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Crystal Smith

@crystalsmith.bsky.social
67 followers 171 following 122 posts

Freelance writer and editor. Avid reader of non-fiction & taker of B&W photos, among other creative pursuits. crystalsmith.ca 🇨🇦

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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Food writing makes great blog & newsletter content. It is versatile & relevant to all kinds of businesses. There are also many topics and angles to cover and lots of ways to present content. Click the link in this post to see examples from my portfolio. crystalsmith.ca/why-use-food...
crystalsmith.ca
Using Food Writing in Your Business Marketing - CRYSTAL SMITH
Regardless of how you approach food content, it will enable you to connect with new audiences and showcase your expertise.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
I love city signs and thought the clouds looked really cool in this shot. Location: Trinity Bellwoods area of Toronto. #blackandwhitephotography
Black and white photo of parking signs and a low-rise, brick office building in the Trinity Bellwoods area of Toronto.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
The first in a series I wrote a few years ago about the impact of food waste on the environment and the role meal planning can play in helping reduce food waste at the household level. Posting again for Earth Day. supperstruck.com/why-worry-ab...
supperstruck.com
Why Worry About Food Waste? - Supperstruck
Food waste is a problem not just for our wallets, but also for our environment and climate. A post on the scope of the problem.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
I've always loved the messiness of Queen and Spadina in Toronto, with its intersecting tracks and wires.
Black and white photo of the intersection of Queen and Spadina in Toronto showing streetcar tracks and wires with the CN Tower in the background.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
I love working on this issue. It's so cool to see the many types of businesses women are building. issuu.com/peilivingmag...
issuu.com
PEIL_SPRING26_Issuu
PEI Living magazine's 8th annual Women in Business edition.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
What an amazing discovery! It's fascinating and important to our understanding of the impact of human noise pollution on marine environments. On that note, I highly recommend the book Sing Like Fish by Amorina Kingdon, a deep dive (pardon the pun) into marine soundscapes.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
How to use blog categories and tags and avoid duplication and overlap. crystalsmith.ca/how-to-use-c...
crystalsmith.ca
How To Use Categories and Tags in Your Blog Posts  - CRYSTAL SMITH
Not sure how to use blog categories and tags? Find an overview here, including the two key things to avoid: duplication and excess tags.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
"It's denning season in Ontario...I, for one, hope people can accept [coyotes] as a valuable species, playing a vital part in our ecology." Me too! They don't deserve their bad reputation. My city recently closed a trail to dogs to prevent disruption of a denning area. Maybe cities are learning.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Newly diagnosed as prediabetic? That was me a few years ago. I didn't really know what it meant, what came next, or even what questions to ask. I've learned a lot about it since then and wanted to share to help others in the same boat. My blog series on prediabetes starts here. shorturl.at/uVFR4
shorturl.at
Prediabetes – Lessons from Someone Who’s Been There
If left unchecked, prediabetes can progress to more serious health problems. If you are newly diagnosed, this blog series is for you.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Not "yet" a national security threat but there has been "a rise of regressive & anti-feminist groups in Canada" seeking "to dismantle feminist & gender equality movements in favour of male superiority & recreating a 'romanticized' vision of the past." globalnews.ca/news/1166168...
globalnews.ca
Anti-feminist ideology ‘increasingly relevant’ to national security: CSIS - National | Globalnews.ca
Officials with Canada's security and intelligence agency told MPs the ideology 'can function as an enabling factor along pathways to violent extremism' but is not itself a threat.
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Reposted by Crystal Smith
The Pixel Project @thepixelproject.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: This March, The Pixel Project will be presenting the 10th annual International Women's Day Edition of our Read For Pixels campaign featuring 15 women writers saying NO to #VAW. For more information, check out the full announcement here: tinyurl.com/R4PIWD2026An...
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Some good suggestions here. Getting out of the Google space is a daunting prospect and one I can't get my head around just yet, so I'm starting small with the WeatherCAN app and Vivaldi browser.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Happy holidays to all who are celebrating! 📷 Photo is my own.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
"Yet as a society, we continue to deny the straight line between the minimization of everyday violence against women and the more horrific forms of misogyny that eventually materialize."
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
Never forget. #dec6
Monument to victims of the Montreal massacre listing each of their names.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
I'm a little late in promoting this, but I'm an editor on the series and recommend it highly for shining a light on the work of activists and artists seeking to end violence against women. The series runs until December 10 but click the tags to see the entries from previous years.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Starting work on the winter issue, but realized I forgot to post a link to the fall issue. Yet another good one from PEI Living. issuu.com/peilivingmag...
issuu.com
PEI Living Fall 2025
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition. We sit down with Tim Banks, a local entrepreneur and dedicated Islander. Just in time for the holidays, we have 10 pages featuring fabulous ideas for everyone on your
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Blogs are important marketing tools for small businesses, but the time involved in maintaining them can be substantial. It's not just writing, but finding keywords, doing research, editing, and sourcing photos. The good news? It's OK to ask for help. shorturl.at/0QETs
shorturl.at
Blogging for Your Business: How Much Time Do You Need? - CRYSTAL SMITH
Blogging involves more than writing. Research, editing & sourcing photos take time. Why not hire a freelance writer to do the work instead?
