Wall of Fame
AWAI Member Since: 2007
Age: 49
What’s your current occupation?
Copywriter and Freelance Journalist
What’s your former occupation?
Public Service: Police Officer, Firefighter, Parks and Recreation Manager
What was the first project you landed?
Writing copy for “America’s Top Copywriter,” Bob Bly! He was my absolute “dream client”! I was so excited when I received his check in the mail, that I made a copy of it – and secured it in a frame on my office wall, where I can look at it every day for inspiration!
What are your current projects?
- Writing web copy for several successful and exciting self-help business clients.
- Starting a joint-venture business with my mastermind group – where we’ll soon be launching a weight-loss program and other marketing and self-help information products.
- Writing e-books and doing research and development for other worthwhile projects.
What has been your proudest copywriting moment?
Being asked to write articles for AWAI’s “The Golden Thread”! Writing for TGT has been one of my longstanding goals, but what made it even more special was that both Katie Yeakle and Rebecca Matter personally asked me to write “my story”! It was such a wonderful feeling to be acknowledged for my writing ability.
What’s your favorite niche to write for?
What’s your income goal for this year?
$100,000
What’s your writing routine?
I start each day with an “attitude of gratitude” – and always encourage positive outcomes for my day by reading my Powerfirmations book by Michael Murphy, and The Daily Book of Positive Quotations by Linda Picone.
I take a swim or a brisk walk and think of ideas for my writing day, shower and have a light breakfast. I start writing or do research as soon as I drop the kids off at school … stop around lunchtime … and start enjoying my own personal time, if I choose.
Please give us an example of how your life has changed since becoming a copywriter.
It’s been such a life transformation – I find I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure it’s not just a dream!
Many years ago, I had a meaningful public service career that filled up my life and gave me a sense of contribution and purpose. But an accident forever changed my life’s direction, which made it necessary for me to give up my beloved childhood “dream career.”
I searched in vain for years to find a new career that would give me that same sense of fulfillment. I felt lost and depressed, which caused me to gain a lot of weight. I was unhappy with my life, wondering how I could contribute value to the world.
Finally I found it with AWAI!
Now I feel rejuvenated with purpose! I’ve rediscovered my hidden-away writing passion and talents. I’ve accomplished a lifelong goal of becoming a published writer … something my mother always encouraged me to pursue and was able to witness before she passed away in April.
Plus, I’m making a great living doing something I love – helping people!
I’m also learning so many new and wonderful things through my client project research, and gaining wonderful experiences and friendships through the travel opportunities AWAI has brought into my life!
I’ve never traveled much in my past – but since discovering AWAI, so far I’ve traveled to Delray Beach, Florida … Wintergreen, Virginia … and Tampa, Florida.
Now my life is so fulfilling, and every day is a new adventure! I look forward to each day with excitement – confident in the knowledge I have found my NEW “dream career” perfectly suited for me!
And I’m losing weight, too!
What success tip would you like to share with your fellow writers?
Of all the tips I could share, the most important one is to NEVER GIVE UP! This is such a rewarding career – that also enables you to have the freedom and lifestyle many people just dream about!
If you want to live life to your fullest creative potential, master this copywriting skill! It will open any door you choose to enter! Best wishes for your soon-to-be success!
When did you realize you were living the copywriter’s life?
The day I was taking pictures in the park for a local newspaper article I was writing. It was a very beautiful and sunny day, and I thought to myself, “How lucky am I to be taking pictures – and enjoying this beauty – all while being paid to do something that’s so much fun!”
