Not your average writing – Page 2

How Come You Don’t Post Your Rates on Your Website?

*Writing doesn’t come with a pre-printed price tag.*
*As an intangible service, it can evolve and change as you go.*

Several people have asked me why I don’t put rates on my website. That is an excellent question. Some people have even gone as far to say that if they don’t see any rates, they automatically leave the website.

I don’t post rates because a lot of projects aren’t simple and clear cut. They may require several services, such as editing or graphic design as well as writing. They may require research, which can vary according to the topic and my skills. It’s not just the per-word rate I am charging for; it’s also my time and expertise on the topics at hand. If I am familiar with a topic, it will take me less time, but then there is also the value of my expertise.

Writing is a complex process. I don’t just pump out the words automatically. Writing requires research, and research requires writing. Research comes in many forms, such as brand analyzation, metrics, and data allocation. It’s not just words—it’s style, tone, quality content, possible graphics and formatting, data, SEO, key words, and so much more.

Some research is easy and quick, some requires interviews, library visits, and watching videos. Some requires heavy reading and translating that research into readable, to-the-point, convertible copy or content can take some time. I don’t always want to put a blanket dollar sign or preassigned values on that time, as that could get costly and turn away potential clients. It’s not always easy to estimate how long a project could take me because of the availability of materials and field experts.

I hope this answers the question about rates and why most writers don’t include them. It’s not because the prices of my services are so high that I am afraid to post them. It’s because I don’t want to advertise a cookie-cutter rate and solution when I may not know what is all involved in the project a client could have in mind. You are unique, your brand is unique, so your project deserves careful attention and detail.

I will create a unique package rate just for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out. I’m not a pushy salesperson. I am an open-minded individual who wants to help you tell your story, no matter how simple or complicated. If we’re not the right fit, so be it. I am, after all, the blaak sheep.

Let’s have a conversation, whether by email, telephone, or video call. After our chat, I will provide a free written outline of my recommendations with a price point, and let you decide if you’d like to pursue my services. My email is blaaksheep@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out.

Defeat Writer’s Block

Do you have a story to tell but can’t find the words to start it? Do you have a piece that needs writing and the inspiration just isn’t there? My advice to you is just to start writing words, any words, to clear your head and get the pen ink flowing.

Got something on your mind? Write about that. Do worries and troubles plague you and block your creativity? Put them down on paper. Free up your mind to free the real story that needs to come out.

Often we struggle with uncertainty, and writing can play a therapeutic role in dealing with it. Journalling every day, while it sounds daunting, is a good habit to get into. Just a paragraph or a few lines will do. Just clear the junk that clogs the flow of creativity.

You don’t have to write a masterpiece. You don’t have to have the perfect piece of prose in one go. The biggest mistake people make when writing a draft is editing while they write. Don’t do that. Let the errors flow; set them free as well.

Just write–I can take care of the rest. Get your ideas down, make an outline, or even a few notes on a napkin if you’re out and about. I can help you tell your story, one word at a time.

Threatened

I was walking yesterday and heard a bunch of crows squawking in the trees. There were a lot of them, all cawing crazily, their voices becoming one loud pulse at times. Flapping their wings up and down, they flew around the trees as if to sound an alarm. I sat down on some steps nearby to rest and noticed a hawk perched nearby. I realized those crows were joining forces against it, feeling threatened by its mere presence. The hawk, however, just sat there calmly, unmoving, uninhibited by their noises and fluttering. After a while, it flew away; the crows joined its journey, continuing their barrage.

How many times are we like this hawk, surrounded by those who feel threatened by us? Many voices tell us we will fail, ask us how can we do this, saying they could never do this, why are we doing this? They will incessantly point out possible negative outcomes and the what ifs. Anyone who stands out gets noticed and puts up with the attacks on their integrity.

Be like the hawk. Stand strong in your own presence and ignore the onslaught of the naysayers. Fly away and if they follow you, just keep flying, using your strength to continue on and fight back. Don’t let the crows of uncertainty and insecurity block your path.

The Loneliness of Being on the Spectrum

I’m part of an autistic mom’s group, and the common message I’m seeing is how alone they are. So many people reject us and our children. So many people also pass judgement and give unwanted parenting advice. Even in public, I’ve heard people walk by and mutter something negative under their breath or give us a dirty look.

Please, when someone tells you their child is autistic, believe them. Don’t question the diagnosis and ask repeated questions what made them pursue a diagnosis. The reasons may be very personal and embarrassing for the child.

Don’t criticize, belittle, or project a very negative future for them. Please understand it is a spectrum, with varied symptoms, and no two children are alike.

Autistic children can be very verbal and make eye contact. Just because you know one child who is autistic doesn’t mean you know them all.

Don’t judge when a meltdown is occurring, when the child wants to touch everything, when the child gets overly emotional, or talks back.

Don’t say, this is what I would do, because often that applies to a neurotypical child.

I am not excusing bad behaviour. I am just trying to say that we have to do things differently for our children and it takes longer to do.

Just trying to educate everyone in this world as much as I can because it is a very misinformed and misunderstood diagnosis. Just offer a kind smile, word, or some encouragement if you can, because we need all the positive energy and love we can get. Doesn’t everybody?

What’s Your Story?

Everyone has a story to tell, and so does your brand. Stories resonate with people; they connect people to one another. A good storyteller can weave words together with authenticity and vivid details, drawing an emotional response from your audience. This response inspires action in favour of your brand.

If you’re looking for this storyteller, you’ve found the right ewe. I compose compelling and persuasive messages, whether it be a powerful blog post, an invigorating ad campaign, or SEO-friendly website content.

If you already have something written, I can edit or proofread your words to make them clear and succinct. With an eye for design and a quest for perfection, I am committed to you and your brand.

Do you want to stand out from the rest of the flock? Read more about my story , view my samples, check out my the rest of my blog, or contact me for answers to your questions.

“A brand is not a logo. Your brand is your story—and the stories of the people you serve.” ~ Aurora Winter, MBA, Bestselling Author