About Bethany G Rogers

Words are meant to go together, Virginia Woolf once said. Well, I’ve got some damn good glue and I’ve been sticking words together for a long time.

I was first published when I was just nine years old – it was a derogatory poem about a teacher I didn’t like (he had bullied my dyslexic brother, a poem seemed like suitable revenge). I’ve grown up a bit since then, expanding my work into quirky, entertaining and creative writing for readers and businesses.

Originally from Newcastle, UK, I travelled the world and eventually fell in love with New Zealand (and a New Zealander). After spending a number of years studying and being in and out of the communications industry, I quit my agency job and became a full-time freelance writer and communications specialist in 2015.

Since then, I’ve gone on writing adventures for all kinds of business, individuals and organisations. I have:

• Launched festivals with clever copywriting, SEO content and communications

• Created content strategy and managed content for print magazines, apps and media websites

• Worked alongside designers to develop great information architecture, plan email journeys and delve into the world of user-driven writing

I’m often asked if it is possible to be a creative writer and business copywriter at the same time. My answer is always YES.

I still write poetry and short stories and am occasionally listed for awards (alas, I never seem to win ‘em). I am currently working on my first short story collection.

For me, all forms of writing come down to one basic principal: words are meant to be together and writing is created to be read.

This mantra is behind all of my work. I glue together succinct, powerful sentences that have an impact. Words that inform, make you think, make you laugh, help you get found online, help you make that buying decision…

I continue to travel, explore and write from my home in the mountains, where I live with a ginormous house rabbit called Oscar Wilde.

My adventurous spirit starts on the page, but when I’m not writing, you’ll find me up a mountain, swimming in Lake Whakatipu, or at an arts event. I love to trail run, hike and swim and I dabble in aerial arts and boxing. I’m also a terrible cellist and an unremarkable watercolour artist. I believe that only by exploring as much as possible, a writer can create truly original and authentic work.

Writing qualifications and memberships

• Official member of the Clever Copywriting Community

• Professional member of the New Zealand Society of Authors

• BA (Hons) English Literature

• 10+ years of industry experience, full-time freelance since 2015