Living the Writer's Life:
Edgar Morales

‘Dare to dream that there is something better out there.’

Life in a stressful job has rippling negative effects, and Edgar Morales was feeling all of them. Fortunately for him, writing as a career had always been in the back of his mind. When he caught wind of copywriting, he was cautious but interested. That interest grew into enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm blossomed into his first title role as a writer. But what he did next? Read on; it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The freedom of copywriting helped Edgar
realize his longtime dream of returning to
live in Cuernavaca, where he grew up.

Before copywriting, you had a job you were desperate to escape. Can you tell us about it?

I was working for a nonprofit, a public housing agency. To say this job was stressful is an understatement. The work they do is commendable because you work with a very vulnerable population. But you are limited to the resources and the bureaucracy that made the program work. I was putting out fires every day and each one was progressively worse. Some people can compartmentalize things; I couldn’t do that. I was overwhelmed and stressed.

Where does copywriting fit into the picture?

Writing has always been part of my life. I was a journalist early on in my professional career; I worked for a newspaper. But we all know what happened with the newspaper industry. I ultimately had to pivot and became a counseling coach. I prepared scripts, taught classes, and generated newsletters. Then that job came to an end and I transitioned to the nonprofit.

When I switched from journalism to the nonprofit, I wanted to launch a ghostwriting website. I bought the domain and everything. But I was basically in diapers when it comes to copywriting. You have to understand that copywriting is a beast of its own. You must treat it with respect; you can’t just jump in and start doing it. So that project went nowhere. Eventually the algorithms on the internet connected me to AWAI. If memory serves, the Barefoot Writer Club was my introduction to AWAI. I was still entangled in my other job so I didn’t pursue it as intently back then. But I was reading the material and and different articles. It started to sink in that Wait a minute, I can do this. I can actually gain these skills.

Edgar (right) with his wife, Tania,
older son Dante, and younger son Enzo,
at the airport headed for their new
home in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

That makes me so happy to hear! What does your writing life look like now?

My copywriting career is being born as we speak. And I want to tell you that you were an instrumental part of my journey. You were such an inspiration, Mindy, when I heard your story about how you started the Reality Blogger column. It was so much fun to watch you talk about that experience. I was like, That’s going to be me someday. Then last year they launched the invitation to participate in the contest to become the next Reality Blogger. As soon as I saw the announcement, I felt it in my being that I was going to be the next Reality Blogger. There was no doubt in my mind, and I was willing to put my best effort forward. And it worked. I am currently the Reality Blogger for Digital Copywriter.

That being said, I realized that if I was going to be successful, I needed to go all in. So I made a decision to put in my two weeks’ notice, which happened last month. My last day working my 9-to-5 was June 3. So I’ve just quit my job and gone full time on my copywriting career.

You’ve made the leap! What did your family and friends think about all of this?

My wife is my biggest supporter and is ecstatic. My kids are beginning to see another side of me that is a little more carefree and more present. So in that sense, my quality of family life is improving, because I’m not as stressed as I was before.

What realized or in-progress goals can you share to motivate fellow Barefoot Writer members?

One of my lifelong dreams was to move back to Cuernavaca, where I grew up. They call it the City of Eternal Spring. Being a digital copywriter allowed me to make the move. And in fact, I am giving this interview from Cuernavaca, because I was able to quit the job in California. My second goal is to have a full roster of clients. I’m still going back and forth between Mexico and San Diego, and I’m participating in a lot of speaking events, so I’m excited about that. And my biggest goal for my family is to spend summers in Italy. That’s where I’m headed.

Final advice for newbies?

Dare to dream that there is something better out there. I think that it has been instrumental in my journey to be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. Connecting with the community of AWAI has been a game changer. That really has made all the difference in the world. So get involved, participate.