How Writing Changed My Life

 

 

Writing isn’t for everyone. It’s true. But writing can IMPACT you greatly, if you let it!

My guest today is going to share some of what she’s learned from writing. (Oh, and she writes for a living, too!)

So please welcome Samantha Wilson to center stage.

Take it away, Samantha!

I HATED Writing

Since childhood, one of the things I used to abhor was writing. It was like a repellent primarily because I thought it was repetitive, mundane and time consuming. I often used to get lost while writing, as there seemed to be no sense of direction, purpose or end to it.

It wasn’t until I entered college that I was forced to write all sorts of narratives, and before I knew it, writing actually became a habit!

One thing led to another and I started jotting down random thoughts on my phone, then pieces of paper and eventually my own personal diaries.

It was during this period that I realized the power of writing; something which starts as an intuition, then a thought and eventually a whole concept or piece of wisdom, once on paper. This written ‘piece’ then starts getting its derivatives and permutations until it actually takes the form of a masterpiece or sometimes utter non-sense, which only you can comprehend (yes – you get those “off” days or writer’s block every now and then!).

Writing is an Art Form

It can mean so many things to so many people.

We all have varying writing styles and even more complex views and interpretations of those write-ups.

It is the most expressive form in which you can explain or narrate your thoughts and feelings to the other person or the world in general.

It was this realization that made me fall in love with it and I am hooked on to it now “until death do us part” (fairly cheesy, but true!). Read More

A Personal Note From Lorraine (and Advertising Opportunities!)

Image that says: A Personal Note from Lorraine

We all have problems, don’t we?

Let me tell you, I’ve had a rough few months. First, my computer got hacked. (Give this a read and learn how to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam! I’m sure Carolyn from The Wonder of Tech would appreciate a few new readers!)

Then my parents decided to sell my childhood home.

Then I moved back to my apartment (I had been staying with them because my mom broke her arm).

However, I managed to take a breather and go on an actual, honest-to-goodness vacation. (More on this later!)

For now, just let me say, I lived my dream. 🙂

And took the following picture with my phone. It’s a palm tree on the beach in Punta Cana.

 

A palm tree on the beach in Punta Cana.

What’s New on Wording Well

Now let’s talk design and accessibility for a minute.

Some of you may have noticed that Wording Well has a new look. (Do you like it?)

To go with this new look is a new newsletter, with a new design. (I’d appreciate feedback on it, too!)

If you are NOT on my mailing list yet, then join it now! (You get a free e-book, too.) 😉

As far as the blog goes, it’s a good thing that I am a person who knows how to plan ahead!

It’s also good that I know a lot of people (remember, always be networking!!!) and that I have had some of these people write for my blog.

But… you probably still want to hear from me, too, right?

I can assure you, then, that a lot of the information coming up on Wording Well has been written and assembled by yours truly.

I’m not superwoman, despite what many people think, but I am organized!

This past week, in fact, I published not one, but two, posts (although they’ve been written by others):

I also re-vamped my site. A bit.
I created a Resource Kit (it’s on its own page).
I re-did my home page (it’s now called All About Wording Well).
I optimized my SEO for my Freelancing Services page, which links to the four different services Wording Well offers.
And I have attempted to make it easier for readers to comment on my site. (Turns out, people were having problems AND DIDN’T TELL ME!)

So I enabled the free version of CommentLuv. I hope it’s easier for you to speak your mind now! (IF IT ISN’T, PLEASE TELL ME! Email me, talk to me on Facebook, use Twitter, but TELL ME!)

Resources for You (and an Advertising Opportunity!)

I also updated the post Resources for #Writers (#Authors and #Freelancers) with a few new links.

Some people have paid me to “advertise” on this page via a link, too. Because their content is awesome, I allowed this.

I will extend the same courtesy to YOU. If you have a post that contains a plethora of information and is helpful, and want me to add a link to your site from one of my pages or posts, please contact me with your query.

Tell me which post you want to advertise on, and send me the link of the post you want me to link to. If it’s Wording Well-worthy, I’ll send you an invoice via PayPal, which is safe, secure, and free to use. It does not require an account and accepts credit cards.

For more information, see my Write/Advertise page.

Freelancing Resources for You

I’ve come across a few SUPERB resources that other freelancers I know have created… such as Gina Horkey’s courses, Elna Cain’s courses, and a post by Brent Jones (which you surely MUST”VE seen by now…)

In case you haven’t, give it a read.

It’s called 70 Freelancers Reveal Their Best Source of New Business.

Brent also has a special offer for you, and I’m excited to tell you that IF YOU CLICK THIS LINK AND BUY HIS $9 PRODUCT, I make a small commission for helping you out.

That’s the kinda guy Brent is. 😉

Find out everything at:
http://lreguly.bhxm290.hop.clickbank.net

(Brent Jones’ post for freelancers)

Apparently, the freelancers who contributed to this article earned an average of OVER $40K in 2015, and are earning even more this year!

I highly suggest that you check this out if you are a freelancer (either new or established) who is looking for new ideas on how and where to earn money!

Brent has also created a premium product, 62 Strategies to Establish or Increase Your Prices.

It’s only $9 and features many of the same freelancers who contributed to his post.

Check it out OR just READ THE POST FOR FREE!

Did You Know…?

You can use your life experiences to move yourself and your business forward.
I did! (And I’m still doing it!)

You can also start earning money with your blog using AdSense.

You can also earn affiliate income by promoting others’ products… such as Gina Horkey’s 30 Days or Less to Freelancing Writing Success.

