Once upon a time (well, a while ago), I had the idea... and, fortunately for me, the opportunity to set up the first English-language online magazine in Western Greece. It was a dream gig, letting me showcase the stunning landscapes of the Mediterranean and the stories of its larger-than-life islanders.  Think -  passionate biologists protecting sea turtles, heroic Zakynthos search-and-rescue volunteers, and the haunting history of British soldiers who survived Napoleonic battles only to succumb to fever, never making it back to Blighty.

Telling stories - real ones, about real people became a cornerstone of my work. Whether marketing or journalism, the best content isn’t just words on a page; it’s something that grips you, stirs you, and (if done well) makes you act.  Finding a good story is a skill every marketer should have, especially if they also happen to love writing.

We humans have always been storytellers.  It’s how we connect, make sense of the world, and sometimes scare the life out of small children. Case in point: my Irish granny and her absolutely not age-appropriate tale of the wailing banshee.

At five years old, I was mesmerised, eyes wide, heart racing, as she wove her eerie narrative, her voice rising to a ghostly shriek before dipping to a bare whisper.  The banshee, with her long, raven black hair and deathly pale face, haunted my imagination. My Granny, bless her, wasn’t exactly up on child-friendly storytelling guidelines, but she sure knew how to spin a yarn.

And when it comes to crafting a compelling story, there are a few key rules...

• Characters you actually care about.  Whether it’s a fearless entrepreneur or a tragic sea turtle, readers need someone to root for.
• A plot that’s worth the ride.  Facts, benefits, intrigue… and maybe a dramatic twist (just like Granny’s best stories).
• A setting you can picture. Whether it’s a stormy Greek coastline or your latest product launch, make it vivid.
• Natural, engaging language . Know your audience. No one wants to read marketing fluff that sounds like it came from a corporate robot, cue AI.  Honestly... can spot it a mile off!
• A clear purpose. Whether it’s selling a service, building trust, or sending a shiver down someone’s spine, make sure your audience gets it.
   

Follow these, and your content will stand out, connect with readers and, who knows, maybe even give them a few goosebumps

Need help crafting stories that engage, persuade, and don’t put your audience to sleep?  Whether it's a full-scale marketing campaign, blogs, brochures, award entries, press releases, or ghostwriting thought leadership pieces, then I’m your storyteller. 

Let’s make your content unforgettable (and no, I won’t add any banshees... unless you ask).