Brigitte's Banter
Brigitte works as a real estate editor and writer for a Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper. She has been a freelance writer/editor for several years. She has written numerous articles, ghostwritten an ebook, written website content, jacket covers and bios for authors (and other professionals) and penned her own column at one time.
Her writing has appeared in the Post and Courier, Charleston Style & Design Magazine, Skirt Magazine, Navel Expo magazine and others.
Her other life experiences include winning lightweight bodybuilding competitions (albeit, very long ago), working in sales/marketing, public relations and fundraising; and as a traffic reporter and on-air personality. Her philosophy is that every life experience provides endless material for her writing (and she has the 30 plus journals since the age of 13 to prove it).
She works in stops and starts on her ever-present, ever-evolving, need-finish-it-at-some-point (!!) novel.
Hobbies: Writing, reading, painting, renovating furniture and traveling.
She lives with her husband and two kids with paws.
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82 thoughts on “About Me”
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For my Gracious Guide to Benevolent Blogging
For Monday Musings
Brigitte's Banter 
blimey, you’ve written lots! I am jealous! I wonder if you have any advice on how to get a foot in the door of freelance writing? It seems tricky 😦
Posted by Robotic Rhetoric | February 28, 2012, 11:38 pmHey there — work, work, work and work more. :). I’m much older than you so I’ve been doing this for awhile. Find a local paper and write some human interest stuff (for free – yes, I said free). It’s fun and you’ll get your name in print. How? Walk into a local newspaper/magazine — whatever interests you and ask to talk to the editor. Tell her/him you’ll offer your stellar, world-changing writing for free for a certain amount of time and write. Interview. Apply on all writing you can. Build up a portfolio online by writing a few articles for a content mill (try Suite101.com) — it’s a good one, looks professional and you’ll build up a presence online that way. With your humor, talent and writing skill, it shouldn’t take long. But, a word of advice — freelance is crazy busy one minute and drip, drip, drip the next. Not for sissies, if you know what I mean. Good luck — your blog is hilarious!
Posted by Brigitte | February 28, 2012, 11:44 pmThanks so much for this! Wise words… I need to check out suite101! And practise not writing junk! 🙂 cheers! loving the banter 😉
Posted by Robotic Rhetoric | February 28, 2012, 11:49 pmLove the pic! and I do LOVE your profile image…I did read about it on your blog…I would love to freelance a whole lot more… or pay the bills but its difficult writing books and freelancing..how do you organize your time…May Baxter and Sopie are very well behaved and walk themselves…Wonder could I try that with my lot!
Posted by ailialana | March 17, 2012, 10:12 pmThanks! Freelancing comes in waves — either crazy busy or nothing! But I’ve done it for a several years now and can because of my husband who supports my writing, but more than anything wants me to finish my book!
Posted by Brigitte | March 17, 2012, 10:52 pmHere’s looking at you kid. ;^)
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award . . .
http://swimminginthemud.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/versatile-blogger-award/
Posted by finally_write | May 4, 2012, 3:58 pmThanks, dear friend. Coming from you that means so very much. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 4, 2012, 6:07 pmYou’re welcome, honey!
Posted by finally_write | May 4, 2012, 6:34 pmI am SO happy I found this blog! And you!! I have loved writing since I figured out how to use a pen, and I have so many ideas swirling around in my head. I just can not seem to figure out how to get them on the screen or on paper. I will be following you. Your last post was awesome btw! Thanks for this!
Posted by mommahasapottymouth | May 17, 2012, 5:23 pmThank you, Momma. As I said earlier, I plan to visit many posts and love the title of your blog. So funny! Thank you for your comment!!!!
Posted by Brigitte | May 17, 2012, 5:39 pmI agree–writing is writing – and you seem to have found just the right niche – enjoy reading you.
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | May 17, 2012, 8:38 pmHi Lou Ann, fellow freelancer! You get where I’m coming from. It’s not glamourous and it’s great sometimes and not so much sometimes, but it IS writing. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy writing schedule to comment. It’s much appreciated!!! :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 17, 2012, 8:56 pmI think I have found a soul friend. I have found myself doing a lot of writing that is nowhere close to literary–or even creative–though I try to put that last element into everything I write–even if it is about sewers and drains when I don my municipal reporter hat.
