Why I Don’t Charge by the Word

Because writing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Nearly every day, someone asks how much I charge per word or per page.

My answer? I don’t.
Not because I’m being evasive.
Not because I’m trying to dodge the budget question.
But because not all writing is the same—and pricing like it is sets everyone up to lose.

Let me explain.

Not All Words Are Created Equal

A 500-word product description for handmade soap? Pretty straightforward. Quick research, clear formatting, done in an hour or less.

Now compare that to a 500-word blog post about remote worker tax treaties between Germany and the U.S.—with citations, SEO optimization, and legal nuance that doesn’t bore readers to death.

Those are not the same job. They should not have the same price tag. But if I charged per word? They would.

Word Count Is a Terrible Metric

Good writing isn’t about cranking out the most words—it’s about clarity. It’s about making sure the reader actually understands what’s being said.

If I can say it clearly in 800 words instead of 1,500, that’s not less work. That’s better work. So no, I’m not charging less just because I didn’t pad the page for funsies.

Flat Rates Can Backfire—for Everyone

I get the appeal of flat pricing. It’s clean. Predictable. Easy to budget for. But here’s the problem: That only works when every project is the same—which is never.

If I quote low on a deceptively complex project, I eat hours of unpaid labor. If I quote high for a simple one, you might overpay. Nobody walks away happy.

How I Quote Projects

Instead of pricing by word or page, I price based on:

  • Depth of research
  • Subject complexity
  • Collaboration level (Are we workshopping? Ghostwriting? Just proofreading?)
  • Final deliverable type (Thought leadership piece? Newsletter? TikTok script?)

This gives both of us more flexibility—and more accuracy.

When Flat Rates Do Make Sense

Some things are repeatable, structured, and easy to scope. That’s where flat pricing works. For example:

  • Resume and cover letter reviews
  • Professional bios
  • Proofreading projects under a certain length

I offer flat rates for those services because they’re consistent in scope—and like all my work, pricing is shared up front based on what you need.

Yes, I Work Within Budgets

I know not every client is working with a big agency budget. I work with job seekers, solopreneurs, and small businesses. If you’re upfront about your range, I’ll be honest about what’s doable. And if it’s not a fit, I’ll say so—with no hard feelings.

No, I Don’t Write Free Samples

If you’re wondering whether I do free test pieces before taking on work—nope.
I’ve been freelancing professionally long enough to know that my existing work is the sample.

You can browse it here:
WritingPortfolio.blog – The site you’re reading right now
Medium (@joinmeabroad) – All posts include a friends link, so you can read for free
Join Me Abroad – My site where I help people with jobs, visas, and life abroad

Free labor isn’t part of the process. If my work doesn’t speak for itself, we’re probably not a fit.

TL;DR

I don’t charge by the word because good writing isn’t about length—it’s about impact. I price based on the value I deliver, not the number of lines on a page. And like any professional service, I don’t start by working for free.

…

If you appreciate writing that respects the work behind the words, you can fuel more of it here:buymeacoffee.com/joinmeabroad

SEO-Optimized Business Descriptions for Google, Yelp & More

What’s included:
These local business listings are designed to boost visibility on platforms like Google Maps, Yelp, and industry directories. Each set includes:

  • A 100-word business summary
  • Keyword-rich product and service blurbs
  • A mini FAQ section tailored to common customer searches

This format helps small businesses show up in local search results and gives potential customers the information they need to take action.

100‑word business summary

Byte & Board Quick Fixes is Seattle’s go-to electronics hub for fast, expert phone, tablet, laptop, and console services. Located near downtown, their certified tech team handles cracked screens, battery swaps, and water damage—all with same-day turnaround and a 90‑day warranty. Backed by strong local reviews and a reputation for reliability, they combine quality, trust, and convenience. Whether you need a quick screen fix or a new charger, Byte & Board gets devices back in action fast. Ideal for busy professionals, students, and families who demand dependable service without the hassle.

Keyword‑rich product/service blurbs

  • Screen replacements for phones & tablets: We fix cracked or shattered displays using premium OEM-grade glass to restore clarity and touch responsiveness.
  • Battery swaps & power diagnostics: Improve device longevity with fast battery replacement services and power-system checks for laptops, phones, and more.
  • Water-damage recovery & software diagnostics: Comprehensive internal diagnostics, moisture removal, and software troubleshooting to restore devices after spills or malfunctions.
  • Accessories & protective gear: High-quality cases, screen protectors, chargers, and cables from trusted brands like Otterbox and Zagg—perfect complements to any fix.

