Just the Write Words…
Nothing immortalizes events or captures feelings and memories like the perfect words. Whether spoken or written, some of the most important moments in history and every- day lives are often defined by phrases that bring a tear to the eye or a smile to the lips. That’s why I have the best job in the world – helping people find those words.
Hello, my name is Denise May and I’m what many people call a ghost writer. Giving credit to other people for my work is actually one of most satisfying parts of the job. That’s because my primary goal is to help people when they know what they feel, but simply can’t find the words for an inspirational speech, humorous toast or those intimately revealing wedding vows.
When I was young, I had an embarrassing and frustrating speech defect. Perhaps that’s why I started writing almost as soon as I learned my ABCs. While others capture what they feel or think through music or pen and ink, I’ve always been passionately drawn to express myself in words. Writing is also how I have made my living, in the advertising and marketing business for more than 30 years and, more recently, as a published author, creative writing instructor and ghost writer. My ghostwriting jobs have certainly varied – writing speeches for corporate presidents, inscriptions for monuments, poems that honored retiring executives, wedding vows, letters of love or apology – even obituaries and eulogies. Once, a loving husband asked me to write a poem about his wife’s beloved horse which had been killed in an accident. It’s so gratifying to me to see the emotional effect the right words have on the person who receives them, as well as the one who expresses them.
When someone asks me to ghostwrite for them, I always begin by simply letting him or her talk about a particular subject, person or event. I almost immediately get a sense of who they are while also becoming acquainted with some of their speech and thought patterns. Next, I ask a series of questions which reveal what lies just beneath the surface – their values and emotions. I have always found that people really do know what they want to say; they just need to be given the opportunity. I take notes while they speak and soon begin to feel the piece almost write itself. After they read the finished work, it’s always gratifying to observe that sense of pride and relief spread across their face. It’s what they wanted to say – not someone else’s thoughts or feelings – but theirs, just dressed up a little. Most of the time, corporate clients sign their own name to the work or husbands quietly take all the credit when their impressed, tearful wives ask, "Did you really write this?" And that’s just the way it should be. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you’re looking for a unique and personal gift for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or baby shower, consider giving my "Gift of Words" gift certificate or a one-of-kind, personalized poem. Place it in a lovely frame, perhaps with a meaningful object, dried flower or photograph, and you will give a distinctive gift to be treasured always.
So…if you’re looking for a comfortable (even enjoyable) way out of the anxiety and pressure of writing invitations, brochures, letters, or speeches, but want the words to perfectly fit the person and the occasion, remember all you have to do is believe in the power of words…and friendly ghosts. Hmmmm…couldn’t have said it better myself!
Denise May
May Marketing Services
44606 45th Street
Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804
405-312-0407
mdenisemay@gmail.com