illumelation

03/06/2026

So many of my mates (and clients!) are authors writing books, launching Substacks, or finally putting their work out into the world. Almost all of them ask me exact the same thing:

“How do I grow an audience on social media who are genuinely interested in what I write?”

“Like, ACTUALLY???”

So, no gatekeeping! These are my quick wins (as a social media strategist who’s built communities for global brands and works closely within the publishing and literary space) 👆🏽

If you want engaged readers, you need content formats that connect people to YOU, not just your book. Swipe to the end for:
• content formats that help your work get discovered
• simple ways to build real connection with readers
• the most underrated strategy for attracting readers organically.

Readers aren’t only buying books now: they’re following their fave authors too. They want to get to know you!

If you’re trying to grow your author visibility right now, I’m running a live session next Thursday 11th June: “How to Build An Author Brand: Social Media Marketing & Promoting Your Book”

We’ll cover:
• how to grow your audience online
• what to post consistently
• how to build a real reader community
• how to market your book without feeling salesy

💬 Comment “WRITE” and I’ll DM you the details if you fancy joining the session. It’ll be a good’un!

social media for authors | author marketing | book marketing strategy | grow your author platform | Instagram for authors | how to promote your book | build a reader community | writing community | book launch tips | self publishing marketing | author branding tips | grow as a writer online

21/04/2026

No talking allowed 🐒👀

Tarsiers are the world’s smallest primate and they are nocturnal, so visits at this ethical sanctuary in Bohol are done in complete silence with a guide.

One of the most unique wildlife experiences I’ve had.

Thanks Kuya Dodoy 🇵🇭

jungle asmr philippines bohol

03/04/2026

breathing deep in anilao 🤿

spent a gorgeous weekend scuba diving in a galaxy of batfish and anemones. this place is so special to me. anilao was like a second home in my early twenties when i was figuring things out (still am).

loved enjoyed reuniting with and hearing his stories after so many years. 🙏🏽

thanks to my dive buddies Alex and Zak for holding me down at 5m when my bcd started self-inflating. thanks Anne for your vibrant backwards roll.

shot on 35mm prime 📷

philippinesgram go.philippines travelreels travelblogger travelph scubadiving

13/03/2026

I’m so happy to share this...

My story has just been selected to receive an Ocean Culture Storytelling Grant as part of the 2026 cohort of their Storytelling Grants programme.

This support means so much to me, as I’ve been wanting to tell this story for years. The ocean and its wellbeing is critical for us all. My aim is to advocate for communities who depend on the ocean for survival, amplify their challenges, and explore what’s at stake when that relationship is under threat.

Over the next several months, I’ll take you behind the scenes with my purpose-driven production house and share my learnings along the way, alongside 14 other incredible grantees. First look coming soon.

Good Form is proud to partner in bringing this story to life: a story rooted in the values that sit at the heart of everything we do: community, conservation, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and our connection to people and place.

To find out more about OCL and the programme: oceanculturelife.com

purpose-driven storytelling, environmental filmmaker, ethical storytelling, director of colour, ocean advocacy

03/11/2025

👋🏽 Hi, I’m Mel – let me reintroduce myself since it’s been a minute and this community has grown! 🫶🏽

You’ll know me as a travel creator, but I’m also a writer, journalist, producer, and founder of Good Form, a purpose-driven marketing and production house.

I’ve produced award-winning content, strategised for global brands, founded businesses, and grown thriving communities online and IRL.

My career began hanging off boats with a GoPro Hero4, whizzing round to film volcanoes in the Philippines. Fast forward to today, and I get to create full-scale productions, explore culture, and spotlight diaspora stories – both in front of and behind the lens.

I co-host and exec produce Eastern Hunnies, a top-rated podcast that champions East & South East Asian voices in the UK. Launching it in 2024 and creating space for the ESEA diaspora has truly been one of the joys of my life and career!

Travel will always be my first love, but this space is also about driving positive change, and building something bigger than just me. In today’s social, environmental, and political climate, I believe it’s more important than ever that equity and social justice guide everything we do.

Thanks for being here! What’s your story? Where are you from and what do you love to do?