Mini FAQ (3 questions)

Q: How long does service take?
A: Most services are completed same-day—screen replacements, battery swaps, and diagnostics typically done in 1–3 hours.

Q: Do you use original parts?
A: We use OEM‑grade parts for most devices. For premium brands like Apple and Samsung, we also offer genuine components when available.

Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes. All services come with a 90‑day guarantee covering parts and workmanship.

SEO Tools You’re Sleeping On: Why Reddit and Medium Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

By a Copywriter Who Actually Knows What SEO Looks Like in 2025

When people talk SEO, they jump straight to keyword research tools, backlink strategies, and maybe a sprinkle of AI if they’re feeling trendy. But here’s what most miss: Reddit and Medium are quietly dominating long-tail visibility.

Reddit, the dark, sticky corner of the internet. Yes, it has problems. But it’s one of the first places I look when I need real answers. Need to figure out what that weird car part is? Post a photo on Reddit. Need to identify a plant your kid or pet just ate so you know if the ER is next? Reddit again.

Because of this, Reddit threads regularly outrank official websites, especially for “real person” queries. People trust the hive mind, and Google knows it. Posting smart, non-spammy content in relevant subreddits can generate both organic traffic and backlinks, if you don’t sound like a marketer.

Then there’s Medium. For $5/month, it’s an SEO tool most people overlook. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it skews tech-heavy. But Medium posts rank fast, especially for niche and intent-driven searches. It also has built-in distribution (remember that?), giving your content a real chance to surface, unlike most business blogs.

That said, there’s a catch: you have to be approved by Medium.

Until then, your posts won’t show up in Medium’s internal search or on Google. You’ll need to post consistently, focus on quality (not AI filler), and share your work on your social channels to drive initial traffic. But once you’re approved, it’s smooth sailing.

Neither Reddit nor Medium replaces your own domain, but if you’re not syndicating, testing, or linking through these platforms, you’re missing out on traffic.

Sometimes SEO isn’t about tools. It’s about showing up where people are already looking.

Massage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Vancouver

Landing page copy for a fictional massage therapist. Warm, grounded, and designed for clients living with invisible illness.

Massage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Vancouver

Because “Just Get More Rest” Isn’t a Treatment Plan

If you’re tired of being tired, and also tired of people telling you it’s “just stress” or that “a good night’s sleep will fix everything”, welcome. You’re in the right place.

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) means your body’s running on 2% battery, but everyone around you thinks you’re fine because you made it to work in real clothes. Barely.

Let’s get something straight: you’re not lazy. You’re not dramatic. And you’re definitely not making this up.

What Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Actually Feels Like

CFS isn’t “a little tired.” It’s dragging yourself through the day with sandbags tied to your limbs. It’s staring at a to-do list you mentally know how to handle, while your body flat-out refuses to cooperate.

Common symptoms include:

  • Crushing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Brain fog that makes basic decisions feel like rocket science
  • Pain that moves around like it’s got a travel itinerary
  • Dizziness when you stand, sleep that doesn’t help, and post-exertion crashes that feel wildly disproportionate

And the kicker? Most of this doesn’t show on the outside. So when someone says “But you don’t look sick,” you have to decide whether to explain, fake a smile, or fake your own disappearance.

The Myths Need to Go

Let’s clear up a few tired takes:

  • “It’s psychological.” It’s physiological. There’s a difference.
  • “You just need to be more active.” You’ve tried. And sometimes it makes things worse.
  • “It’s all stress.” Yes, stress sucks. But no, it’s not the root of CFS.
  • “Try a juice cleanse.” No.

CFS is real. Complex. And absolutely valid. Your body isn’t broken, it’s overwhelmed.

How Massage Can Actually Help

Now for something helpful.

When done right, massage therapy can:

  • Calm your nervous system (think: turning the volume down on everything)
  • Improve circulation and reduce muscle tension
  • Support sleep quality and reduce pain
  • Help you reconnect with your body in a way that feels safe, not like another thing to “fix”

But here’s the thing: not all massage is created equal. And when you’re dealing with CFS, the wrong pressure or approach can leave you worse off, not better.

That’s why it’s essential to work with someone who gets it, someone who knows how to read your cues, modify in real time, and never treats you like a generic muscle map.

What to Expect From Your First Session

Let’s take the guesswork out of it. When you book a session with me, there’s no pressure to “perform” or pretend your energy is better than it is. You show up exactly as you are, and we go from there.

