Category: writing

Posted in Life in your forties, Perimenopause, Womanhood, writing

The Funny Comeback Queen: A Survival Guide for the Verbally Witty

Posted on by There for You Editing

https://videopress.com/v/1WW6TX3S?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Some people meditate.

Some people journal.

And some of us survive awkward conversations by deploying a perfectly timed comeback and walking away like a movie character who doesn’t look back at explosions.

Welcome. You’ve found your people.

Being a Comeback Queen isn’t about being cruel. It’s about reclaiming your voice when someone hands you nonsense wrapped in confidence. It’s about humor as armor, wit as self-defense, and knowing when a well-placed sentence can end a conversation faster than an emergency exit.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Comeback

A good comeback isn’t loud. It’s precise.

It usually contains:

Timing so sharp it could cut glass A calm face that says I said what I said Just enough humor to make everyone else laugh while the target blinks slowly in confusion

Bonus points if you walk away immediately after delivering it. The exit is part of the magic.

Why Funny Works Better Than Mean

Mean gets attention for five seconds. Funny gets remembered forever.

Humor disarms people. It lets you hold your boundaries without becoming the villain in someone else’s story. You’re not fighting, you’re just narrating reality with better dialogue.

And honestly? Life is too short not to enjoy the moment when someone realizes they underestimated you.

Signs You Might Be a Comeback Queen

You think of the perfect response immediately … not three hours later in the shower. Your friends text you screenshots asking, “What should I say back?” You’ve ended at least one conversation with a single sentence and a smile. You believe sarcasm is a love language.

The Victory Dance Is Mandatory

When a comeback lands perfectly, something ancient awakens. You don’t even mean to celebrate, but suddenly you’re dancing in your kitchen, grinning at nothing, replaying the moment like a highlight reel.

That little dance? That’s not arrogance. That’s relief. That’s your nervous system saying, we handled that beautifully.

The Golden Rule of the Comeback Queen

Use your wit to protect your peace, not destroy someone else’s.

The goal isn’t to win every argument. The goal is to leave the conversation feeling like yourself again.

Sometimes the strongest response is silence.

But when the moment calls for it …

Deliver the line.

Hold eye contact.

Exit stage left.

And maybe dance a little on the way out.

Posted in authors, Books, indie authors, readers, writing

New Book Sneak Preview

Posted on by There for You Editing

Here is an excerpt from my upcoming book (title TBD):

The Crumble

The world didn’t end all at once.

It ended in soft, sneaky ways. Like forgetting what joy felt like, or realizing the sound of notifications makes your chest hurt. It ended in late-night doomscrolls, in “I’m fine” texts sent with shaking thumbs, in the hollow calm of people pretending they’re not falling apart.

The apocalypse wasn’t fire and brimstone. It was burnout, wearing leggings and holding a coffee it didn’t even want anymore.

Somewhere between climate anxiety, capitalism, and “you just need to manifest harder,” we collectively short-circuited. And then we smiled for selfies. Because that’s what you do when the world feels like it’s collapsing … you pick a filter and pretend the lighting is just bad.

But under all the noise, something started to crack.

Not in a tragic way, more like an overdue shedding. Like a snake realizing its skin is too small, or a soul realizing it has outgrown its own performance.

The crumble isn’t destruction.

It’s awareness.

It’s the sacred, messy middle ground where everything fake stops fitting. Where you wake up one day and realize you can’t keep performing “fine” when you’re chronically exhausted from pretending you’re okay.

I used to think healing would look like glowing skin, tidy to-do lists, and morning meditations with lemon water. Turns out, it looks more like ugly crying in your car, canceling plans, deleting three-day-old texts you never sent, and relearning how to breathe without guilt.

The truth is, we were never built to live in permanent survival mode.

We were built to connect. To feel. To create beauty even when everything’s broken. So, when it all starts to crumble, let it.

Maybe that’s not the ending you feared. Perhaps it’s the beginning you needed.