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
The People & Pets campaign is such an innovative way to raise awareness that pets can become pawns in a domestic violence situation & threats of violence toward them can force someone to stay in a dangerous situation. Visit The Pixel Project site to learn more about their anti-VAW work!
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
"...when you’ve hit the wall on the piece you’re writing, a mental and physical break is absolutely necessary. You’ll be surprised how much room you’ll create for new ideas when you give yourself some distance from the old ones." shorturl.at/L0J1a
shorturl.at
An Essential Step for Curing Writer's Block - CRYSTAL SMITH
Writer's block affects all business writers. The most essntial step for curing it: get away from your computer for a complete mental refresh.
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Reposted by Crystal Smith
Cat Hughes @celticqueen13.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
#books are awesome.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
You may know the 3 Cs of good content but I have a few more for you: care, consideration & correctness. Take care to contemplate & craft a strong message. Consider your readers and respect their time. And ensure your content is correct -- use credible resources & edit your work. shorturl.at/OOTEb
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Want Good Content? Follow the 3 Cs (Plus Three More)  - CRYSTAL SMITH
Are there only 3 Cs for effective communication? The case for adding three more: care, consideration, and correctness.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
"Start with the questions your clients/customers/patients ask you: -What do you get asked 2-3 times a week? -What do you have to explain on a regular basis? -What are some fundamentals of your industry you would like your audience to understand?" Read more here: crystalsmith.ca/fyi-what-is-...
crystalsmith.ca
FYI: What is Evergreen Content? - CRYSTAL SMITH
Evergreen content: what it is, how to use it, and examples of different formats and titles.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Happy to have contributed to this magazine again. Even if you're not on the Island or planning a trip there, check it out for some seasonal food and drink recipes, book recommendations, and fashion and home decor features. online.flippingbook.com/view/216390900 PEIL SUMMER25
online.flippingbook.com
PEIL SUMMER25
This interactive flipbook is created with FlippingBook, a service for streaming PDFs online. No download, no waiting. Open and start reading right away!
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
I learned so much from this book about how marine creatures use sound & how sounds from humans affect them, e.g. the sound of an air gun can change blood chemistry in lobsters and scallops & damage the sensory hair cells lobsters use to sense gravity and orientation. 1/2
Cover of the book "Sing Like Fish" by Amorina Kingdon.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
According to Merriam-Webster, in its first use the word “free lance” referred to a “medieval mercenary who would fight for whichever nation or person paid them the most.” Freelancers today are more likely to be hired pens than hired guns. Learn more about what we do here: shorturl.at/z4DgG
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What Does a Freelance Writer Do? - CRYSTAL SMITH
We are writers for hire, free to work as needed with business owners or marketing agencies seeking to outsource some or all of their communication tasks.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
More black & white from my recent day trip to Toronto: a few random places downtown.
A church on King Street in Toronto seen through the wrought iron fence that surrounds it.Looking up at a white brick building which, according to its historical plaque, sits on the site of the former York Hospital, which operated in the 1800s. I believe this building was also part of Honest Ed's Warehouse, a restaurant that was quite famous back in the day.A statue of pianist Glenn Gould, sitting on a bench outside the CBC building on Front Street in Toronto.A rundown "park here" sign that is still somehow photogenic. It's a little outdated, referring to the Air Canada Centre which was renamed sometime ago, but that's part of its charm. It also refers to the Convention Centre, Ripley's Aquarium, CN Tower, and Rogers Centre (which I still call the SkyDome).
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Black & white: lines at Union Station.
Lines of railings and floor tiles from the GO concourse at Toronto Union Station, looking down to the shopping concourse from above. Surprisingly empty benches at Toronto Union Station. Lines of the wood slats in the seats looked cool.Lines in the glass-encased elevator leading to platforms 6&7 at Toronto Union Station. Many lines of tracks and station roof and overall structure on platform 7 at Toronto Union Station.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
"Before publishing anything you write, it’s important to review it to ensure it is clear and concise. It’s not about length...it’s about trimming excess words to ensure nothing is getting in the way of your message." crystalsmith.ca/trim-the-exc...
crystalsmith.ca
Trim the Excess for Clear, Concise Content - CRYSTAL SMITH
Tips for making cuts to your content to ensure it is clear and concise.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
"To ensure your blog post or online article is the best it can be, it’s not enough to check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Sometimes issues of style and structure can detract from your message." #blogwriting crystalsmith.ca/five-blog-wr...
crystalsmith.ca
Five Blog Writing Mistakes and How To Fix Them - CRYSTAL SMITH
Five issues of style and structure that can detract from the message in your blog or article writing, plus information on how to fix them.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
We had such a miserable spring. It's so nice to see the flowers in bloom at last.
