Living the Writer's Life: Wanda Sewell
Lifelong Writer Finds Perfect Fit in Conversational Copy
By Mindy McHorse

Wanda enjoyed attending her first AWAI virtual Bootcamp in 2022.

Wanda Sewell had been writing for as long as she could remember, but it never really took hold as a career until health needs sent her on a journey to find a flexible job that offered more income. Once she connected with Barefoot Writer, the world of copy opened up to her and she began to find her way with writing that’s meaningful to her. She’s since become an active voice in the Barefoot Writer Facebook group and is quick to share advice and give support to new writers.

How did you first get into writing?

I’ve been writing since I was young. I remember having to write poetry in elementary school and liking it. I wrote other things as well but didn’t excel in the “how-to” of writing. In the eighth grade, I wrote a book and my English teacher edited it. But I didn’t get beyond chapter 2 since I was a troubled and in-trouble kid most of the time. I tried becoming a published author but that too never worked out for me. The rejections were hard on me, so I would stop writing when they came, but the love of writing drew me back. I did get published in gay/college/church newspapers.

When did copywriting enter the story?

Copywriting started in 2015 when I joined the Barefoot Writer Club. I found myself looking for other ways to support myself, as I had entered the world of disability because of cancer. I was not a disability-minded person so was always looking for opportunities. The question that took hold and prompted me to join Barefoot Writer was “Do you write like you talk?” For most of my life, I have heard people say that about me, and figured that qualified me for this field.

You were a natural fit! What kind of writing do you do now?

Wanda earned a doctorate of
philosophy in theology from
Shalom Bible College and Seminary
in Des Moines, Iowa.

Mostly poetry and Bible teachings on different topics. Currently, I am doing a series on God’s kingdom. I am also part of a family email group called Round Robin. On my father’s mother’s side of the family, my great-uncle Frank started us on this quest so we could stay in touch. Finding out I am related to the Mayflower folks and the Huguenots in France and even finding out some brothers were banned from England for being horse thieves have all been interesting family finds.

What rewards have you enjoyed so far?

Just discovering that the Barefoot Writer world was out there is a reward! Now I get to receive an impartation of better writing skills, and meet people who are gifted and talented in their own right and are willing to share. It’s truly blessed my life. Plus I have experienced some “firsts,” which I love! My first all-virtual Bootcamp, for example.

How do you make the most of life as a Barefoot Writer?

Thanks to the Barefoot Writer Club and AWAI, I’ve seen some wonderful improvement in my writing. It gives me hope that even more profitable writing is in my future. As far as Barefoot Writing goes, the word “process” comes to mind. I drink in and reach out, drink in more and reach out more.

For hobbies, I like photography, walking, socializing, and reading, and I enjoy participating in Art Walks in Little Falls, New York, with my photography. I enjoy hanging out in the Barefoot Writers Facebook group and interacting with others there. Of course, I like a good movie as well.

If you could go back and talk with that person you were before you discovered writing, what advice would you give?

“Wanda, you’re going to do the right thing in becoming a part of Barefoot Writer and AWAI. What a wonderful decision it will be!”

What advice would you give to other people who are where you were once, and want what you have now?

Experiencing the milestones of Barefoot Writer and AWAI’s victories has been so rewarding. When the pandemic came along and the business adjusted, it opened up a new and good world to me when it comes to the skill of copywriting.

I’ve been exposed to some wonderful and talented people that I have gleaned from. Probably the best advice would be to stay in the process, don’t give up, and continue to stay connected to the Barefoot Writer’s social media groups and enjoy their webinars when possible.

Wanda's Living The Writer's Life story was originally published in Barefoot Writer. To learn more about how you can start living your dream writer's life too, click here.

What help do you need to move forward with your version of the writer’s life? Let us know in the comments below so we can help guide you in the right direction.