I do this from time to time. It probably won’t pay the bills, but it’ll give you some extra spending money (and who doesn’t want that, right!).

Wording Well CAN Solve Your Problems

Now, just to remind you on who I am and what I do…

Wording Well is the solution to your stress, especially if you are a blogger or business owner who is…

  • stuck for time
  • in need of a writer/ghostwriter, editor, or blogger
  • in need of a helping hand OR some guidance
  • too busy to “do it all” on your own
  • wants to write a book or an e-book but doesn’t know where to start or how to publish it

I offer 4 distinct services that will help relieve you of your work stress.

I can also help you increase your monthly income and grow your business!

I do all of the following:

Contact me. Let’s talk!

Or drop me a line in the comments. If you can. 😉

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
Lorraine Reguly, owner of Wording Well

This is an image of Lorraine Reguly, owner of Wording Well.

Join_Up_Dots_interview

Prostitution Paid More Than Teaching & I “Tell-All” in a Podcast Interview

Join_Up_Dots_interview

 

Did you know…

Prostitution used to be a way of life for me?

Not anymore.

Now I write, edit, and blog.

I also help others turn their e-books into print books.

And I provide advice to others through coaching.

But prostitution earned me more money than blogging. Or teaching.

Seriously.

However, now my days are structured differently.

And I love them.

We All Have Skeletons

You probably have a story about your past that you’re not proud of.

In fact, almost everyone does.

But… do you own it?

Do you tell others about it, or do you keep it hidden, praying no one ever finds out?

I’m Open and Honest… and Gutsy!

I’m probably the gutsiest person I know.

Who else do you know that openly admits to being raped, doing drugs, and getting involved in prostitution?

Likely, no one.

Just me.

I’m Proud of Who I Am

I finally learned to be proud of my past.

Why?

Because it has made me who I am today.

 

I “Tell-All” in a Podcast Interview

I was recently interviewed by David Ralph from Join Up Dots.

The podcast is now live.

In the podcast interview, I mention:

  • that I quit school four times
  • that I was raped
  • why I thought it was my fault (19:01)
  • that I sought counselling (19:27)
  • that I turned to drugs and prostitution
  • that I got pregnant twice and had one abortion
  • that I brought my rapist to court (23:33)
  • that I gave my son to my friend to foster for a yearv (29:51)
  • that I quit teaching to return to prostitution because the money was better (begins at 30:52, ends at 33:07)
  • how and why I lost contact with my son for three years (41:52)
  • how I nearly died
  • what my big turning point was (42:12 – 47:35)
  • that I re-connected with my son
  • how re-uniting with my son changed my life
  • why life is not always about money (52:50)
  • the biggest compliment my son ever gave me (52:01)
  • how I became an author and entrepreneur

… and so much more. I also recite something special at 103:53.

Have a listen to it.

Get to know me better.

Perhaps you’ll learn how to be more courageous in your life, too.

Leave David a Review?

Afterwards, if you can, please leave David a reveiw on iTunes.

How I Pass On My Message

I use my book, Risky Issues, to help pass on my motivational message. This book is now part of the Thunder Bay Public Library, AND it’s being sold in one of the local bookstores!

BUY Risky Issues from Amazon or CreateSpace.

Me and My book

 

Share Your Skeletons

I’d love to know if you have the guts to share some of the skeletons in your closet.

Do so in the comments! I won’t judge you. I promise.

How to Ask for a Raise (and Get One!) from your #Freelancing Client

Image of a dollar sign

Good freelancers know their worth, but new freelancers are often uncomfortable asking for a raise, even if they know in their hearts that they deserve it.

Asking for a raise can be intimidating for a lot of people. (Heck, setting your own rates is tough, too!)

Today, I’m going to try to make things more comfortable for you.

By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to ask for the raise you deserve!

You’ll also gain a bit of insight into the negotiation process through a specific experience I had with one of my clients.

Give Valid Reasons for Your Request

For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you’ll probably remember that I used to guest blog monthly on a site called Dear Blogger, owned by Greg Narayan.

I took Greg on as a client back in 2013, when I first began freelancing, and performed three different services for him: writing monthly blog posts of my own, editing some of his blog posts, and sharing Dear Blogger posts on Twitter on a regular basis.

I was paid for each of these services, too.

After six months of writing fabulous posts for him (which were, naturally, edited to perfection!), I decided that the rate of $50 USD simply wasn’t enough anymore, and so I wanted to up my rate to $75 USD.

(If you take a look at the post I wrote for Dear Blogger called Guest-Posting and Guest-Hosting: Best Practices, you’ll not only be witness to some stellar writing but you’ll see that this post is priceless! The tips offered in that post are evergreen, too, which further proves that I definitely was not charging enough!)

Anyway, about three weeks prior to this decision, I had also decided to increase my editing rates. I gave Greg one month’s notice regarding this change, and I also posted a notice of the upcoming increase on my Services page.

When I sent Greg my “bill” for May 2014, I wrote the following email to inform him of the change I was making: Read More

Getting Recognition as an Editor

Getting Recognition as an Editor

Getting Recognition as an Editor

Today I want to tell you about one of the gifts I’ve received last year. I also have a video for you to watch.

To set the stage, let me first tell you that in mid-February of 2014, Wording Well, my main website, was born. In addition to being a blogger and a freelance writer, I began to offer editing services as well. (I’ve since added blogging coaching/consultation services to my list.)

It’s amazing what can happen in two years of blogging! Not only did I receive recognition for my editing skills, but… Read More