Make it make sense.
Then make it irresistible.
As an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, expert copywriter and brand strategist, I've inspired hundreds of thousands of people to laugh, cry, and take action.
My favorite thing? Helping mission-driven brands like yours transform complex ideas into crystal-clear narratives that ignite imagination and spark real connection.
Whether it's video that enthralls, web copy that captivates, or emails that get readers to take action, I craft words and visuals that are impossible to ignore, even in an increasingly crowded online space.
Let me help you turn your brand's potential into powerful results.
Specifically, here's how I can help:
Website UX
I bring two decades of expertise in both copywriting and design - so you get an expert who thoughtfully merges storytelling with visual impact (extra bang for your buck!). From Photoshop to Canva, WordPress to web copy, I create beautiful, user-friendly experiences that guide visitors to take action.
Email Marketing
I'm a copywriting chameleon who excels at crafting powerful email marketing that perfectly captures your brand's vibe and values while making complex ideas feel beautifully simple. The result? Messages your audience actually look forward to reading because they're warm, human and easy to understand.
Branding
When it comes to building memorable brands, I'm your triple threat: expert copywriter, designer, and brand strategist all rolled into one detail-obsessed package. Decades of experience have taught me that consistency is everything - and I'm here to make sure you look polished, down to the last word.
Selected Work Portfolio
CHASING SILVER: THE STORY OF GORHAM
THE GOAL: Create a world-class documentary series chronicling Gorham Silver's legacy as a titan of the American Industrial Revolution.
THE APPROACH: Craft an elegant, cinematic narrative driven by compelling first-person accounts and enriched with rare archival materials.
THE RESULTS: New England Emmy Award Winner | Gold Telly Award Winner | NETA Public Television Award Winner |
Highest-rated program in debut month | Selected for national PBS distribution
MY ROLE: Writer & Producer | Editor & Graphic Designer | Animator & Visual Researcher | Historical Archivist
ACORNS TO BECORNS
THE GOAL: Create a whimsical, enthralling portrait of artist David Bird and his beloved Becorn characters, appealing to audiences of all ages through the universal language of creativity and wonder.
THE APPROACH: Develop a playful, quirky narrative that plunges viewers directly into Bird's fascinating artistic process.
THE RESULTS: New England Emmy Award Winner | People's Choice Telly Award Winner | Most-watched YouTube video in Rhode Island PBS history | Record-breaking YouTube Short for the station | Global audience engagement across multiple platforms
MY ROLE: Creative Consultant focusing on story structure, pacing and flow
Native Voices
THE GOAL: Create a short series to accompany PBS’s Native America premiere, rooted in community perspective.
THE APPROACH: Partner with our local Native Tribe to understand history, living culture, and today’s challenges; crafting the series with care to ensure accuracy and respect.
THE RESULTS: Premiered at a live screening at the University of Rhode Island to an overwhelmingly positive response. Elevating voices too often sidelined in prime-time remains one of the proudest moments of my television career.
MY ROLE: Writer | Producer | Editor
COPYWRITING WORK
THE GOAL: Create an informative, engaging nurture sequence to welcome new subscribers into my community.
THE APPROACH: Communicate warmly and openly; provide added value through free resources and valuable tips; showcase my expertise to build the know-like-trust factor.
EMAIL 1: Welcome to My Community
Subject: Ready to whip up a logo you love? ❤️
Preview: Here's everything you need to get started!
Hi {first_name}!
I'm so excited to welcome you to my community and to help you create a logo you love - quickly and while having FUN!
Here's the link to your gift. Please be sure to watch the video first if you're not familiar with Canva (even then, I have some tips and tricks that will come in handy!)
And if you need more branding help...guess what?! You're in the right place!
In the coming days, I'll share stories, strategies and tools to help you navigate your branding adventure.
Until then, happy logo designing!
xo Maria
EMAIL 2: Templates In Action
Subject: Logo templates in action to spark your creativity! 💥🎨
Hi {first_name}!
I'm SO thrilled that you snagged my Canva Logo Template pack! Have you taken it for a spin yet? 🚗💨
If not, no worries! I've got some before and after examples to spark your creativity.
