My WordWhisperer business has exploded. And I’m so grateful. I have new clients from New Zealand, the US, and the UK, as well as here in Australia. All of it comes from word of mouth. To say I’m blown away by the abundance of work that flows to me would be an understatement. I’ve been freelance writing and editing part-time for about seven years now, and all that has laid the foundation for a fully-fledged business in the present.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I feel like I’m living a dream where my days are spent in the midst of words as I help people with perfecting their stories and messages. Guiding clients as they bring an idea, which is felt, imagined, and dreamed about but not fully formed, into fruition is one of my favourite things to do. I truly feel like I was born for this.
What it all ultimately means, though, is that I get to live life on my terms, weaving in time for family and loved ones, music festivals, travel, friendships, and service to my community—and it makes for a good life. And I never forget to appreciate that.
I’m deep into editing two books at the moment, as well as website content, and delivering a training program. Honing an author’s voice is like finding the pearl in the clam at the bottom of the ocean. Sometimes it takes a little time (and holding your breath), but it’s always worth the effort. Whenever a client asks me how they find their ‘voice’, I always suggest they start with how they speak. Jot down a few lines in your normal speaking voice, I tell them. Say it like you would if you were speaking with your best friend over a cup of coffee. That’s a great place to start. If you’re funny in real life, let it come through. If you’re more reserved, allow that to show. The key is being authentic to both yourself and your story. The voice of your characters, if you’re writing fiction, will be different to your voice if you’re writing a blog post. No matter what you’re writing and what tool you’re using (i.e. a blog post or a character), make sure you have something you want your reader to take away from it. That’s your starting point. From there, you can start to build your scaffolding around it, which could include the characters and plot. Before you know it, you’ll have written your entire story or blog post. Tell the story you want to tell, not the one you think will get you the most readers—or acclaim.
Tell your story. Even if it’s only six words long. (‘For sale: baby shoes. Never worn.’)
There’s no time to wait. Unless you’re off to a music festival… then tomorrow is fine.
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