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | May 18, 2012, 8:03 amThat is wonderful. “After all writing is writing”- so true- I hope I would be able to become a professional writer one day.
I loved your bio and I’m looking forward to exploring more of your blog. 🙂
Posted by howanxious | May 18, 2012, 10:20 amThank you and happy blogging/writing to you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 18, 2012, 10:22 amNice to see you, and what great advice you give, you have such a good way of sharing knowledge in an honest and clear way. No nonsense from you and that’s valuable. Good luck with your book I’m sure you’ll do great. 🙂
Posted by Tinkerbell | May 18, 2012, 10:35 amThank you and thanks so much for stopping in. Good luck to you as well! :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 18, 2012, 10:39 amI found your blog today and like what I see! How have you been successful in getting so many responses and followers in only a few short months? I’ve been blogging since August of last year and although I have 100 followers, only 2 or 3 comment some of the time. I have it set up to post to Twitter and Facebook too, so what are you doing to gain such a readership and awards too??
Posted by dawnreneefreelancewriter | May 18, 2012, 1:27 pmI don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account. Being freshly-pressed has helped tremendously! I bet that’s how you found me! I do try to find other like-minded bloggers, follow them and comment frequently. You never know when you make a comment on a blog you like, someone else that’s commenting also will find you. That’s how I’ve found several bloggers/friends/followers and they have found me. I’ve had to good fortune of some of those kind souls bestowing awards on me and then I pay it forward. Hope this helps, Dawn. As a freelancer writer, you know that sometimes the tide comes in and sometimes it’s out — know what I mean? Good luck to you and thanks so much for your nice comments. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | May 18, 2012, 1:42 pmHow do you get Freshly Pressed? I’ve always wondered that!
Posted by dawnreneefreelancewriter | May 18, 2012, 1:44 pmI wish I knew. This took me totally by surprise. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 18, 2012, 1:45 pmMaybe I have too and that’s how I got my followers?? Thanks for responding and I look forward to checking out your site!
Posted by dawnreneefreelancewriter | May 18, 2012, 1:47 pmI am blogging for the first time and I am hoping to earn some money from it. But I am just a newbie with a long way to go! Wow! You are a ghostwriter! That’s so cool! Reading your blog I realise that I have so much to learn!
Posted by Silverfox | May 20, 2012, 7:11 pmWelcome to the blogging world. I think you have to approach blogging as just something you love to do and share with others. I’ve ghostwritten for business and nonfiction type things — never fiction (I wish). I too have much to learn. That’s what it’s all about, right? C’est la Vie!! :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 21, 2012, 8:50 amHey I’m soo loving your bog! You are so inspiring. I really love IT! Please keep up your amazing work!
Posted by SmilingCat01 | May 21, 2012, 6:49 amHi Jeremy, you are soooo nice for saying that. I really appreciate your taking the time to do so and I will try to keep up my work (amazing or not) :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 21, 2012, 9:28 amYour blog is fantastic, and I shall stride to follow your “five rules” to support other bloggers.
Thanks for the support you showed me so far as well. It’s much appreciated.
Posted by Mesnard | May 28, 2012, 10:13 amHi and you’re very welcome. Happy writing/blogging to you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 28, 2012, 10:15 amGreat to find your blog! I’m gladly following.. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Posted by Subhan Zein | May 28, 2012, 7:05 pmWelcome! And thank you for your nice comment.
Posted by Brigitte | May 29, 2012, 9:12 amGreat blog. I have a degree in English and a lot of unpublished work, but am wanting to break into the freelance world. Any books to suggest? Do you think tech writing courses or certificates would help?
Posted by Recovered Baptist | June 9, 2012, 2:57 pmJust get something — anything published and build your portfolio from there. It takes a lot of discipline, hard work and ability to take rejection. Thanks so much for your nice comment. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 11, 2012, 10:23 amAn award coming your way http://jensinewall.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/accolade-a-day/
Posted by jensine | June 15, 2012, 3:13 pmYou are too kind — thank you!! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 15, 2012, 3:41 pmDear Brigitte,
I came to this page to ask you about music, and helping me…helllllllllllllllllllp!!! (I did the upgrade…still struggling)…but I loved your advice about freelance writing. I’m taking it. Thank you♥
But..back to that music. ARGGGHhhhh!!! If songs didn’t go so well with everything I write..I’d say..PHOOEY!! but they do!