But first, I'd love to introduce myself with 5 quick tid-bits of info...
1) I was born in Greece, but grew up on a beautiful game reserve in South Africa (yes, leopards were frequently on our roof and giraffe sauntered past the kitchen window!)
2) I have worked with some of the world's leading brands, but my FAVORITE thing is helping people like YOU master their branding and marketing.
3) I have two NE Emmy Awards for my work as a television producer, and I took care of on-air promotion for my local PBS affiliate for 22 years.
4) I am a board certified Health Coach and a certified Coach specializing in branding and online marketing. No surprise - I love working with fellow coaches!!!
5) I currently live on the east coast of the USA. I have an amazing hubby of 20 years and one two-legged and three four-legged children!
So now that we're caught up - at least for now! - here are some examples of the Canva templates I gave you, in action:
[LOGO EXAMPLES]
These each took about 10 minutes or less to create. But hey, I'm not suggesting you turn into The Flash and rush through it!
In fact, it's SUPER IMPORTANT (sorry to get all shouty) to do a bit of soul-searching about your brand story, values, and who your ideal customer is FIRST.
Then, once you've got your brand's heart and soul figured out, you can dive into choosing the perfect color palette, fonts, and graphics that'll make your logo strut like a flamingo in a flock of pigeons!
The real beauty? These templates are here to help you move swiftly and effortlessly, ticking 'Create Awesome Logo' off your to-do list in no time!
Tomorrow, I'll be spilling the beans on my big gaffe when I first started my coaching business. It's a cautionary tale that directly relates to your branding.
As we say in television...stay tuned!
xo Maria
P.S. No need to rummage around in your inbox for your logo templates. Just click here!
EMAIL 3: Important Notice
Subject: ❗Logo trademark info you need to know! (Plus another 🎁)
Hi {first_name}!
I am not an attorney, nor have I ever played one on TV, so with this disclaimer, I want to talk about trademarks! When it comes to your logo, it's something that you may want to consider. (In full disclosure, I've never trademarked any of my logos - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't!)
Not sure what a trademark (or a service mark) is? The US Patent and Trademark Office provides a good explanation on their site. 🔍
So, let's say you DO want to trademark your logo...Canva has some important rules you need to follow (they are linked in their Terms of Use when you originally signed up. However, there's a lot to take in there, which is why I'm bringing this to your attention.)
IN A NUTSHELL:
✅ Canva says that you CAN trademark any logos you create that, "use basic lines and shapes from our Free library. You can also use all of our fonts."
🚫 However, you CAN NOT trademark any logo that uses "stock content (e.g. photos and graphics) as we only give you a non-exclusive license to this." Why does Canva say this? Because these elements are not for your use alone. Here's their licensing explained in detail.
Other platforms like Creative Market have even tighter rules. It's a good reminder to ALWAYS check the fine print of the platform you're using/getting creative assets from.
So, in summary, how can you use logo templates in Canva (mine or others)? If you DO want to trademark, now or in the future, stick to fonts and basic lines and shapes. Do not use any frames, photos, graphics, icons etc. that you find in Canva and that are included in the templates. If you're not planning to trademark, you have far less restrictions on creative assets - but remember, a simple logo is always better than throwing in the kitchen sink!
I hope this has been helpful information for you. If you have any questions, it's always a great idea to refer to Canva's Terms of Use or connect with an attorney.
Okay, now it's gift time!
This handy PDF, my Canva Basics Guide, is part of the extensive Canva training in Brand-Aid Academy. If you're not already a Canva wiz, this guide will give you some tips and tricks to get started.
Here's to creating a brand you love!
xo Maria
P.S. Interested in a backstage pass to brand mentoring and clarity? Join Brand-Aid Academy! I would love to help you and your business shine!
THE GOAL: Create an informative, engaging sequence for affiliate partners to promote The No-Fuss Author Website.
THE APPROACH: Dispel common website myths; emphasize the power of simplicity; use humor and empathy to forge connection.
EMAIL 1: The Minimalist Author Website
Subject: Your author website should be working for, not against you!
Preview: The most effective author sites follow a simple 4-part formula
Hi [Name],
As humans, we have a way of complicating things, including our websites. But in reality, the most effective author websites follow a very simple formula:
They make it easy to join your email list (you DO have one, right?!)
