What does Pen & Dagger mean? 

Who doesn't love a play on words? What's in between an idea and a piece of paper or a piece of wood and a beautifully carved design: the tool. Whether it's a pen or a carving tool, you need to use your technique to make the tool work. "Pen & Dagger" is a term used in the wood carving community to describe a grip using both hands working together. The secret to control is to push the tool with one hand and resist the forward movement with the other. The tension between your hands creates a balance between two forces. 

This is a lot like the process of writing. You can't just put pen to paper, you need to get comfortable, practice, and balance the forces of your message with the action or emotion you want the reader to feel. 

To me: “Pen and Dagger” has layers of meaning, just the way I like it. “Pen” refers to the writing I enjoy so much. “Dagger” both suggests the power of words and gives a quiet nod to my literary research, which primarily focuses on Gothic narratives. Some of my fellow artists out there might also recognize the name Pen and Dagger as a sculpting technique; so it serves as a subtle metaphor for the work I do for my clients.

My approach is often hard to describe. It's part of the magic. It's a push and pull of ideas, and they beautifully come together in the perfect message...thus...We are Pen & Dagger.

What People Are Saying

  • "I've worked with Bryan on several projects, short and long-term for copywriting, and he has always delivered well-researched and appropriately toned work. The timelines were often tight. We needed fresh content weekly, and we needed him to work independently, interviewing subject matter experts and delivering ready-to-go blogs, web content, articles, and others. I highly recommend Bryan."

    Jordan Lacenski, Founder, Brands By Jordan

  • "My need for writing support was fairly niche, to say the least. I reached out to Bryan at the recommendation of someone in my network, and he was fully up to the task. He listened, understood my needs, helped me strategize, and moved me closer to achieving my goals. His versatility and collaborative mindset also made working with him a pleasure."

    Marjorie Jenkins

  • "I love sending my clients to work with Pen & Dagger! Bryan's deliverables offer game-changing insights for the founders and their marketing/branding teams. His ability to harness research and provide ideal marketing copy allows startups to really tell their story and get immediate results with customers and stakeholders alike."

    Jenn Hensel, Founder and Chief Strategist, ElePitch

Interested? Schedule an appointment.

1) We’ll discuss your situation and your specific needs.
2) Let’s create a customized action plan.
3) We’ll execute the plan together.