More than a birthday wish? Local author explores the meaning of happiness in new children’s book

The Secret of Happiness, written by Pella author Karen Fitzsimmons and illustrated by Rowena Hoover, is the latest children’s book published by the Write Place. Brought to life by Hoover’s vibrant watercolor illustrations, Fitzsimmons’ book tells the story of Maggie, a young teenager who wishes for true happiness while blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. […]

Posted in Book Releases & Events

Defining the creative process

Creative process is a common term, but could you define it? Obviously, it’s a process designers use to create things…but what does it really mean? Is it just brainstorming? Are there any other elements that go into it? If I asked you to define the word “creative,” every person reading this article would likely give me a different answer. […]

Posted in Graphic Design Tips

Spring is the perfect time for a fresh approach to marketing efforts

If the melting snow is revealing the still un-achieved marketing goals you set for your company at the New Year, consider calling in some reinforcements. The Write Place is equally experienced in leading marketing efforts for small businesses and supporting internal communications teams within larger corporations. […]

Posted in Business Tips

Family ties put to the test in new novel from Pella author

Who Cares About You? by Lee Joanne Collins of Pella, Iowa, is the latest novel published by the Write Place. Set in Bettington, Wisconsin, Collins’s book explores the effects a reported case of child neglect has on the small community. […]

Posted in Book Releases & Events

Making PowerPoint an asset to your business (instead of putting people to sleep)

PowerPoint is a tool you’ve probably used for your business’s presentations, possibly over and over again. It’s a great program, and it’s fairly simple to use. But have you ever taken a step back to really consider how effective your presentations are? […]

Posted in Branding Tips

The heart of the farm: Iowa poet publishes tribute to the beauty of the barn

Many years ago, Iowa poet Caroline Faidley put pen to paper and wrote a tribute to early twentieth-century farm life in Iowa. More specifically, Faidley, who turned 92 in July, wrote a poem that captured the liveliness and magic of the place she has always considered to be the very heart of the farm: the barn. This winter, her poem has grown into Hayropes & Hinges, the latest children’s book published by the Write Place. […]

Posted in Book Releases & Events

Book Contest winner celebrates book release in holiday style

On December 3, amidst the twinkling Christmas trees at Thistles Flower Shop in downtown Pella, the Write Place’s 2016 Book Contest winner Jean De Vries signed copies of her novel, Bestow On Us Your Grace. The entire Write Place team was on hand to help celebrate the release of the book, our seventy-sixth title. […]

Posted in Book Contest

Globe-trotting retrievers return for African safari adventure in new children’s book

Last year, author and illustrator Victoria Peterson Laird introduced readers to golden retriever brothers Lincoln and Nicholas in Retrieving Adventures! Lincoln and Nicholas Go to Alaska. This holiday season, Peterson Laird brings the furry duo back to the page in a sequel that tackles a new adventure: an African safari. […]

Posted in Book Releases & Events

2016 Book Contest winner to host book signing

Local author Jean De Vries will be signing copies of her first novel, Bestow On Us Your Grace, at Thistles Flower Shop in Pella on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! The event will celebrate the holiday release of De Vries’s book, winner of the Write Place 2016 Book Contest. […]

Posted in Book Contest

Putting infographics to work

There are tons of ways to use infographics in communication pieces with your customers and team members. Even if it’s not an all-out infographic, elements of the process and visuals you’d typically find in infographics can help make messages stick […]

Posted in Graphic Design Tips