Coastal Conversations
With a passion for storytelling and connecting people through meaningful narratives, Danielle Gomes is the author of “Roll Them Bones,” and three other published novels. She has built a career centered on communication, creativity and community. As an author, freelance journalist and brand development specialist, she works with individuals and organizations to help share their stories in authentic and impactful ways.
Whether reporting on local issues, highlighting inspiring people or helping businesses strengthen their public presence, Danielle brings a thoughtful and engaging approach to her work. Her diverse experiences offer a unique perspective on the power of storytelling and the important role it plays in building connections and fostering growth.
Here are the excerpts from our Coastal Conversation:
AS: What first inspired you to pursue a career in journalism and storytelling?
DG: I always wanted to tell my dad’s story from when he was in law enforcement and helped clean the mob out of the gaming industry. Growing up, I heard him tell his story so many times, and regardless of who he was telling it to, they were always completely engrossed. It didn’t matter if they were my friends from college or investment bankers; everyone loved his stories. So when I was in graduate school, I took a screenwriting class. The entire grade for the course was based on one assignment: you had to pitch, then write, a full-length screenplay. When it was my turn to pitch, I told my dad’s story. The pitch was supposed to last at least 20 minutes, but I ended up talking for two 45-minute class periods. The class was very into the story. From that assignment, I turned my dad’s story into a screenplay, then eventually a book proposal, and ended up getting my first book deal. Through the process of writing that book, I knew that I had found my passion in life. I loved telling stories.
AS: As a freelance journalist, what types of stories are you most passionate about covering? DG: I really love writing about people and sharing their life stories. Whether I’m covering a new restaurant that just opened or writing about a homeless person, I believe that everyone has a unique story. I think it’s interesting and powerful to understand what brought them to where they are in their lives — both the successes and the difficulties.
AS: How has the media landscape changed since you began your career, and how have you adapted to those changes?
DG: The media landscape has changed dramatically since I began writing. I pulled back on some freelance journalism work because it became primarily ad-driven, and that wasn’t what I wanted to do. AI is also rapidly changing the media landscape, and I’m not sure which writing careers will still be viable in the future.
AS: In addition to journalism, you work in brand development. How do storytelling and branding complement one another?
DG: Branding and storytelling go hand in hand. Brand development is essentially helping a company develop and tell its story. I think that for a company or product to be successful, it has to have a story people can relate to. So working in branding is really just an extension of storytelling. Also, as an author, it’s essential to build a brand around your writing.
AS: What are some of the key elements that help a person, business or organization build a strong and authentic brand?
DG: One of the key elements that helps a person, business or organization build a strong and authentic brand is, first and foremost, having a deep understanding of the brand’s mission. Before you can create messaging, visuals, marketing materials, or even decide how you want the brand to sound, you need to know what the brand truly stands for and why it exists. For example, with “Cuticle-B-Gone,” I began the company’s branding by peeling it down to one central statement. I wanted to understand not just what the product did, but what problem it solved and why that mattered. Once you can clearly define the mission, it becomes much easier to build everything else around it. Your messaging becomes more consistent, your voice becomes more authentic, and your audience has a clearer understanding of who you are and what you offer.
AS: Can you share a project or story that has been especially meaningful or memorable to you? DG: “Hit Me! Fighting the Las Vegas Mob by the Numbers” is especially meaningful to me because it’s my dad’s story and the reason I became a writer.
AS: What challenges do freelancers face in today’s media and communications environment? DG: I think the biggest challenge to freelancers in today’s market is AI. Most publications that I work with, including publishers, have a strict no-AI policy. However, I’m not sure how long that will remain. There have been authors whose careers have been ruined because they were caught using AI and had lied about it. However, there are platforms that also allow it, as long as it’s acknowledged.
AS: How important is community engagement when it comes to both journalism and brand development?
DG: Community engagement is essential. Writing, journalism and brand development are all fundamentally built around connecting with an audience. As human beings, we understand our world through stories. It’s one of the ways we make sense of our experiences and connect with one another.
AS: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in writing, journalism or communications?
DG: Read, write, then read some more. Read the stories that you want to write and then write the stories you like to read. I think the ability to write is like a muscle that can be trained. The more you do it, the more you work out, the better you get at it.
AS: Looking ahead, what goals or projects are you most excited about, and what do you hope to accomplish in the future?
DG: That’s an easy question to answer! I love writing fiction novels. They are definitely what I am most passionate about. I’ve written and published four novels so far. I have a fifth book that’s in editing, and I am currently working on my sixth book.
Many thanks to Danielle Gomes for sharing her insights and experiences. Her dedication to storytelling, communication and helping others share their message serves as a reminder of the powerful connections that can be created through words and authentic engagement.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
