AWAI Success Stories
Looking for a little inspiration? Read some of our most recent success stories below.
And if you want to meet some of the AWAI Members who are now living the writer’s life thanks to their hard work and dedicated persistence, be sure and read our case studies.
Living the Writer's Life: Jay Simon
After company cutbacks, Jay Simon decided he’d rather venture out on his own in a field he enjoyed. A tip from a friend set him in the direction of copywriting, and he jumped in with full intensity. His early dedication to learning the craft paid off quickly, and now he gets to be a hands-on dad to his young son, travel, and still bring in a healthy income. Enjoy Jay’s account of how he launched a writing career to love.
Living the Writer's Life: Michele Peterson
Michele Peterson’s enthusiasm for writing — and life — is contagious the minute you start talking to her. But a good chunk of her zest comes from getting to do something with clients she feels connected to. Read on to discover how she backed her way out of a family business and built a career she has full ownership over and thrives in.
Living the Writer's Life: Michael Glenn
As a young man, Michael Glenn thought he knew exactly what he was going to do for a career. But the Navy steered him in a different direction, and then the realities of life and war stepped in to once again alter his trajectory. Through it all, Michael’s love of writing was present, despite having to be rediscovered and reshaped. Enjoy this vulnerable and very relatable interview about how he’s using his writing to help others who’ve faced challenges similar to his own.
Living the Writer's Life: Melynda Boyce
Melynda Boyce stepped into freelancing out of both choice and necessity, after her family and financial obligations grew exponentially in a short amount of time. Though she’s had a strong cheerleader in the wings by way of her older sister (the fabulous Jen Adams, who is director of The Professional Writers’ Alliance and also one of our favorite fellow Barefoot Writers), Melynda was able to harness the elements of freelancing that were ideal for her while also making her own mark in the world of copyediting. Discover how this flexible career continues to meet all her needs.
Living the Writer's Life: Sam Woods
When I spoke with Sam Woods, he’d just returned from an invigorating, “unplugged” week of hiking in Sweden and reported feeling poised for forward motion after his time away from technology. That approach toward resting, resetting, and restarting has served him well in his career, as Sam’s business is thriving on the cutting edge of AI technology. But as you’ll read below, the foundation for everything he’s built starts with copywriting. Enjoy Sam’s story.
Living the Writer's Life: Elizabeth Pickart
Elizabeth Pickart is in the process of watching all her writing dreams come true. Like many Barefoot Writers, writing for her was nothing more than a hobby until a necessary career change prompted her to look in new directions. Copywriting surfaced as a viable opportunity, and the more she did it, the more she loved it. One win led to another, and before she knew it, her author dream started to unfold. Read on to discover how copywriting helped her get there.
Living the Writer's Life: Sean Van Zant
Sean Van Zant has that unique quality of taking action once given direction. In a world where too many of us writers fret about how and when to take that first step and next step, he’s able to do it and do it quickly. Sean’s efforts are already starting to pay off as he continues to build connections and authority in the writing world. Discover how he’s used the trinity of marketing tactics to move fast in getting started as a copywriter, modeling the concept behind Mark Ford’s Ready, Fire, Aim book.
Living the Writer's Life: Steve Maurer
Steve Maurer has long been one of the friendliest, most helpful Barefoot Writers we’re proud to call a member. Along with always being ready to encourage someone move forward in their writing journey, he’s one of the humblest copywriters you’ll meet — though his rise to well-paid writing was seamless and fast. Enjoy Steve’s story.
Living the Writer's Life: Amanda Sanchez
Amanda Jo Sanchez, formerly known as Mandy Marksteiner, always had an eye for writing, but it wasn’t till she discovered copywriting that the money piece fell into place. Along the way, she’s shored up her abilities to the point where she can happily take risks and try new ventures without ever feeling limited. Discover how she’s currently reinventing herself while enjoying the journey.
Living the Writer's Life: Deanna Blanchard
Deanna Blanchard’s journey to copywriting is heartwarming… Not only did she venture into a way of life that was unfamiliar based on her upbringing, but she also rediscovered the joy she felt through writing and, albeit with some trial and error, made it work for her in a way that allowed her to pursue other passions. Plus, it gave her the ability to be there for those who matter most in her life. Enjoy her story.
