Holly Rae
Hi, I’m Holly! I am a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer for hire. To inquire about my writing services, contact me at [email protected] You may also show your support by tipping here on Vocal.
I Started A Reading Journal, And You Should, Too!
Once upon a time, I read a book a week and forgot everything about it soon after. As life has changed, so have my reading habits. I read at a much slower pace these days, with sometimes days between picking up my current read. Though I am reading fewer books during the course of a year, I am reading more deeply than before. Reading is no longer a part of my goals for the week, it's something I pick up, like a conversation (and not a chore). I am also wasting no time on books that I don't want to read. Shelving that book you're not interested in for later is one of the best ways to read more and avoid burnout. I talk a little bit more about that in my Vocal article 21 Tips for Reading More in 2021. For these reasons, I am getting so much more out of my reading and have found myself contemplating the books that I read far more and far longer than the books I've read in the past.
Our Namesake
On March 29th, my father set into motion a conspiracy that would result in the death of his son. With the knowledge that he would not be coming home from the hospital, he tucked $20,000 and a pocket-sized, black notebook into his overnight bag. These actions were unquestioned by everyone but myself, the unwilling beneficiary of the bag’s contents, and an unknowing accomplice to murder. 7
Before I Start, I'm Giving Up
I have decided that I am giving up big time this year! I mean, really just letting go. You might say, didn’t we do that last year? Wasn’t that what 2020 was all about? Actually, no, not for me. While we might have spent more time in our pajamas than we’d ever dreamed possible, that is not the giving up that I’m talking about.
Holly RaePublished 3 months ago in MotivationHow Vocal+ Is Helping Me Reach My Goals for 2021
I have always known that I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t know where to start. The concept of “just start writing,” made no sense to me at all. I didn’t feel prepared or like I had enough time to be a writer. I equated the idea of “just start” with jogging-in-place to prepare for a marathon: It didn’t seem productive!
Holly RaePublished 3 months ago in MotivationFirst Place in Holiday Card Outtakes Challenge
A Picture Perfect Christmas Memory
In the years that I have been “adult” enough to feel the pressure of sending a holiday card, I have never succeeded. We didn’t do them when we got married and told ourselves that we would after having kids, but nope, still no Christmas cards. There were attempts, but we realized that by the time we took our photos, it was often too late to send the card! Besides, the photos will be posted to social media and that’s good enough, right?
The Stay-At-Home Mom's Guide to Self-Care and Sacred Spaces
A lifelong homebody, there is no place I’d rather be than at home—and right now, that’s where I am most of the time as a full-time parent. Because I spend so much of my life at home, creating an environment I enjoy being in is essential to my overall wellbeing. I have a better attitude and perspective when I put forth the effort to keep my home somewhat put together; it eases some of my anxieties and gives me the clarity I need to focus on other tasks and interests. I have realized that at times, my life is not as chaotic as I think it is, my environment is just out of order. A tidy, comfortable home frees my mind to do other tasks and think about other things, including sitting down now to write this!
Finding My Voice In 2021
I decided a few weeks ago that I was going to begin writing as a career. It is what I have always wanted to do and due to present circumstances, it's a necessity that I find a way to work from home. I started with reading blogs and watching YouTube videos by professional writers to get an idea of what it would look like to be a freelance writer. In doing so, I began to realize that what I had thought was a pipe dream may actually be possible for me.
Holly RaePublished 4 months ago in MotivationHoliday Gifts for Every Type of Reader
As a reader, gift-giver, and hopeful receiver of good gifts: I personally would love to receive any one of the gifts on this list. But, no two readers are exactly alike and that is why I made this list to help you find the perfect match for the bookish friend or family member on your Christmas list. Say no to generic gifts, let's get personal!
