Hello from Wendy

From a blog in 2018:

 

I have always loved working with words. As a child I played secretary with my little notebook and pens, pretending to take dictation. English was my best subject at school, naturally. Dad gave me my first typewriter at 12 years old, and my first writing prize was awarded at the Mt Perry Annual Show when I was 11. My essay 'Stop the World, I want to Get Off' was printed in the Bundaberg newspaper. It spoke of my disillusionment with the world and its progress. Oh, my days of glory!

My professional career before I founded Wendy & Words saw me working in secretarial, marketing and copywriting roles in the health and wellness industries, education sector and non-profit organisations. I seem to gravitate towards projects striving to do good in this mixed-up world. In fact, my essay 'Stop the World I Want to Get Off' came true in my late teens and early adulthood when I indeed stepped off from society into a idealistic sect/group (some called it a cult) trying to change the world, involving also living in South Korea and the UK. While those years long gone are a source of mixed emotions at times (see my blog www.wendystuartwrites.com), I find myself drawing on my life experiences to enhance my editing and work with an eclectic mix of clients.

For two years I was editor for a Brisbane Community & Lifestyle Magazine, where I had the wonderful opportunity to combine my passions for words and for community. I have also been a casual contracting editor to Author Support Services. 

My eclectic experiences in life, combined with my propensity for personal connection and empathy, mean my clients and I often really click. This is where my 'sponge-like' mind and heart (which had made me so 'programmable' in my youth) is now a bonus as an editor. I can walk and work in my clients' shoes. Some say I get into their heads and really get their voice! I feel blessed to discover first-hand these amazing authors' insights, life experiences and hearts. As they follow their dreams, I love helping them achieve theirs, one word at a time. Words are powerful. They can uplift. They can destroy. Those who write have a huge responsibility to be authentic. And I too have a huge responsibility to respect my clients' words while offering honest feedback and suggestions with humility, care and clarity.

​There are many ideas and beliefs (interpretations of views of 'truth') being expressed in the world - all wonderful pieces of the great big puzzle of life. I am happy to help the writers of those ideas express themselves to their particular audience - allowing that puzzle piece to shine and play its part in the big scheme of things. And it is how I finally feel I am making a worthwhile contribution to something greater than myself.