This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Anna Goldsmith contributed 175 entries already.
After a few weeks recovering, I’m finally ready to write about what has felt like my second job for the past six months: co-organizer of TEDxPortsmouth (along with a fellow Pen, Crystal Paradis). I have so much to say about this experience that it’s going to take a couple articles. In this first article, I’ll […]
In preparation for TEDFest in New York City a couple weeks ago, I did a little research: where to eat, what to see, how not to sound old to the majority-millennial crowd … I’d be embarrassed for anyone to see my search history today, but I’ll put that aside to share this gem of an […]
Hey everyone, it’s time again to play “Meet a Pen”! Today we’re chatting with Betty Egan, who left her big agency life at Arnold Advertising for a home in the wilds of New Hampshire. Luckily for us, she’s game for the occasional long drive to visit clients in Greater Boston. So let’s get to our […]
Scene: Two 30-something women stand behind a table of party food, in a Party City commercial. And … action! Mom 1: This is incredible! Mom 2: Right. Mom 1: Yes! Mom 2: What is that? (pointing to a lone plate of crackers a few feet away) Mom 1: Those are some gluten-free options. Mom 2: […]
Do I even need to say it? Do I even need to talk about all the research that suggests homework — especially on the elementary-school level — doesn’t “extend learning,” but just stresses out our already stressed-out kids even more? Is there anyone who wants to argue that a stopwatch and a math worksheet count […]
When you have a last name like “Twardzik,” you have to do some early grappling with the pain and beauty of letters. But once you’ve triumphed? Spelling all other words is child’s play. And thus Hired Pen Eric Twardzik began his writing career at the tender age of four-and-a-half. What did you want to be […]
Last month, I gave a copywriting workshop to the eight startups selected for this year’s Accelerate NH program. In case you’re wondering, Accelerate NH was created to support “the next generation of innovative, growth-oriented companies in New Hampshire” (i.e. tax-paying businesses). Through Alpha Loft accelerator program these fledgling startups get free coaching, work space and, […]
We know. Company bios are so boring, right? Just a long paragraph of facts about Person X, maybe with a final throwaway line about how they like yoga and spending time with their family. (Yawn.) Writing a great company bio is difficult for a couple reasons. First and foremost, we’re taught from a very young age […]
Dear Woman Within, You showed up in my mailbox yesterday. As a professional catalog writer, I have some thoughts to share with you. First of all, the good: I love that you make clothing for plus-sized women. After all, why should style be the exclusive domain of the size 2s, right? And I love that […]
After 15 years in business, Dan and I have gotten pretty good at screening for clients who don’t seem like a good fit. Sometimes it’s a personality or subject-matter mismatch, but more often it’s because they have an unrealistic idea of budget. When there’s a financial disconnect, we respectfully explain why we can’t write their […]
