I’m a freelance writer based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
I started writing when I was 9. I wrote a story about a tiger and proudly handed it in to be graded. When it came back, the first thing I noticed was a big red line drawn across the page. According to my teacher, there was no way I could have written it. She reckoned it was too good to be true and gave me zero.
That moment sparked something in me. Instead of shrinking in shame, my tummy fizzed. Perhaps I do have magic in me, I thought. So I wrote some more and sure enough, the more I leaned in to what I was good at, the better I became and the more the magic flowed. And the more my tummy fizzed.
I now run a business writing for a living!
Photo by Leah Kelley
I also teach people about that magic and nothing gives me bigger pleasure than watching people and brands come alive when they find the right WORDS to use strategically in order to achieve their unique objectives.
Because let’s face it, we are ALL creative beings at heart. We ALL have a story that only we can tell and deep within we ALL have a desire to leave our unique creative imprint on this world.
I lucked out with that zero. Without it, who knows where I would have been.
If you’d like to buy my book, read my blogs or connect with me regarding one of your creative writing projects, my website is the best place to start. www.leemayimele.com
I encourage you to make your creative mark on the world. I’m looking out for it.
This is exactly what our creator had in mind when they finalised my factory settings!
Few things make me happier than going to bed early + waking up early. It has definitely made me healthier and since good health is our true wealth, I’ll be the first to say thank you for being able to check the “wealth” box too (while I wait for the billions in the bank).
As for being “wise”, I guess being able to recognise what I have in this moment is the real measure of wisdom for me.
Am I wise enough to know that I don’t know?
Am I wise enough to know that every breath is a gift, every second in this body precious?
Am I wise enough to ask for help, change course, learn, stretch, surrender to both pleasure & pain?
Am I wise enough to never call myself wise
And, most importantly,
Am I wise enough to know when a carefully timed double shot of Espresso is required because life is not linear and mine is no boarding school?
I’m learning.
I encourage you to be you, to share you, to celebrate you. Imagine how dull life would be if we all loved our orange juice with salt?
Lee
I just love this little doodle my 8 year old did of me! He sure knows how much his mom loves her some Ed Sheeran “Bad Habits” in those mom jeans. As for the cute eyes, well…what can I say?
“What, Mama?” *insert shock-horror on the cutest faces you can imagine here* “So YOU write the stories…and they take the credit?” (“Do you at least get money?”)
I don’t know how it came about that I even brought GHOSTWRITING up with them. Or why…
Perhaps it was on that morning I was nearly bust being the Tooth Fairy and I grabbed a book in a lame ass attempt to show them something more “interesting”.
I’ve been a GHOST WRITER for many years – taking ideas and rough drafts, weaving and channeling my ideas around them and then handing them back to authors to publish.
I’ve never thought about the credit bit. I guess that’s not why I write. I write because it gives ME pleasure!
Have YOU figured out how to turn something you love doing into a business? I’d start with what brings you JOY.
That’s always the way.
xoxo
Lee
For more stories like these and a list of my services, please visit www.leemayimele.com