My nephew shared a diagram from CU Boulder this morning entitled, “Who do I want to be during COVID-19?” The darkest zone is the Fear Zone, and includes behaviors like hoarding, complaining, and spreading fearful messages. Then there’s the Learning Zone, where we recognize we’re all doing the best we can, gain knowledge and awareness, and identify our emotions. Lastly is the Growth Zone, where we look beyond ourselves to spread hope, express gratitude and empathy, practice creativity, and think about ways to help others.
The outer zone got me thinking… How can I make my skills available to those who need them? I’m neither a physician, a nurse, nor a teacher, and the person I loaned my sewing machine to never returned it, so I can’t even sew masks. But there are a few things I can do as a writer, and that is to help you when you’re at a loss for words, in need of words, or want help getting down on paper what’s swimming around in your head.
Here’s what I’ve come up with thus far:
Refresh Your Resumé
Have you recently lost your job or need to look for a new one? I can help you create, update or polish your resumé, or simply edit it to fit on a single page, including keywords that help you get noticed.
Create Website Content
Websites are an essential marketing tool, especially now that our communication is primarily virtual. I can help you create content, give design tips and advice for making your site as impactful and effective as possible.
Craft Marketing Materials
Need product or marketing content for your new venture? I can help you get the ball rolling—and get potential customers excited about your innovative product or service, with impactful headlines, taglines, stories, and selling copy.
Write a Tribute
My nephew said, “I know it sounds grim, but…” and suggested the idea of helping those who have lost family members or friends write something to commemorate them. I would be honored to help those who wish to create a tribute to a life well-lived.
Gather Memories into a Book
Even if we can’t gather in groups right now, we can gather memories and celebrate milestone events. I can interview friends and family, and compile them, along with images, to create a book that will be treasured for years to come.
Collaborate with Kids
Writing is an ideal medium for kids to creatively express what they’re feeling and experiencing in a safe, private space. I can help you brainstorm ideas for fun, inspiring writing projects that keep kids interested, engaged, and motivated to put pencil to paper.
Haikus. Just Because.
My dog barks, wants out.
Another Zoom happy hour?
Glad my sons are home.
Cabin fever strikes.
Time to bake some more muffins!
Covid carb loading.
I write, pen to card.
Send a letter in the mail—
A hug from afar.
Let me know what needs have arisen for you and I’ll see what I can do to help. Feel free to reach out at elissegabriel@gmail.com
Elisse Gabriel is a Bay Area–based writer and editor and founder of Red Balloon Creative Content (www.redballooncreativecontent.com). She’s sheltering at home with her husband, two college-age sons and dog, who is happy to have her pack all together.
