When people ask me what I do, which happens quite frequently these days, my instinct is always to say I’m a writer. It’s true - I write full-time.

But writing has always been more than words for me.

Writing is magic.

Many people don’t feel that way because they’ve had this god-awful experience of being told they’re not good enough. Usually, when I hear people talk about writing, they’re saying “It’s just not my thing” or “I suck at this.” It’s terrible but true.

When I started teaching at Ball State University in 2015, one of the first things I noticed was how often students lacked confidence. It was heartbreaking because I’ve been there. It’s a really big bummer and takes a toll.

Every voice matters.

One thing that has remained constant throughout my life, aside from my insatiable appetite for words, is the fact that I’ve always wanted to help people. It wasn’t until recently that I figured out how to do that.

As an adult, I’ve seen the smartest people I know, especially women, feel bad about something brilliant they wrote. I’ve heard the most amazing stories, from all walks of life that have changed the way I view the world.

You know the wild part?

Many of these individuals don’t feel like their story is a big deal. They share because their story has a chance of helping others, but they always want to “sound good” or sound “smarter.”

As if the way they share their experiences of the world isn’t good enough or that people will listen more if they sound a specific way when the story is written.

I started Capturing Your Confidence because stories are valuable no matter who’s telling them. Everyone deserves to know that their voice and story matters, whether you’re using it to journal, to help others, or in the workplace.

That’s why I work with women in creative industries.

So often women feel like they can’t express themselves or use their voices authentically. They’re worried about being “too opinionated” or standing up for their ideas because they aren’t sure how their words will be taken. That’s what I specialize in - providing a way for women to tell their stories and use their voice on their terms. And not just tell it - feel good about it.

It’s not just about writing.

I love words and I’ve dedicated my life to them. But the truth is, writing is hard. Being vulnerable and exploring your thoughts is…really freaking hard. Let alone communicating them with others. It doesn't always feel doable for people in positions where they feel they could lose their livelihood - especially for creatives who put so much of themselves into their work and generally love what they do. Most people don’t think to themselves, “How can I push my limits at work today?” That just doesn’t happen in the workplace.

What does happen is the feeling that there has to be something more.

Something you can do to feel more heard or to express yourself confidently. A way to develop a bold voice that’s not disrespectful, but that doesn’t leave you feeling like a doormat all the time.

It’s time to chat.

Helping women feel confident with their words is what I do. It’s my calling. And I can say with 100% confidence that I can help you because I’ve been the person who didn’t know how to use my voice. I’ve been the person who received feedback and shut down (for almost a decade, in fact). So I get it, and I know that we can do this together.

Your voice and writing aren’t about me.

I’m not here to grade you. I’m not giving out homework assignments. I’m here to speak kindly to you about words and encourage you to find them. I don’t care if you spell things wrong or forget a comma - we have tools to help you look for those things.

Your voice and how you use it is about you. I’m just here to help you bring out the parts you may not know how to use yet.

Other Important Things

The Capturing Your Confidence values are woven throughout everything I do:

• Be Human

• Voices are Powerful

• Openness

• Believe

• Empathy

I live these every day, or at least try my best.

That’s me in a nutshell.

Writer, writing coach, etc. The longer I do this, the more the title doesn’t matter. It’s the way I make people feel and the approach I take to writing and life that’s important.

• If you want to know more about me and my background (it may not be what you think…or maybe it will! Guess you’ll have to read more to find out), check this out. It’s a version of my own writing story.

• Want a little taste of my work? Or some free writing advice (that’s not the corny stuff you’ve already read 10 times today before you found me), I’ve got a free list of resources and a checklist for how to feel good about your writing here.

• If you want to check out my first book, Storytelling for Everyday People: A Feel-Good, No Bullsh*t Guide to Telling the Story in Your Heart you’ll want to go here. This book honestly is one of the things I’m most proud of. 💗

• On the chance you just want to chat, reach out or find me on LinkedIn.

I’m down to my bones appreciative that you came to find out what this is all about. I’m excited you’re here, and I can’t wait to learn more about you.

Talk more soon, okay?

Rachel