🔎 nice to meet ya, UK travel creator, british filipino, cultural travel, travel photography, conscious travel, ESEA diaspora storytelling, representation, creative producer, inclusion, positive impact

03/05/2025

What to do in the Turkish Riviera 🇹🇷🌊📌 Save this for your next trip to Türkiye’s Turquoise Coast!

Türkiye’s underrated south coast is packed with sun-soaked towns, stunning beaches, ancient ruins and the freshest seafood. I absolutely loved exploring it, drifting along from Dalaman to Mugla to Olüdeniz to Fethiye.

Here’s what not to miss:

🌅 Fethiye Port – Catch golden hour over the harbour, then feast on seafood at the local fish market.

🪂 Paraglide over Öludeniz – Genuinely one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever done!

🐢 Cruise the Dalyan Delta – Turtles, tombs, and river magic.

🏚️ Explore Kayaköy Ghost Village – Spooky, surreal and full of stories.

💦 Swim in Turgut’s Waterfalls – Ice-cold waterfalls, turquoise pools.

🚤 Paddleboard in Selimiye – Calm bays and waterside eateries.

🍽️ Eat Turkish food – Meze, octopus, raki… served with Turkish hospitality.

For more detailed guides on the best things to do in Dalaman, Mugla and Olüdeniz + recommended tours and hotels, head to my blog illumelation.com (link in bio)

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13/04/2025

5 Amazing Places in Milos 🇬🇷🌞📌 Save this for your next trip to the underrated Greek Island 🌊

For more detailed guides on the best things to do & hotel recommendations in Milos, visit my blog illumelation.com (link in bio)

Places mentioned:
1. 🌔 Sarakiniko Beach - This stunning limestone seascape looks like the moon.

2. ⛵️Kleftiko (Bandits’ Lair) - Dive into these turquoise volcanic waters encircled by ancient limestone caves.

3.💧Sykia Sea Cave - known as the Emerald Cave or Blue Cave. You’ll need a wide-angle - I used a 10-18mm lens!

4. 🛖 Klima - a fishing village oozing with charm and uniqueness. Beautiful at sunset.

5. ☀️ Paliochori Beach - here the water is clear and blue, merging with red, gold and volcanic black sand.

things to do in Milos | what to see in Milos | Milos guide | photography spots in Milos | instagram spots Milos ☀️

11/04/2025

Travelling to Taiwan? Save these 5 places to visit! ✨

After a life-changing trip, I’m sharing my top five places in Taiwan to experience all facets of Taiwan’s gorgeous culture, nature, food and city life. Will return for the street food alone...

Mentioned in this guide:
• Taipei
• Jiufen
• Guguan
• Taichung
• Alishan
• Kenting

I didn’t get to visit Tainan, Dulan, or Taroko Gorge which were high on my list - but I’ll be back!

For more detailed guides on the best things to do + hotel recommendations in Taiwan, visit my blog illumelation.com (link in bio)

Have you been to Taiwan? Let me know! 👇🏽

Best things to do in Taipei | Top things to do in Taipei | Taipei guide | Taipei itinerary | What to do in Taipei.

11/04/2025

01/04/2025

Real-life Spirited Away town🏮save this guide to Jiufen if you’re headed to Taiwan! ✨

Here are my top 5 things to do in Jiufen, the magical mountain town that resembles Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic film, ‘Spirited Away’.

Jiufen is only 1 hour from Taipei and while it does get packed out, it’s charming: lantern-lit alleyways, misty mountain views, and the best taro balls in Taiwan.

Mentioned in this guide:

🏮 Jiufen Old Street: winding narrow alleys filled with teahouses, local snacks, and red lanterns glowing at dusk. It gets busy, so go early!

🍵 Tea with a view: A-Mei Teahouse is the most famous, but Jioufen Teahouse has the oldest heritage.

🍡 Taro ball dessert: Soft, chewy, and served over shaved ice, an iconic Jiufen specialty.

📸 Lantern-lit streets: nighttime and when it’s raining are best for photos of Jiufen giving that moody, cinematic anime mise-en-scene.

🚆 How to get there? Take a train from Taipei to Ruifang, then hop on a quick bus or taxi up the mountain. Or take a taxi straight from Taipei.

For more detailed guides on Taiwan + travel tips, visit my blog illumelation.com (link in bio).

Who’s adding Jiufen to their bucket list? ✨

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