I’ve gotten to the part of uploading a song. It says it’s 100% loaded…but then doesn’t give me any options, like in an image, you know? I would love some help. Thank you!!!
Love, Lisa
Your desperate blogging friend♥
Posted by Carr Party of Five | July 5, 2012, 9:43 amHey Lisa, I’ll email you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 5, 2012, 10:56 amhttp://hemadamani.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/first-anniversary/
Posted by hemadamani | July 16, 2012, 8:58 amThanks and you’re welcome, H. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 16, 2012, 9:30 amBrigitte,
Blogrolled. It was overdue.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | July 31, 2012, 3:05 pmWhy thank you kind sir.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 3:32 pmHi Brigette! Szaboinslowmo at her blog http://shecantbeserious.com/ has nominated me for Illuminating blogger award, which she received from you. As part of “the rules” to accept, I’m to visit the original award blog so here I am. Thanks Szabo!!!! You’re the best!
Posted by Tina | August 23, 2012, 2:01 pmHi Tina and welcome! And congrats — Szabo is a very nice and funny blogger. And right back at you!
Posted by Brigitte | August 24, 2012, 8:46 amI’m happy to be following your blog now – I see you commenting on a slew of other writers I love – i’m glad I checked you out! I’m from Long Island (and miss it daily) – my entire family is from Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island (as if it’s its own city/town) and Canada…I feel like we’re kindered spirits. I too believe that all events have something meaningful in which to write about.
Ta!
Rutabaga
Posted by Rutabaga the Mercenary Researcher | September 13, 2012, 10:23 amHi Ruta, I’m glad you’re following me and I am you too! Small world, huh? Yes, we’ve been here for a little over three years and came from some of those wide open spaces and now you’re in one of those so I agree with you. It’s so nice meeting a kindred spirit and I agree with you — I so look forward to reading your posts and more about you.
Posted by Brigitte | September 13, 2012, 12:08 pmFrom body building to book writing and blogs. Sounds like a fascinating human we have here.
Posted by becca3416 | September 18, 2012, 1:52 pmBecca,
A long strange trip indeed. ;). Welcome.
Posted by Brigitte | September 18, 2012, 2:05 pmHow is it that I’m not following you?!? I fixed that tout suite! I love to restore furniture too.
Posted by robincoyle | September 20, 2012, 11:48 amI don’t know but I thought the same thing when I discovered your blog and remedied that myself by following you. Thank you, Robin and welcome.
Posted by Brigitte | September 20, 2012, 12:17 pmHi Brigette, It’s nice to meet you. I admire you for all the writing you’ve done! I look forward to reading your blog.
Posted by The Bumble Files | September 27, 2012, 8:47 pmHi Bumble — thank you and great to meet you too! So appreciate your taking the time to stop by and comment and hope to see you again. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 8:49 pmLove the blog 🙂
Posted by msuworld | September 28, 2012, 5:17 amThank you! And thanks for reading. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 28, 2012, 11:23 amwelcome 🙂
Posted by msuworld | September 28, 2012, 1:28 pmI just wanted you to know that I nominated you for One Lovely Blog Award. Thanks for having a great blog! Have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by exceedingspeed | September 29, 2012, 11:02 pmThank you so much! I’ve received this award before and it’s so nice when people take the time to do this — it’s so appreciated!!
Posted by Brigitte | October 1, 2012, 9:32 amYou have been tagged by me in this week’s Tag Blogathon.
Visit my post for more details: http://ohmsweetohmdotme.wordpress.com/2012/09/30/the-tag-blogathon
Posted by Allan G. Smorra | September 30, 2012, 4:30 pmHi Allan, thanks I’ll check it out.
Posted by Brigitte | October 1, 2012, 9:02 amhow is it that I never read this page?
Posted by unfetteredbs | October 13, 2012, 6:11 amumm, I dunno… 😀
Posted by Brigitte | October 13, 2012, 11:27 amwell I am glad that I did now. Nice to match your beautiful face with your kind, insightful words. nice about page!