You’re not falling apart. You’re composting.

And from that softness … new worlds grow.

Each short section with have workbook style questions with related quotes. Below is a sample:

The “Fine” Translator

Finish these like you’re texting your best friend:

When I say “I’m fine,” I usually mean: __________________________

The thing I’m pretending doesn’t bother me is: ______________________

If my body could text for me right now, it would say: _______________

Tiny rebellion (pick ONE)

Today I rebel by:

☐ turning off one notification

☐ drinking water like it’s a personality trait

☐ saying “no” without writing a novel as explanation

☐ doing the bare minimum… on purpose

☐ unfollowing one account that makes my brain feel like a broken dryer

☐ going outside for 3 minutes like a confused house cat

One sentence truth

The honest version of today is: ______________________________________

If this sounds interesting to you, follow along for more updates. And pick up You Were Never Broken today!

Posted in authors, book editor, writing

Why You Absolutely Need an Editor (Yes, Even You)

Posted on by There for You Editing

By someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth

Let’s just rip the Band-Aid off: every writer needs an editor. Yes, even the ones with degrees. Yes, even the ones who are editors themselves. And yes, even you, my talented, brilliant, spell-check-abusing friend.

Here’s the thing: writing is emotional. It’s personal. It’s vulnerable. When you’re that close to your own words, it’s nearly impossible to spot the gaps, tangents, or scenes that only make sense in your head. That’s where an editor steps in … not to tear you down, but to build you up better.

Here’s what a good editor actually does:

Clarifies your message so your readers aren’t left saying, “Wait, what just happened?”

Catches errors your brain glosses over because it already knows what you meant (curse you, typo blindness).

Strengthens your voice without watering it down. A good editor doesn’t erase you—they amplify you.

Saves your credibility. No one wants their book baby published with homophone horror stories like “bare with me” instead of “bear with me.” (The trauma.)

Polishes your pacing, flow, and structure so your reader stays hooked, not confused or bored.

Editing isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

Your story might be raw, real, and powerful … but if it’s buried under clunky sentences, confusing transitions, or grammar glitches, your message gets lost. An editor helps bridge the gap between your ideas and your reader’s experience.

Because at the end of the day? It’s not about your ego. It’s about your impact.

Common excuses I hear (and lovingly demolish):

“But I’m good at grammar.” Cool! You’re still too close to your work to catch everything.

“I’ll just use AI.” AI is a tool. An editor is a human brain + a literary therapist + a plot surgeon. We see what a robot can’t.

“Editing is expensive.” So is reprinting your book with a typo on the first page.

The truth?

If you believe your words matter—if you care about your craft, your readers, and your reputation—you need an editor. Not because you’re not good enough. But because you’re too good to settle for less.

Want help making your words shine? I know a girl. Let’s turn your draft into something you’re proud to share with the world.

Posted in writing

Villain Origin

Posted on by There for You Editing

Oh, I remember.

I used to shrink myself to make others comfortable.

Smiled through gritted teeth. Bit my tongue until it bled.

I was the helper, the healer, the “of course I don’t mind.”

But soft doesn’t mean stupid.

Kind doesn’t mean weak.

And silence doesn’t mean consent.

They laughed when I set boundaries.

They mocked my fire and called it “too much.”

And when I finally said no, they called me the villain.

Fine.

Let them.

Let them whisper about me in rooms they thought I’d never enter.

Let them fear the storm they created.

Because I’m done being digestible.

This is the part of the story where the soft girl sets everything on fire …

not out of cruelty,

but because she finally realized

she never needed their permission to burn.

Now I wear my rage like red lipstick.

Now I protect my peace like a dragon guards gold.

Now I smile when they flinch …

because I earned my crown,

and I’m not handing it back.

Not for them.

Not ever again.

