Hey there! My name’s Michelle—but my friends call me Shelly.
I’m a 20-something writer and editor who works from home 100% of the time. I blog about my life, my marriage, my puppy (!), and everything in between.
Thanks for stopping by!
Want to know even more about me? Keep reading…
I grew up in a small town in northern Virginia, where I’ve lived most of my life. In 2017, I graduated from my hometown college (go Hornets!) with a degree in English and went on to work at various local newspapers before I found a career as a full-time freelancer. I’ve edited everything from full-length novels to 350-word news pieces and everywhere in between—and I’ve also published several of my own poems, short stories, and nonfiction articles.
If you’re so inclined, you can learn more about my work history here.
In 2018, I married my high school sweetheart, and later that year, we adopted a border collie named Dakota. As you can imagine, life got hectic. I had previously been blogging at MichelleAdamsBlog.com about college and lifestyle topics, but I fell out of the hobby as I took on more freelance projects and frankly, lost my inspiration. (After all, I was a college blogger—what would I have to write about if not study tips?) But as part of my effort to be more mindful of how I spend my time, I’m jumping back in with both feet.
That’s where this blog comes in! Not sure where to start? Scroll down for some ideas.
ON THE BLOG
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Featured5 Ways to Boost Your Creativity and Beat Writer’s Block
Don’t fall into a creative slump ahead of this holiday season. Here are five strategies to help you beat writer’s block this fall.
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FeaturedAsk An Editor: How do editors get paid?
The mystery is solved. Michelle Rawlings breaks down how editors get paid in the first of a new series on the editing profession.
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![[Text Image]: Put down your laptop and pick up a notebook: Why taking notes by hand is better for learning | A guest post on ShellyRawlings.com](https://michellerawlings.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/why-taking-notes-by-hand-is-better-for-learning.jpg?w=750)
FeaturedWhy Taking Notes by Hand is Better for Learning (Guest Post)
It’s not the number of words written, but the type of notes recorded that makes the difference in learning.
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![[Text image:] How to gain followers on social media: 3 ways for new bloggers to grow a meaningful audience // ShellyRawlings.com](https://michellerawlings.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/how-to-gain-engaged-followers-social-media-new-bloggers-__-shelly-the-blog.jpg?w=750)
Featured3 Ways New Bloggers can Grow a Meaningful Social Media Following
Here are three things you can do to help increase your follower count.
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Featured11 Must-Have Features of Every Professional Blog
Here are eleven things that you can add to your blog to put you on the path to success.
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WHAT I’VE BEEN READING
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IN THE COMMENT SECTION
“These are such excellent resources. I am a struggling writer to get started! I have an idea, concept, plot etc. what I lack is the time to put it in writing in the voice I want it to be! I am seriously going take some of these tips and get my butt moving!” —Janine Good
“I love love loved this spreadsheet this past semester. It helped keep me organized and stay motivated when I started getting lazy and just being ready for the semester to be over. I was able to keep track of what I had done, if I should work ahead based on trips I had coming up, and definitely made me work harder. All A’s this semester. Thank you!” —Kailyn
“Hey I am in college too, studying Journalism and have worked at a few newspaper jobs as well, so I can totally understand the workload and crazy schedule! I hope you have found some time to catch a break from the chaos!” —hayliecorryne
“That cardigan speaks to me! I can’t wait until fall weather so I can start sporting my fall clothes!” —Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog.
“Great advice, especially with regards to social media integration — the key to driving traffic (even better than good SEO, especially for controversial bloggers like me). Keep up the great work!” —cultureshift
“Fantastic post, Michelle. Wonderful advice. In this day and age, when we all have access to so many free resources (and info on how to use them), authors and writers are empowered more than ever. Thank you for the insight!” —Ronin.
“Absolutely loved this post! I am so so glad I stumbled upon it. I am in the same boat this semester, taking a lot of classes and balancing work and blogging on the side. Thank you for reminding me to take some time for myself and to be ‘all there’ wherever I am.” —Katelyn Brewer
This is great! It’s so important to be well organized. I’m getting ready to start a postgraduate course in October, along with working freelance pretty much full time, so I’m going to need every organizational trick I can find! Thanks for these tips :)” —Isobel @ Perspeculor
“This list is spot on! Wish I would’ve had something like this handy when I was in college.” —Denise
SPOTLIGHT POSTS
![[Text image:] How to gain followers on social media: 3 ways for new bloggers to grow a meaningful audience // ShellyRawlings.com](https://michellerawlings.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/how-to-gain-engaged-followers-social-media-new-bloggers-__-shelly-the-blog.jpg?w=576)