Posted by unfetteredbs | October 13, 2012, 11:35 amHi Brig. Just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking and praying for you. Hope you and yours are warm and dry and that life will resume some sort of normalcy soon. <3, Emily
Posted by The Waiting | November 8, 2012, 9:22 amThank you, Em. I’m much better now. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 8, 2012, 11:42 amYou have an intimidating résumé. I’d love to pick your brain on writing as a profession sometime.
Posted by bharatwrites | January 15, 2013, 2:28 pmBharat, not so much but thank you for saying that. It has to do with some talent, luck and being in the right place at the right time. Freelancing can dry up quickly and it takes alot of time and patience to get yourself out there. There are so many talented writers out there — much more so than me, but I’ve had the good luck to get some sweet gigs from time to time. Now, if I can just write a best-seller, I can pick and choose. :). Seriously, you can pick my brain anytime and if I can answer any question for you, I’m happy to do so. Thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | January 15, 2013, 5:39 pmHi sweet lady. Beautiful bio. I hope to be a writer someday. (I shamefully think that being a writer means you have to get paid to write…)
Posted by Sarah | April 2, 2013, 11:42 amHi Sarah, thank you and welcome. A writer doesn’t get paid all the time. You have to love it and sometimes hate it to keep doing it. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | April 3, 2013, 7:12 pmFantastic!
Will love being here!
And I am laughing as I had 50 journals which began at age 6 and several years ago threw them all out under the influence of my pragmatic husband ( who gave me the “these boxes are taking up space in our tiny basement” speech) and yoga teacher ( the “simplify your life by ridding yourself of the clutter” speech). At first it was cathartic getting rid of the written angst of my youth and young adulthood….now I could kick myself as I would have loved to read them and be reminded of how I have “evolved’ now that I am middle aged!
Posted by brie | April 15, 2013, 10:49 amWhy thank you! I’ve thought about throwing mine away, but I’d probably want to burn them. What the heck do you do with them? Sometimes I’ll pull one out and read how “she” was thinking and that’s when I think, nah, I’m going to hold on to these…
Thanks, Brigitte.
Posted by Brigitte | April 15, 2013, 11:09 amHey Brigitte, we’d LOVE to have you join us over at Support-a-Writer. It would be wonderful to have some of your insights and advice. We are a lovely, friendly group of writers, bloggers and poets – so some interesting talent going down! Please have a wee look and I hope you join us, https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/104309611203675402853?cfem=1
Glad I discovered your blog! 🙂
Posted by alanamunroauthor | May 5, 2013, 7:00 amAlana, thank you, I’m honored. I’ve been out of the blogging world for awhile but I am gong to peruse your site and would love to contribute!
Posted by Brigitte | May 14, 2013, 10:32 pmHope all is well, Brigitte. Looking forward to some more banter. 🙂
Posted by Swimming In The Mud | June 6, 2013, 12:52 pmHey Sue, going through many changes! Hope to be back blogging soon. Hope you are well too, my friend. xo
Posted by Brigitte | June 6, 2013, 5:39 pmThanks. Going thru changes too. Change–can always count on it! xo
Posted by Swimming In The Mud | June 8, 2013, 6:31 pmAh ha! was it you that restored the ‘creaking antique chest’ Brigette??!
Posted by wordswithnannaprawn | October 23, 2013, 6:06 pmYep I did. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | October 23, 2013, 10:17 pmGreat blog. Would love to get advice on how to get people interested in my blog. I just recently started it and would love others input on what you think. You have a wonderful blog. Just want to bring positivity to others.
https://livingkindlydotorg.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/welcome-to-living-kindly/
Posted by Margarita Hansen | October 16, 2015, 5:04 pmHi Margarita and welcome! Thank you. I’m no expert but the more you comment on others’ blogs, the more you’ll get them to yours. That’s been my experience anyway. Thanks for your lovely, kind words.
Posted by Brigitte | October 16, 2015, 6:38 pmEmily, you are wonderful. Thank you so much, my dear friend. Much love!!
Posted by Brigitte | January 28, 2013, 10:08 am