Tiny white flowers in full bloom. I don't know the name of the plant.Allium blooming--purple flowers in a public flower bed on my dog, walking routes.White and pink flowers blooming on a chestnut tree.Bright pink flowers blooming on a chestnut tree.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Adding another book to my to-read list. The genius myth definitely needs some unpacking and busting so I think this will be an interesting book.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
"An outline is an essential first step for any type of business writing...I’ve broken the process down into five basic steps with some bonus tips for making your outline more complete." crystalsmith.ca/how-to-write...
crystalsmith.ca
How to Write an Article Outline - CRYSTAL SMITH
Four steps for writing a blog post or article outline to help you keep on track with your content creation.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Zing. The hypocrisy of that man.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Amazing how much this parallels the recent Canadian election. It will be interesting to see the results.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
"Editors make suggestions, not demands. We do not seek to confront, but to collaborate. Our goal is not to make you sound like us; it is to ensure you sound like you, but maybe with a little more polish and focus." shorturl.at/ocpDS
shorturl.at
An Editor Is Not the Boss of You - CRYSTAL SMITH
A freelance editor helps polish your writing by suggesting enhancments, not forcing. Ultimately, you decide what stays and what goes.
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Reposted by Crystal Smith
Charlie Angus @charlieangus104.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
This election is not about Trump. It is about standing up for Canada and defying the rage-baiters, conspiracy trolls and those who trash our nation to score points. This election is about you Pierre Poilievre. We reject your hate politics. Canadians do your best. Don't accept the worst.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
More B&W photos from my latest visit to Toronto. #blackandwhitephotography #torontophotos
The gates at Trinity Bellwoods park.Picture of coffee and a scone on a table, looking out towards the door of a coffee shop with exposed brick walls.Picture of two low-rise buildings on Atlantic Avenue in Toronto, walking north from Exhibition Station. Something about this picture makes it look like a deserted street in an old western movie, but more modern.Looking down the platform at Exhibition Station towards downtown Toronto with the CN tower in the background.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
B&W in Toronto: shop signs, so photogenic. #blackandwhitephotography #trinitybellwoods
Black and white photo of Spadina Auto sign.Black and white photo of La Cubana restaurant sign.Black and white photo of shop signs on West Queen West in Toronto, including The Ordinary, Type Books and That Paper Place.Black-and-white photo of a shop sign for a discount store featuring the name of The Toronto Star and with the words "post office" covered over.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
As editor of this series, I may be a little biased, but I love it because it showcases all the work going on around the world to help prevent violence against girls and women, and support survivors. It is also, as the name suggests, very inspirational. This is the latest in the series.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Just reading this feels so calming and soothing. Beautiful.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
I'm happy to have contributed to this magazine once again. Even if you don't live on the Island, it's definitely worth flipping through. There are articles about food, fashion and decor with great photography, too. #peiliving online.flippingbook.com/view/465422215
online.flippingbook.com
PEIL SPRING25
Enjoy the Spring 2025 edition of PEI Living as we celebrate Island women in business.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
A painting that brightens the day.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
😆 and 🤢
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Reposted by Crystal Smith
Charlie Angus @charlieangus104.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
If you are worried about disinformation and media manipulation in this election give a pass to @ctvyourmorning.bsky.social They caved to pressure from Pierre Poiievre's online posse in their continual harassment of @rachelgilmore.bsky.social She is a truth teller. CTV is not.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Opening day! Let's go Blue Jays!
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Reposted by Crystal Smith
🇨🇦Joe Vipond🇨🇦 @jvipondmd.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
"It’s a really ugly situation when a sitting Premier is trying to insert herself into the outcome of a federal election the way Ms. Smith appears to be. It’s offensive and wrong. It’s certainly no way for a provincial leader in Canada to behave in the midst of a national crisis."
theglobeandmail.com
Did Danielle Smith lobby the U.S. to help Pierre Poilievre? Sure looks like it
An interview with Breitbart reveals some troubling partisan actions taken by the Alberta Premier
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Reposted by Crystal Smith
Barney Panofsky's Best Intentions @mynamesnotgordy.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Such a funny little man.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
That poor man. What a despicable crime.
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Crystal Smith @crystalsmith.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I'm not a poet but my dog has inspired some attempts at haiku. Here is one of them: waves roll in softly a dog enters the water to quench his thirst 📷 Photo is my own. #haikufeels #waves
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