Welcome, Writer, Proofreader and Copywriter Nicole Cunningham!

Copywriter, copy editor, and proofreader Nicole Cunningham grew up in Sandy, UT, a suburb of Salt Lake City. She now resides on the East Coast, in the suburbs of Providence, RI.

Welcome to my blog, Nicole. What is your newest project about?

Oh boy, Gina, I have several projects going all at once, as I'm sure we all do. I've recently launched my freelance business, Word: Smith & Jones, that has let me expand my reach as a proofreader and copy editor beyond the corporate world. I'm excited to currently be working on a series of blog posts called “The Layoff Club” for people who have been recently laid off. It's a subject that's close to my heart because I was laid off from my corporate job last year, then my sister and a good friend were laid off this past spring (after both having been at their company for more than 20 years). It just goes to show that it can happen to anyone.

Where did you get your inspiration for this work?

Whether you see it coming or it's a surprise to you, a layoff can be devastating to your self confidence. And so confusing! My goal is to do a step-by-step process of dealing with this kind of job loss. From what to do the first week (nothing, if at all possible, except breathe), to the second week, to the first month, etc. Of course, nobody's circumstance is exactly the same, but I share what I did after my layoff and what I wish I had done.

What kind of research did you do for this project?

It was all hands-on, baby! Although, I did take advantage of my company's employment assistance program, which was extremely helpful, and I incorporate some of the learnings I got from that. I've also had help from my fellow laid-off friends, who inspired the name, “The Layoff Club.”

Did you put real experiences from your research in this work?

You could say that! But some of the names were changed to protect the guilty.

Tell us a bit about your other projects.

My sister and I are also going to be launching a lifestyle blog called The Sassy Stapler, hopefully by mid-October. It will feature our not-so-secret passion for decorative, functional, and downright quirky office products. If you get a happy little thrill from wandering the aisles of an office supply store, or you know the office supply drawer or closet at work like the back of your hand, you'll like our new blog. We'll be writing about new products, new uses for old favorites, and covering the latest fashion trends in the world of office products. It's gonna be so much fun!

In addition, I'm writing a children's book about waking up the sun. What would you do if you found out that the sun had slept in and forgotten to rise one morning? It is inspired by my grandniece, Ruby, who has all sorts of goodnight books, but not very many wake-up books to choose from.

When you have time to read, who are some of your favorite authors?

It's funny, there are people who were surprised to find out that after I've been proofreading all day, I actually do enjoy going home and reading for pleasure. My favorite genre is young adult fantasy/sci fi, and my most favorite author of all is Madeleine L'Engle. I think I've read her book, “The Young Unicorns,” at least 15 times, if not more. I love it every time. My other favorite author is Tamora Pierce, who writes about strong female warriors. My oldest niece actually introduced me to Ms. Pierce's books, and I love that her writing has been so inspirational for girls.

Let’s get personal for a moment: Please share with us the most daring thing you’ve ever done.

Hmm, the most daring thing... I think moving across the country 17 years ago with only 2 suitcases and 2 cats is still the most daring thing I've ever done. I didn't have a job where I was going, and I didn't bring my  car because my sister said, “just take public transportation, Nik.” Except getting from the suburbs of Rhode Island, where we lived, to anywhere else using public transportation is not the fastest or most efficient way to travel. But I survived!

To learn more about Nicole, visit her website at wordsmithandjones.net.

www.wordsmithandjones.net

Thank you so much for visiting “Gina’s World of Good”, Nicole! I wish you many sales and much success!!