They showcase your books beautifully
They tell readers just enough about you to form a connection
They work perfectly on phones (where most of your visitors are reading)
That's it.
Anything more is just creating busy work that keeps you from your actual job: writing books people love.
If you're nodding along but thinking "Yeah, but I don't know how to build even a simple website," I've got something special for you….
It’s called The No-Fuss Author Website and it’s specifically for authors who want an effective, professional site without the headaches, high fees or weeks spent in design despair.
The best part? It's actually designed by someone who understands what authors actually need, and all the heavy-lifting has been done for you!
If you've been putting off your website or silently resenting the one you have, this might be exactly what you need. Read all the details here. (Quick heads up, that’s my affiliate link. I only promote quality offers I think you’ll love.)
[SIGN OFF]
P.S. I genuinely believe The No-Fuss Author Website is the solution many writers are looking for. If you're tired of technology getting in the way of your visibility, check it out here.
P.P.S. This email contains my affiliate link for The No-Fuss Author Website. This means that if you purchase the toolkit, I may receive a commission - at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting me as I share valuable resources for authors.
EMAIL 2: What Readers Actually Want
Subject: What readers ACTUALLY want from your author website (it's not what you think)
Hi [Name],
Think of your website as a first date with a potential reader. And like any first date, there's a fine line between: "Tell me more about yourself..." and "PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD STAMP COLLECTION!" 😳
Readers arriving at your site are making split-second decisions:
"Is this author writing books I'd enjoy?"
"Do I connect with their personality/vibe?"
"Is it worth giving them my email address?"
"Where can I find their books?"
They're NOT thinking: "I wonder what writing awards they won in 2013?" Or, "I can’t wait to read 47 blog posts from their archives!"
What Readers Actually Want:
Instant Genre Recognition - Readers want immediate visual confirmation they've found their "type" of author. Your site should scream "thriller" or "romance" or "fantasy" (or whatever you write!) within 3 seconds.
Emotional Connection - A brief, personality-filled author bio that makes them feel like they know you. Not your resume, you as a human being.
Easy Book Discovery - Clear covers, compelling descriptions, and obvious purchase links. No treasure hunts.
A Fair Exchange - A valuable reason to join your email list (a free story, chapter, or guide) with minimal friction to sign up.
That's literally it. Everything else is just noise that interferes with forging a meaningful connection.
If you're thinking, "This makes sense but I don't know how to create this kind of focused website," I have excellent news.
Brand strategist and self-published author, Maria Saracen, has created The No-Fuss Author Website that's built around these exact reader principles.
And the best part? It's designed for authors who don’t love dealing with tech but want professional results - without the designer price tag!
👉 See what's inside The No-Fuss Author Website (yep, that’s my affiliate link.)
To meaningful connections with your readers!
[SIGN OFF]
P.S. If you're tired of guessing what readers want from your website, Maria's system takes the guesswork out completely. Take a peek at all that’s included right here.
P.P.S. This email contains my affiliate link for The No-Fuss Author Website. If you use it to make a purchase, I may receive a commission - at no added cost to you. It’s Maria’s way of thanking me for connecting The No-Fuss Author Website with authors who will love it.
THE GOAL: Transform complex zoology concepts into engaging, kid-friendly content through a partnership with Roger Williams Park Zoo, creating educational videos that capture young minds.
THE APPROACH: Craft fast-paced, one-minute episodes perfect for young attention spans; featured child narrators to create peer-to-peer connection; brought animal facts to life through dynamic visual storytelling; and, combined education with entertainment through colorful, energetic production
THE RESULT: What started as a local project became an award-winning national PBS Learning Media series, used by educators and students nationwide.
MY ROLE: Concept developer | Writer & Producer | Editor
HYACINTH MACAWS
MEET AMY AND ANGEL, TWO HYACINTH MACAWS FROM ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO!
HYACINTH MACAWS COME FROM SOUTH AMERICA, AND THEY'RE THE BIGGEST PARROTS IN THE WORLD THAT CAN FLY!
