From writing for pennies to writing for a living

Shayna Grajo • June 25, 2025

¿A qué te dedicas?

Soy escritora…

It was only recently at my boyfriend's concert that I could answer the question to “¿A qué te dedicas?” with conviction.

But it certainly wasn't always like this. Not in regard to writing.

Seek the Truth and report it.

It was the end of 2008, and I’d given notice to discontinue as assistant news editor for my college newspaper.


I stood across Holly J. Wolcott, formerly a crime reporter for the
Los Angeles Times with 7 years on the beat.


Then, as the newsroom advisor for the paper, she puffed her cigarette and blew out some smoke.


We’d stepped out of the student media office to catch some air.


“Well, Grajo,” she told me.  She looked west to the foothills of the Rockies as she smoked, standing beside me. I looked on with her.


“At least you can say that you did it… that you did
the rodeo.


My little stint as editor was short-lived, yet I’d maintained it during the historic campaign of president-elect Barack Obama. 


When the Democratic National Convention was in Denver that year, I was there.


Yet I didn’t feel fully aligned with a career in journalism. In fact, the long committed hours to meet deadlines and manage a desk of reporters was a complete toll on my stress—and all while earning pennies for it.


That said, in terms of writing—whether I was making money or an impact or not—I was always grateful for a grounded training in the journalistic oath.


Seek the Truth and report it.

A part of me thought I’d hit it off in PR instead.


While as a reporter I had bylines in notable places, I’d always felt good about the role of my press releases to attract media attention for newsworthy stories.


I remember taking a tour one day as a senior in college to the PR firm
Xstatic PR in downtown Denver. I loved meeting the founders, J.D. McCartney and Stacey Sepp. And I loved the colorful, well designed business cards.


We were even dressed business casual to go on this tour.


Since then, I’d lost about all hope in ever seeing myself in a chic agency or firm. Y’know, the ones with a meeting table where people from various departments gather and creatively tackle their PR campaign visions for clients.


When I graduated with a journalism degree—a whole story in itself—I always figured writing would be an asset wherever I’d go and whatever I’d do.


Years later, in upstate New York, I loved website copywriting when managing my self-published website for my shiatsu and Thai massage therapy practice.


Yet it’s only been now—

Some 15 years after graduating—

That I can say I write for a living.


And there’s still part of me in disbelief for having “arrived.”


To the beginning
.



If you’re in the camp of arriving—

Know that it’s bound to happen.


Even if you give up, even if it seems there’s no future or hope.


For what you seek not only seeks you—

Who you are is always finding you.


Once upon a full moon


On the full moon of November, I wrote to my email list that I wanted to release the narratives of the limiting beliefs that had held me back.


The narratives of…

  • “Oh, I could never make good money as a writer.”
  • “Writing jobs are just stress that I don’t want in my life.”
  • “I’ve never used my journalism degree.”


Instead, I looked to drop my former narratives and transmute limiting beliefs.


As my own editor,
I rewrote those beliefs:

  • Writers can make good money. I intend to make damn good money as a writer.
  • I intend to create the writing jobs that I really want in my life.
  • I’ve always used my journalism degree.
  • I intend to taste the freedom of having the power over what I publish and receiving even appreciation and financial support for this kind of authenticity.



The results…

After starting a Substack on March 2, I’ve crossed over to the shore of Freedom or living my dream.

My dream looked like…

  • Making damn good money as a writer. Thanks to a new job, I at least make a comfortable living, period…
  • Writing a paid newsletter. This was a dream I hadn’t imagined for myself until coming across this platform. Even with just 2 paid subscribers at $8 a month or $80 a year, that $160 has supported and nourished me. It has helped shift my perspective and given me hope and truly life-changing motivation, even with my tiny list of 200 subscribers who appreciate my writing. Thank you, all my subscribers. Artists need their audience, and I’m so grateful you’re here.
  • Working with people in community. I’m sincerely grateful to have made contact with more writers, marketers, and practitioners deeply invested in empathy and equity.
  • Launching a kick-ass podcast. Lol, truth be told, I launched my podcast because I was feeling lonely in my freelance work life as a solopreneur. I missed out on “team meetings,” boardroom conversations, and whiteboard sessions (even of the Zoom, Loom and Slack variety). I just wanted to find a way to genuinely connect and have meaningful conversations.

Since the launch of the podcast, I’ve actually had to back down from production and even turn away aligned clients for projects, because of being saturated with my current content director role.

A wonderful problem to have.


But no worries—Though I’ve already released more episodes statistically than most podcasters ever do, I know there is a whooole lot more I can improve upon!

I look forward to continued collaborations, conversations, and insights from practitioners passionate about equity in holistic health and healing arts.

The July 24th drop won’t disappoint! We will hear from a decolonial yoga educator who has my heart.

i just want to be a writer. but no i also have to be an influencer and a photographer and a video editor and a graphic designer and a podcaster and a networker and i have to learn SEO, marketing strategies, algorithms, all the latest trends. i have to build a following before i can ever think about writing a book, so i have to make content and hope to go viral. i'm tired.

- bree beauregard

Read on Substack

If you are someone wondering if writing or money or both will truly be part of your future—


Even if you are a member of the Global Majority—


Even if you’re one of the 37% of Americans without the cash to pay for a $400 emergency....


Even if you’ve been chronically underemployed (I feel you on this one hardcore)…


And even in (especially in) the age of AI—


Hang in there.


Your words are powerful beyond measure.


Empathy-driven marketing from an authentic human heart is more important than ever.


Your words and perspective are needed to impact a world longing for justice, wealth, and regeneration for all.

I know a part of me had never truly imagined or believed I could be supported full-time as a writer or thrive with an online business.

Thank you for letting me celebrate in ways big and small with you.


Offers. Ofertas. Ofertones.


Rewrite your beliefs

You can grab the framework I used to rewrite my beliefs. This is a free 3-day retreat with podcasts 15 minutes each or less. It includes additional written comments to contemplate. It’s specifically geared to health and wellness business owners looking to channel the right messaging and clients into their world. Yet suitable for all creatives.


Join the 40-Day Portal

Last year I did a 39-day yoga challenge ending on my 39th birthday. This year, starting July 28, you are invited to join me for a self-directed 40-day retreat of choice. Will it be 40 days of writing? 40 days of yoga? 40 days of rest? You decide, with community and accountability. Sign up to my waitlist for the 40-day portal. Free for paid subscribers. More details to come.


Write on Medium

I’m thinking Medium is the next frontier. Now that I’m writing for a living, I know I’m hungry for more and would read more and publish more if given the time and awareness to dedicate. If you want to join Medium’s micro-challenge in June to publish your first article in July, please let me know! June is almost over, but I would love co-motivation in publishing there.


Publish a website

I collaborate with a wonderful web design agency to help publish well-designed, strategic sites quickly and with ongoing community support. If you’re interested in publishing a site, I have openings in September. Sign up for my waitlist to express interest and find out more.


Schedule a reading

Last but not least, my new line of work includes personal development in the form of intuitive readings (think astrology or tarot). If you are questioning life’s big questions—who you are, why you’re here, what you’re meant to do for money and career, or questions on love and relationships… Express your interest here for a reading or for this content.


Endlessly yours,

p.s. This blog is dedicated to the late Holly J. Wolcott, and to great writers past, present, and future.

Welcome, I’m Shayna Grajo

A writer and content marketer in health and wellness, serving holistic providers and equity-minded brands. Through copywriting, web design, coaching and holistic marketing, I help providers like you feel as embodied in digital space as you do in your physical practice.

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