, developing an argument and writing a strong essay that backed up my opinions. I received excellent marks during my undergraduate degree and accepted a job as a research analyst in the Australian Public Service. I later added to my qualifications by completing a Masters degree at Macquarie University.
It seems quite natural now that this love of writing would lead to a career as a freelance writer, but it has been a while coming. I have moved cities, changed careers, started a small business, become a dancer and now, finally, have come to the point where I am able to say that yes, I am a writer.
As a writer, I believe that words are the most powerful tool that we have at our disposal. Good writing can build up reputations or destroy them; change a person’s emotions, or even change a person’s mind. In this ever growing digital world, I believe that words are more important than ever. As more people go online to interact, connect and find information, the more the first impression that a customer will have of a business is through the written word – whether that be through a business’ website copy, blog or social media posts. Therefore, it is so important for a business to have a well written and consistent online presence across all medium.
But just as much as I love reading and writing, I know that it isn’t for everyone. So for those businesses that don’t want to (or don’t have time to) write and update their online presence, a freelancer writer and social media manager can be invaluable. While you might have a fantastic product or service, if your customers don’t know about it or are put off by your website, all your efforts may be for nothing. A good freelancer will be able to translate what your brand is about and then communicate that to your customers. And most importantly, they can work with you to keep that dialogue going.
If you are interested in discussing your freelance writing and social media requirements, head over to my contact page.
Nell Casey 