copywriting samples.

"Make every word matter." This has been the driving principle of my simple, direct approach to writing for television, video, and my books. Check out my approach here!

Sunshine & Shadow

Intro (excerpt)

Book Copy

By the Roaring Twenties, the Rusticator culture had given way to a wealthy subculture of summer society, and a whirl of parties, arts, and music gave an upscale sheen to life in Bar Harbor. In addition to the glitz, some of today’s museums and land preservation efforts owe their existence to the visitors of this time.

The opulent culture of the twenties began to suffer through the Great Depression and World War II. In October 1947, the weather had been dry and clear for some time, when a small fire began in a bog. While the true cause is a matter of some speculation, the fire nevertheless seemed under control; of no great concern.

However, a few days later, the wind increased, eventually reaching gale force. Over three days in late October the fire burned out of control, threatening Bar Harbor and burning 170 homes of year-round residents and 60 summer “cottages” of great size and fabulousness. The fire made national news, and wasn’t declared out until the snows came.

This event marks the end of an era, and the start of another, but you can still find traces:

Stay in Bar Harbor sometime. Take a walk up Eden Street and look toward Great Hill to the west, where a careful look reveals stony foundations of some of the former mansions, never rebuilt. These “cottages,” once showplaces of wealth and summer relaxation, now are no more than a few stones, and photographs are all that remain. Opulence to ashes.

Sunshine and Shadow, Reflections on Mount Desert Island

by Wade B. Walton (All images, photography, and copy)

A Cottage Rental in Downeast Maine

Vacationland

NARR: (Breezy, Conversational) 1:40

On this episode of Acadia Cottages, we’re taking you inside the Reed Shore Cottage. Nestled in pine woods at the mouth of Bass Harbor, your place in Acadia is Downeast Maine at its finest.

I love how the shore-facing wall of windows lets in views of the harbor as it sparkles in the sunlight. The dining and living area are bright and comfortable with satellite television, a wood stove, and plenty of books and games for those occasional rainy days.

The kitchen features everything a “Master of the Microwave,” or a gourmet chef needs, while the outdoor grill and large burner with lobster pot make shore dinners a snap.

Speaking of outdoors, this porch is a dream. In fact, you’ll dream of sitting here with a refreshing beverage, watching the boat traffic in the harbor... and these knockout sunsets. Or, late at night, working on your star photography under Downeast Maine’s famous dark skies. (You won't get this in Boston!)

The shoreline is right there, down a flight of steps, where it’s so relaxing to watch lobster boats in action, or to just sit and listen to the tides.

Back inside, there’s plenty of room for family, or a crowd. A full downstairs suite has a separate sitting area with gas fireplace, a large bed and bath, and its own entrance that leads down to the shore.

Two more bedrooms upstairs, plus a bath complete with laundry, make your vacation a breeze.

Reed Shore Cottage is a short walk from Bass Harbor Head Light and Bass Harbor Campground, where you can catch the Island Explorer to Southwest Harbor, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park. You’ll love exploring Mount Desert Island by day, and relaxing at your cottage at night.

Your Place in Acadia is just a call, click, or email away. Acadia Cottage Rentals: Your Place in Acadia.

Real Estate Sales Video: YouTube/Multimedia

Woodstock Anniversary

When writing this promotion for QVC's "Woodstock Anniversary," I needed to find a way to appeal to the Woodstock Generation in hopes they'd buy books, t-shirts, and other memorabilia. How to connect their story to QVC's?

I imagined a couple who had attended the original event and were reminiscing about the experience 40 years on. I wrote from their point of view as they sat together and looked through a photo book about the concert, one of the products to be featured.

We shot the promo around QVC's campus, reenacting scenes like the infamous traffic jam, and how they eventually found the show on Yasgur's Farm.

WADE WALTON

PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEO | CONSULTING | FINE ART