Do women actually use more words per day than men as the stereotype would indicate? According to a study in 2014 of nearly 400 men and women that was performed by Dr. Matthias Mehl, an associate professor at the University of Arizona, both men and women average 16,000 words per day. All of our lives are equitably filled with words.

Our lives are not only filled with words, but we are all affected by words. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” You’ve probably read a note, verse or post that someone took the time to pen and felt like God sovereignly knew you needed it — almost as if He reached down from heaven, through the words of another, to give you a bear hug. Friends, family and coworkers have done that unknowingly for me time and time again. My prayer is that my blog articles will be like honey, refreshingly sweet and healthful, for you.

The mission of my blog is to encourage and inspire people who are “word nerds” like me. My word-nerd roots were sprouted by my Grandma Hegeman who, with an English degree, was the Scrabble queen of our family. You might be an editor, author or communicator on a variety of levels. Whether you call them words or copy, the bottom line is that content matters, and using words well and creatively requires us to continually hone our skills. If you’re like me, you find the craft of editing and writing to be challenging — even frustrating at times — but incredibly rewarding at the end of the day …  or at the end of the manuscript!

The content I hope to provide on my blog will be transparent and attainable, though not revolutionary, in contrast to being lofty, elusive and, therefore, potentially discouraging. For editors and writers, I will share editorial tips and pass on information that is helpful to me in my editorial business. While editors may bid against each other on a project, we can enjoy a spirit of comradery with other editors. Often writers and editors, like myself, work alone in silos, so to speak. Therefore, we need to know that other creative types are out there, struggling with some difficult clients or editorial issues.

For communicators and general “word nerds,” I will share wholesome information that I find interesting in my own personal life. The topics will not always be directly related to editorial issues but also will include real-life stories and interesting tidbits as they relate to the journey of my editorial career.

Our lives are definitely enriched by words … however many you use on a given day! You’re welcome to read and forward my meanderings — just a bunch words strung together coherently and intended to be graciously sweet and healthful for you. Like my Facebook page to view the monthly posts or fill out my Contact page to be added to my mailing list.