The Suzette Picayune

Ever Fresh and Radiant Possibilities

 

 

“Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility."

-- Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin,  teacher and author

 

 

Rule number one for any type of communication is keeping the audience in mind - always. And nothing captures an audience like a good story. People are the key. I try to keep that in mind whether I’m writing a feature article, a press release or even a technical white paper. Anything can become interesting if it’s somehow linked to a human.

 

This blog is a sample of my work and (I hope) a reflection of how I approach the art of communication.

 

Soulful Legacy

 Check out this feature article profiling Connie Fredericks-Malone, a member of a family that has profoundly influenced 20^th-century blues and roots music. Fredericks-Malone is the sister of both multiple-Grammy Award Winner Taj Mahal and of the late Carole Fredericks, whose soulful voice made her an icon in France and worldwide. Fredericks-Malone is professional actress and singer herself with a unique music project of her own…. The article appeared in Canandaigua Magazine, Rochester Magazine and republished in the Democrat & Chronicle newspaper (Gannett) in Rochester, New York.    Download May 25 D&C Taj Mahal sister

Big Ideas in Wine

Caught up with one of the many interesting innovators in the Finger Lakes wine scene. The article was published in Canandaigua Magazine (Fall 2009). To read about John Ingle and Heron Hill Download Wine John Ingle Canandaigua Mag

Editing Good Copy

Bob Kiesow, a colleague and friend, designed the jacket cover of this beautiful book, written by another great friend Kent Gilges. I had the honor of editing the manuscript. It's a striking story, and a book to share with others. You can get it at Amazon AGraceGiven

The Quiet Art of Getting Things Done

This article about the Mayor of Canandaigua appeared in Canandaigua Magazine. Download Mayor final

Storytelling: A Business Tool

Xerox's  supply chain organization hired me to write an internal newsletter for employees. The purpose was to encourage employees across the globe to connect with one another and work as a team. For two years we collected personal stories from folks throughout the organization. It was an effective way to support employees and inspire teamwork. In the attached sample, Heiko Rommelmann, a principal scientist with Xerox, talks about his family in rural Germany and the origins of a recipe passed down from his great-grandmother. The primary ingredient is pigs head.  If you click on this link, you can read the article and a few others that appeared in the newsletter over the years. (Note: the PDF is NOT a copy of the newsletter. It is just a few of the stories reproduced here as a writing sample) Download Xerox employee collectionx.