As a ghostwriter, I get a real charge out of helping people to impart their wisdom to those who need it most. I have two sets of clients: The Author and The Readers. When both are satisfied, I’ve made a ripple.

That ripple most often comes in the form of a full-length book or a blog article, but some projects are unexpected, unconventional…odd, even.

I’ve got to admit, they might be my favorites.

The Macabre

“I want to make people laugh while they’re mourning.” This from a man who had just learned of his terminal cancer. One month later, the humorous statement had been carved into his headstone.

The Vengeful

“He needs to know what he did to me.” This from a woman who had just found out her lover had been cheating on her. I didn’t realize that her PayPal account had been linked to his checking account until after he received the six-page letter. Of course, I issued a refund.

The Generous

“I don’t want them to know where it came from.” This from a woman who wanted a letter drafted to her church — a letter that would accompany a $100,000 gift. It couldn’t be in her style; her identity would have to be protected.

The Dishonest

“My dad will pay you.” This from a premed student at one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. Of course, I didn’t take the job.

The Touching

“I am losing my mind.” This from an elderly pastor, who disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. He wanted his last sermons to be written in his voice, in his tongue-in-cheek style, so that his congregation would not suspect a thing. His wish, of course, was my honor and pleasure.

The Whimsical

“No one can know it’s me.” This from a student who “borrowed” his mother’s over-sized ceramic garden squirrel to accompany him on a study-abroad trip to Spain. I built the website, uploaded the photos, and posted daily updates on Sebastian’s adventures.

The Nervous

“I can’t sound stupid.” This from a television journalist who had just landed her very first assignment. She wanted questions written for a scheduled interview — relevant questions that would keep her subject talking. This was the first of five ghostwritten interview scripts. Today, she’s interrogating guests like nobody’s business.

Never Boring

Those are just a few examples of unusual ghostwriting jobs I’ve fielded, and big parts of why I love this vocation. The people I meet, the messages I get to impart, and the things I learn about the world are precious to me.

Have you been struggling with finding the words to express yourself? Do you have wisdom to impart or a technique to teach, but you’re having difficulty putting it into words (either written or spoken)? Contact me. We should talk.