SEE THAT BEAK? IT'S SO STRONG, IT CAN CRACK THE HARDEST NUTS IN THE WORLD - IN SECONDS! THESE MACAWS ALSO LIKE TO MUNCH ON FRUIT, BERRIES AND SEEDS.
ANOTHER FUN FACT: HYACINTH MACAWS CAN LIVE FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE! AND WHEN THEY FIND THEIR SPECIAL SOMEONE, THEY STAY TOGETHER FOR LIFE.
THESE GENTLE GIANTS ARE SUPER SMART, CURIOUS, AND PLAYFUL! THEY'RE ALSO REALLY GOOD AT COPYING HUMAN WORDS AND SOUNDS.
BYE AMY AND ANGEL, IT WAS GREAT MEETING YOU!
THE GOAL: Transform clinical psychology messaging into warm, approachable copy that helps potential clients feel understood and hopeful about seeking therapy.
THE APPROACH: Replace academic jargon with empathetic, conversational language; create an encouraging tone that validates the client's experience; balance professional expertise with human connection; focus on hope and positive outcomes while acknowledging challenges.
Trauma can leave unhealed wounds
in the body, mind, and spirit
You might look fine on the outside, holding everything together, but inside it's a different story. Maybe you feel constantly on edge, always bracing for something to go wrong. Or, maybe, you feel disconnected from yourself or others, going through the motions but never fully present.
No matter how much time has passed, the past still finds ways to surface – in your body, your thoughts, and the moments that catch you off guard.
The truth is, no matter how hard you try to contain or ignore it, unresolved trauma will ALWAYS find a way to get your attention - sabotaging your relationships, robbing you of good health, and preventing you from enjoying life until the underlying cause is understood and healed.
Read full copy on client website.
THE GOAL: Create a humorous, conversational and informative guest blog post for Build Book Buzz - one of the internet's most popular marketing sites for authors.
Why every author needs a brand
When I was four years old, a friend and I had a genius idea: peel every label off every can in his family’s pantry while the babysitter wasn’t looking. That poor household spent the next month playing dinner roulette.
Was it peaches? Beans? Cat food? Who knew! It was chaos, and we were supremely proud of our work.
Why am I telling you this? Because packaging matters.
And yes, this includes how you package yourself as an author.
THE GOAL: Transform traditional branding exercises into an engaging quest-style workbook that motivates authors to actually complete their critical brand foundation work through storytelling and adventure.
The Brand Map for Authors
Welcome, dear author!
You've spent your life telling stories. Now, it's time to tell another, very important one - the story of your brand!
To help you do this, I’ve created this very special workbook, or shall we call it a very special quest (we do have a flair for the imaginative, after all!) because this isn’t your run-of-the-mill branding lecture.
It's your Brand Map!
A personal, interactive guide to uncover the voice, visuals, and values that make your work worthy of your reader’s attention.
You won't be building something fake or forced. You'll be excavating what's been there all along - your unique point of view, your real energy, your story worth sharing.
Take time to go through each quest carefully.
Bring a sense of curiosity (and your favorite writing instrument).
Print out the pages you need to fill out (they have minimal design to save on ink!)
Trust your instincts - your best brand is the one that feels like home.
This map is here to guide you, step-by-step, as you define your ideal reader, write your brand story, build your visual identity, and shape your lasting impact.
Ready to begin? Let’s get started!
See the full PDF lead magnet (also designed by me) here.
WEBSITE DESIGN
To experience my approach to design and user experience, please click on the images to explore these custom websites. Each demonstrates my commitment to clean aesthetics, intuitive navigation, and strategic storytelling through design.
Featured Projects:
• Two author-specific website templates, crafted to showcase both books and personal brands
• One custom site highlighting my expertise in creating engaging, conversion-focused user journeys
• One link-in-bio page design for social media
What sets these designs apart are thoughtful user pathways that guide visitors naturally; strategic placement of calls-to-action; clean, professional aesthetics that let content shine; mobile-first responsiveness; and, brand-aligned visual storytelling
LOGO DESIGN PORTFOLIO
With over 20 years' experience partnering with solopreneurs, startups, and some of the world's most recognized brands, my portfolio spans virtually every industry and challenge. Need examples of specific work? I'm happy to share relevant samples.
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