Well hello there!
If you’re reading this, one of two things have happened.
Either you’re a bona fide Internet sleuth — possibly the brainchild of Sherlock Holmes and Edward Snowden — who has come to discover this otherwise secretive portfolio page, which showcases some living examples of the range of brand stories, essays, human interest stories, personal narrative pieces and more than live on my online home, DaveUrsillo.com.
Or, you may have simply clicked a link in a resume or cover letter that I sent to you. Which would make a lot more sense.
Either way, I’m happy that you’re here!
Please enjoy this small collection of writing samples as a testament to the overarching body of work that I’ve created over nearly 10 years of running my own business while delivering consistent, prolific creative output under a cohesive and reputable brand.
When you’re finished here, check out my testimonials page, or send me an email so we can chat.
Thank you for reading,
Dave Ursillo
Writer, Content Marketer, Strategist + Producer
Cultivating Brands, Voices + Communities Since 2009
Brand Stories
The following brand stories are content marketing efforts that have reached tens of thousands of readers and potential clients on behalf of my most recent premium product offering, Unavoidable Writing, a 40-lesson writing e-course. These samples speak to the breadth and depth of range of creativity, consistency and accessibility from which I have drawn for a decade to deliver entirely original and highly marketable content.
- Journalers-in-Secret, Budding Creatives and Reluctant Writers, Unite! Unavoidable Writing is a writing course at the intersection of self-knowledge and self-expression. Experience soulful personal writing, beyond stress and anxiety.
- Prioritize Your Inner World, and the Outer World Will Follow. Our words and stories, paired conscientiously with self-inquiry and a willingness to become more of our whole and true selves, unlocks the mysterious code that is shouting to each of us to listen, and heed, and respond.
- If you are called to The Creative… listen. Even when it seems to defy logic, reason, or rationality it’s only by listening to the calling of The Creative that we may begin to harmonize our inner world with our outer world.
- Writing is Deepening into the Soul of Who You Are. Writing, of all forms of self-expression, is an ever-deepening circle into the soul of who you are. Because the act of writing consists of the very words of the stories, sentiments, emotions and experiences that you’re living as you live them.
- Unavoidable Writing: How what you’re avoiding reveals your refuge. Meet my new writing course, Unavoidable Writing, through these two previously-untold stories of how what I was resisting the most revealed my personal refuge.
- What can you learn from what you’re avoiding? Turns out, a lot. If you struggle (as I sometimes do) to figure out what choice to make next, the place to inquire may be with what you feel like you’re avoiding the most.
- 7 Writing Prompts for Mindfulness (That You Can Journal in 7 Minutes or Less). These 7 simple writing prompts help you slow down into a state of presence with topics that are actually meaningful and self-informing for writing about.
Essays & Human Interest Stories
These pieces reflect human interest stories told from a first person perspective, and range from narrative journalism to travel chronicles in places like India and Cuba. As a writer with a background in politics and public service, I utilize the written word to invite readers into considering alternative viewpoints to their own through elements of compassion, empathy and emotional resonance, which not only makes for good storytelling — it is the fabric of what makes us human.
- Where Is Home? Mohammad’s Story. It’s 8 days after the Muslim immigration ban took effect. Mohammad is stuck in Tehran. I can hear his young daughter crying faintly in the background.
- Patria or Death: Chronicles of an American in Cuba. What was it like to visit Cuba as a solo traveler? And, an American tourist? And, in one of the world’s last remaining Communist countries? I’m glad you asked.
- At 5:38 AM, We Stood on the Highway and Shared Chai Tea. My first hours traveling in India took a bad turn. But this true story of the real life stresses of global travel takes a compassionate turn — one I won’t soon forget.
- Why is Miss Smith Crying? I lost a tooth at recess in the 2nd grade. I never would have remembered this day if I didn’t see my teacher, Miss Smith, crying. Years later, I was still wondering why.
- I Failed My Life’s Purpose. What I Did Next Changed Everything. Four years after quitting my job, I was at a crossroads: Would I move to a new city again? Or, would I try to make something of where I already was?
- Let’s Agree to Disagree. A school teacher and lifelong military veteran are locked in an epic email debate. It has lasted for months. And neither is backing down. So, why do they keep responding?
Personal Narrative
These personal narrative essays intersect life lessons that I’ve taken picked up in my personal life, along my creative journey as a writer an author, and as an experienced business-owner. I love synthesizing meaningful lessons and reflections into teachable (and shareable) advice, as it bonds with readers through deep levels of authenticity and vulnerability, and maintains deep connections to prospective clients.
- Lifestyle Design is Over. Romantic as it may be to paint life as an undying adventure, it runs the risk of detaching readers from the truth of the realities that we all live.
- Busy is Not a Story. Eliminating this one word from your vocabulary is all you may require to turn everyday minutia and boring exchanges into more meaningful, authentic connections.
- Your Attention Has Been Commodified (+ What To Do About It). Online advertising is a multi-billion dollar business. Google and Facebook are tracking our actions and trying to predict our behaviors. More and more, advertisers are manipulating our emotions. The solution? Practice valuing your own attention more than they do.
- Why You Do and Don’t Want to Quit Your Job, from a Guy Who Did. No, you shouldn’t quit your job. But maybe you should, anyways. This 5,000-word exposé takes every angle into consideration, so you don’t have to.
- The Season of Creation (A Story of Springtime in New England). Every season of creation is a time of upheaval and churning. Promise and hope of what could be rub up against what already is. Emotions and uncertainty stir; the muck of old, self-protective narratives that we’ve subconsciously clung onto for ages rise to the surface of our awareness.
“Dave brings deep experience and devotion to his teachings. What a gift to study with such a kind, smart and compassionate man! He cares that you learn, that you grow, and that you get all that you came for — which, especially in this age of online hucksters and overnight experts, is a rare and beautiful thing.”Jennifer Louden, Best-Selling Author and Teacher
“I’ve known Dave as a teacher of writing, yoga and self-expression for nearly a decade. I can’t recommend working with him highly enough! He brings incredible heart and soul to underline his passion for helping others. Expect the perfect blend of encouragement with practical tools to get you unstuck, inspired, and excited to share your truth.”Jenny Blake, Speaker, Podcast Host and Author of Pivot and Life After College
“Dave is an immensely talented story coach and writer. He was a go-to member of the Get Storied team for a couple of years, which I’m deeply grateful for. Our clients adore him! Dave’s always a joy to work with. As a devoted yogi, he works hard to bring people’s authentic story to life with grace, passion, and deep insight.”Michael Margolis, Global Storytelling Evangelist and Cultural Anthropologist