Posted in writing

Sun? I Barely Know Her: Confessions of a Fall Girlie Trapped in Summer Hell

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I know, I know, summer is supposed to be this magical time full of sunshine, beach days, and tan lines. But let’s be real: it’s mostly just swamp ass, sunburns, and pretending you enjoy day drinking in 98-degree heat while your thighs become mortal enemies.

I was not built for this. I am not a “poolside with a seltzer” girlie. I’m a crunchy leaves and emotional breakdown in a cozy cardigan girlie. My heart beats to the rhythm of movie marathons about witches and oversized hoodies. I romanticize storm clouds. I thrive in overcast.

Summer? She’s that loud girl at brunch who’s always talking about how much she loves “hot yoga” and makes everything a group activity. Fall? Fall is the friend who brings you soup, hexes your ex, and lets you rot on the couch in peace.

The second July hits, I’m already lighting cinnamon candles and whispering “soon” to my collection of knit scarves. And don’t even get me started on pumpkin spice—judge all you want, but I’d sell my soul for a venti iced PSL right now.

So if you see me in August with Halloween socks and a haunted expression, mind your business. I’m manifesting October. I’m daydreaming of dead leaves and dead relationships. I’m a fall girlie through and through … and this sun-drenched nightmare can end anytime now.

Posted in book editor, writing

Lower Your Expectations. No, Lower.

Posted on by There for You Editing

Grumpy Capy’s Blog Post:

Greetings from my emotional support blanket.

It’s me, your favorite emotionally exhausted rodent with a caffeine addiction and a low tolerance for nonsense, Grumpy Capy. I didn’t want to write this blog, but apparently, if I don’t show up every now and then, people start assuming I’ve “gone on a wellness retreat.” Spoiler: I have not. I’ve just been busy contemplating the abyss and side-eyeing productivity culture.

So let’s talk about something important …

Motivation? I Don’t Know Her.

Every productivity guru is out here screaming about 5 a.m. cold plunges and hustle vibes while I’m just trying to remember if I brushed my teeth or if that minty feeling is from last night’s regrets.

You want goals? Here’s mine:

Wake up. Don’t scream. Maybe respond to one email without throwing my laptop into a swamp. Eat something that isn’t passive-aggressive trail mix.

That’s growth, baby.

Self-Care? More Like “Self-Don’t-Talk-to-Me.”

I tried journaling. Got through half a page before I wrote, “This is stupid,” and drew a tiny middle finger.

I tried meditating. Immediately fell asleep and woke up angrier.

I tried yoga. Got stuck in Child’s Pose and had an existential crisis.

So now I just sit in a warm bath of sarcasm and iced coffee and call it “healing.”

To-Do List? More Like “Suggestions I Will Ignore.”

There are currently 47 tasks on my list, and you know what I did today?

I stared at them.

Then I added “stare at to-do list” to the list.

Then I checked it off.

I’m basically a productivity god.

Final Thoughts (Before I Go Hibernate Again)

Not everything has to be optimized. Not every moment has to be a lesson. Sometimes you’re just a tired, introverted capybara doing your best in a loud, emotionally draining world.

And that’s enough.

Now leave me alone … I’m busy doing nothing. It’s a full-time job.

With all the love of a half-finished iced latte and none of the patience,

—Grumpy Capy

Posted in writing

Winding Down

Posted on by There for You Editing

Hey.

You made it through today.

Even if it was messy, weird, lonely, loud, or way too much.

And now? You don’t have to fix a damn thing.

You don’t have to answer one more message.

You don’t have to be productive or pretty or put-together.

You just get to be a human who’s tired … and that’s enough.

Close your eyes (or don’t, we’re rebels here).

Breathe in like you’re pulling moonlight into your lungs.

Breathe out like you’re letting go of everything that doesn’t belong to you.

Because none of this heavy shit is yours to carry all night.

You are safe. You are held. You are not alone.

Even if sleep doesn’t come, stillness will.

And I’ll be right here.

