Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Tale of Privilege & Paranoia

Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Tale of Privilege & Paranoia

Tonight, I went to the grocery store. I know, not the most original line for a piece, but it’s relevant, I swear. My husband and I needed some things, it was time for our weekly shop. Unfortunately, that errand fell today during the official declaration of Coronavirus (COVID-19)’s pandemic status and ultimately, the state of emergency in Massachusetts.

Now I knew it was not going to be fun, but what I experienced really got me thinking about my privilege. I am admittedly, privileged. I’m white. I’m heterosexual. I live in a relatively crime-free area. I’ve paid off all of my student loans and so has my husband. Hate me yet?

Pieces of Gillian

Pieces of Gillian

We all owe pieces of ourselves to others.

I credit my parents (I have three for those who are unaware) for many of the habits that have made me successful, so today, I will leave them out of the puzzle.

If you read my blog from the other night, you know that I went to a reading. One thing I neglected to mention however, was a relationship between the presenter and her former mentee and now friend. Christine Schutt was introduced by an Endicott College professor who was once her student. It was very moving to hear her credit Schutt with helping to mold her into who she is today. So, with that in mind, I would like to share some of the people who have made me...me.

It is Always Worthwhile

It is Always Worthwhile

The last blog on my site is from the end of 2019. I have no excuses. No real reasons why my words have not graced the internet. But tonight, tonight I have a reason to write, and to rhyme apparently.

For those who don’t know, these days I work at Endicott College in integrated marketing. I love my job because I get to write for other people on a regular basis. However, I will note now that my writing productivity has slipped quite a bit during the transition from agency life to one of a more collegiate marketer. That ends now.

Today, I went to an on-campus reading by lauded author, Christine Schutt.

Marketing Campaigns that Writers and Other Creatives Should Know About

Marketing Campaigns that Writers and Other Creatives Should Know About

There are a lot of commercials, ads and tag lines out there. It’s actually a bit overwhelming. Our brains are literally full of information! In fact, there is so much data in our minds that we usually can’t process it all. Sadly, much of the well-intentioned marketing ends up as white noise. Zzzzzz. Bzzzzzz. Zzzzzzzzz.

So what makes a campaign stand out? Let’s go over some examples of ones that have cut through the noise…

The One Where Gillian Launches a Board Game

The One Where Gillian Launches a Board Game

My blogs are about all kinds of things. Writing. Reading. Life. Issues. Lots of things. Today, I want to chat about why in the heck I am launching a board game.

Thanks in large part to Ryn and Kevin of The Castle Beverly, I have become obsessed with board games in the last few years. The strategic element excites me…and I’m a bit competitive. Given that I have no athletic prowess, this leaves me with different areas to compete in. Thus, board games!