At the beginning of summer, I went on a mini-retreat to the English countryside with my husband and two children. We went for a walk, ate dinner by the lake, and then settled down with a few cups of tea and some books. It was an unexpectedly eventful and uplifting weekend, and I felt inspired to write this article as a result.
The Last Word
Before I begin, I should probably state that this article isn’t meant to give advice on professional matters. If you’re wondering about copywriting for a professional context, I’d suggest searching for an expert in your area.
That said, this article is about making copywriting work for you, as a hobby or a side gig. I think everyone should know how to write great copy, and I hope my journey can help anyone who’s daunted by the idea of creating compelling marketing material.
The Best Piece Of Advice
During our time in the countryside, my husband Ben and I were lamenting the fact that we didn’t have enough books in the cottage. We were reduced to Netflix binging and playing board games, and we missed our beloved little library. So we devised a plan to remedy this situation. On the walk back to the cottage, we discussed what we would like to see in a library, and after a few minutes of brainstorming, we had our list: proper lighting, comfortable seating, places to put your feet up, and a whole lot of books.
That evening, we made a short list of the essential items we would need to create a makeshift library in our living room. We began with some floor space measurements, drew up a plan, and bought the necessary materials – a rug, some trestles, and a few shelves.
The Homework
Once we had our materials, the fun began. We began by painting the wall behind the couch white and adding a couple of shelves to the room. We then organized our books and placed them on the shelves, ensuring that all the books were within easy reach. We also added a couple of chairs to the room so that people could sit and read comfortably.
With our living room library set up, we began to think about how we would display our books. We placed our trestles along the walls so that they hung off the edge and created various display options, from a cosy sitting area to an inviting reading nook. We chose a light tan for the wall behind the couch as it will naturally blend with the wood of the trestles when combined with white paint.
The key to creating a successful library is in the details. It’s all about the little things you do, such as adding a few cups of tea lights, and ensuring that everything is easily accessible and comfortable.
Keep Adding Books
Adding books is a great way to keep a library alive. Even if you don’t have much space, you can always find a way to add another shelf. In our case, we added another two shelves behind the couch after our small retreat, and things are already looking much more organized and aesthetically pleasing. It’s important to keep adding books as you find them, so that your collection doesn’t take over the room completely.
Don’t Forget The Little Things
It’s amazing how much difference a few small touches can make. One of the things I love the most about our little library is the little details – the lighting, the rugs, the comfort of the seating, and the colorful little flags on the bookshelves. Everything about it is small but significant, and it makes a big difference. Colorful rugs and lighting add some life to a room, while soft furnishings and comfy chairs make a room feel more inviting. Nothing quite says “welcome” like a freshly made cup of tea and a good book.
The Benefits
We don’t often give much thought to the benefits of a regular library visit, but a room with a well-stocked library has many advantages. You can do your research online, but a book is always more accessible when it’s right in front of you. You can add additional volumes on the same topic at the same time, or you can borrow a different book and compare the two. It’s great to have multiple options in one place.
Libraries also encourage social interaction and community engagement. You can set up a card box so that people can leave their contact details if you run a children’s book club or a summer reading program for school age children. It’s always great to have a chat with a friendly librarian about the latest books, and they can also point you in the direction of great local events and activities. If you live in an area with a thriving arts community, it’s a great place to find a book about arts and crafts, as the community will have more events and activities to offer. If you’re looking for historical material, there are numerous books on war and battles that you can get your hands on.
If you really want to make your living room a welcoming and comfortable space, put together a reading corner with a few of these items and you’ll be on your way to establishing yourself as the ultimate authority on your chosen topic. Make sure you leave room for a small table or desk, so that you can sit and do your research in peace. You can add a small lamp to create a relaxing atmosphere, and voila – your room is transformed into a comfortable space where you can comfortably carry out all your research. In the evening, you can look forward to relaxing, reading, and sometimes even storytelling sessions in your own living room. What a wonderful way to relax after a long day!
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