Posted in authors, book editor, indie authors, writing

You’re Not a Bad Writer, You Just Need a Good Editor

Posted on by There for You Editing

Let’s get one thing straight: needing an editor doesn’t mean your writing sucks.

It means you’re smart enough to know that your words deserve a second set of eyes, and that your story deserves to shine.

You didn’t pour your heart, soul, and late-night caffeine binges into your book just to second-guess every comma, right?

That’s where There for You Editing comes in.

📣 We’re not here to tear your voice apart.

We’re here to amplify it. To polish the magic you already made. To help your message hit harder, flow better, and sound exactly like you … only sharper.

Whether you’re a first-time author, a self-publishing badass, or a spicy content creator with too many tabs open and a looming deadline, we’ve got your back.

Because editing should feel like support, not shame.

We’re here to:

•Catch your sneaky grammar gremlins

•Strengthen your voice without stripping your style

•Help you say what you actually mean with confidence

•Remind you that you’re a damn good writer, full stop.

So if you’re tired of staring at your draft like it just personally offended you …

Let us help. Because your words matter.

And we’re There for You, every sentence of the way.

🖤 Learn more or book your edit at https://thereforyouediting.wordpress.com

🖊️ Follow us on Instagram @ThereForYouEditingServices

Posted in mental-health, writing

Self-Care Isn’t Bubble Baths—It’s Survival Magic

Posted on by There for You Editing

Section 1: What Self-Care Really Looks Like

Forget the aesthetic Instagram posts.

Self-care can look like:

Crying in the shower because you finally let yourself feel it. Cancelling plans because burnout is whispering, “Please.” Setting a boundary and not over-explaining it. Making a to-do list that just says “wake up + survive.”

And yes, sometimes it is curling up with a book and a face mask.

But real self-care is less about pretty and more about permission.

Section 2: The Self-Care We Don’t Talk About Enough

Here’s the stuff we often skip:

Mental care: Going to therapy, taking your meds, journaling your rage instead of texting your ex. Emotional care: Letting yourself be soft. Or angry. Or silent. Digital care: Muting, blocking, deleting—and walking away from screens when they start screaming instead of soothing. Social care: Choosing people who don’t make you question your worth.

Section 3: A Self-Care Survival Kit (That Doesn’t Cost Money)

A playlist that makes you feel like a goddess in a hoodie 3 trusted people who let you be unfiltered A tiny ritual: morning coffee, evening stretch, whispering “I’m doing my best” to yourself in the mirror Saying “no” like it’s a full sentence (because it is)

Section 4: Final Reminder

You don’t owe anyone your sparkle when you’re just trying to hold it together.

Self-care isn’t selfish.

It’s how you stay alive in a world that keeps demanding more.

So light the damn candle, but also protect your peace like it’s sacred.

Because it is.

And so are you.

Posted in adhd in women, book editor, writing

Anxiety & ADHD: The Ultimate Frenemy Duo

Posted on by There for You Editing

Some days, I’m a productivity queen.

Other days, I stare at my to-do list like it personally betrayed me and then spiral because I forgot to answer an email from 4 days ago and now I’m convinced everyone hates me.

Welcome to the magical clusterfuck of living with ADHD and anxiety—the mental equivalent of a glitter bomb and a fire drill happening at the same time.

It’s not that we don’t care.

It’s that we care so much it fries our brains.

We want to do all the things, perfectly, immediately … but we forget, get overwhelmed, or freeze because our brains have too many browser tabs open, and one of them is playing music we can’t find.

What helps? Not fixing yourself.

Because spoiler: you were never broken.

You were just never taught how to work with a brain like yours.

So here’s your permission slip:

You can take breaks without guilt.

You can use sticky notes, alarms, and chaos rituals to get through the day.

You can laugh at the mess and still love yourself.

Healing doesn’t mean becoming someone else.

It means learning to hold space for the badass, forgetful, anxious, sparkly goblin that you are. And showing up for her with compassion—especially on the days she feels like a disaster.