Every appointment starts with a conversation—not a clipboard interrogation. We’ll talk about what your body’s been dealing with lately, how you’ve been feeling post-activity, and what level of touch feels safe that day. I’ll adapt everything based on that feedback.

Your session might involve full-body work, or we may just focus on key areas where you’re holding tension. You’re always in control—you can pause, ask questions, or change directions anytime.

And no, I won’t be offended if you fall asleep on the table. That’s often the highest compliment.

This is your time, your pace, your reset. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Meet Your Therapist: Mira Lin

Hi. I’m Mira, licensed massage therapist, long-time Vancouver local, and someone who actually knows what it’s like to live in a body that doesn’t always show up the way you want it to.

Before I became an RMT, I was the person getting brushed off, misdiagnosed, and told to “just push through.” That experience taught me exactly what not to do in this line of work.

Today, I specialize in working with folks who live with invisible or chronic conditions like CFS, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disorders. My style is gentle, adaptable, and never one-size-fits-all. I’ve trained in:

  • Swedish and lymphatic massage
  • Myofascial release
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Breathwork and nervous system regulation

You won’t find any “tough love” here. Just a safe space, a warm table, and a therapist who actually listens to what your body is trying to say.

Massage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Vancouver Doesn’t Have to Be a Gamble

If you’ve searched for help before and ended up sore, dismissed, or more exhausted than when you walked in, I get it. Let’s try something different.

Let’s start small, go slow, and work with the body you have today, not the one someone thinks you “should” have.
Because healthy doesn’t always mean high-intensity. Sometimes it just means finally feeling like someone gets it.

Book Your First Session Here
Your body will thank you. Quietly. But sincerely.

Social Media Marketing That Actually Works

Landing page for a fictional agency. Covers Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more with strategy and sass.

Social Media Marketing That Actually Works

Where data meets vibe, and likes turn into loyalty.

Running a lifestyle brand in today’s digital jungle? We get it. Your visuals are on point, your products speak for themselves, and your audience is out there… somewhere between cat reels, skincare hauls, and whatever the algorithm’s latest personality crisis is.

That’s where we come in.

We’re GlowStack, a boutique social media marketing agency built for lifestyle brands, fashion, beauty, boutique travel, and aesthetic-obsessed startups who want more than cookie-cutter content calendars and recycled hashtags.

We combine analytics, trend forecasting, and unapologetically good content to make your brand impossible to scroll past.

Instagram Strategy That Looks Good and Performs

Instagram is the holy trinity of branding: storefront, vibe check, and first impression.

We don’t just post pretty pictures. We engineer engagement. From custom reel strategies to story layering, influencer collabs, and caption copy that feels personal (not AI-generated), we make sure every post moves your audience closer to your goal.

Carousels with punch. Reels that don’t rely on trending audio. Calls to action that actually work.
You keep your aesthetic, we’ll bring the strategy.

Facebook Campaigns with Brains Behind the Beauty

Facebook’s not dead, it just matured. And it still knows exactly who’s clicking your links.

We run conversion-focused Facebook ad campaigns using real-time data and behavior-based targeting. We build customer journeys that don’t just grab attention, they close loops. Whether you’re retargeting cart abandoners or boosting a new product line, we’ve got you covered.

No vanity metrics here. Just results. And the occasional fire emoji.

Twitter, but Make It Smart

Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it might change names again mid-sentence.
Still, Twitter is where culture lives in real time.

We help you build a bold, recognizable brand voice that doesn’t chase trends, it shapes them. From one-liners to longform threads, reactive moments to evergreen engagement, we’ll make your brand someone worth following (and quoting).

Love it or hate it, Twitter is still one of the most recognized platforms on the planet, and when used right, it punches way above its weight.

Bluesky: Jump In While It’s Still Cool

Bluesky is early-stage and growing, and that’s exactly why you should be there.

It’s a smaller, smarter social space that’s attracting creatives, culture critics, and taste-makers. We help you carve out your space early so you’re not playing catch-up when the platform hits its next growth spike.

Think of it as Twitter’s cooler, less chaotic cousin. Still in beta. Still gold.

Medium: $5 a Month, Infinite SEO Value

Medium is criminally underrated for lifestyle brands. For the price of a latte, you can publish longform, evergreen content that actually shows up in search engines.

We ghostwrite and optimize Medium articles that help position you as an expert, rank for your niche keywords, and build trust faster than another TikTok dance trend.

Best part? You don’t have to write a word.

Pinterest: Because Aesthetic Is a Strategy

Pinterest isn’t just for wedding mood boards and smoothie bowls. It’s a visual search engine, and one of the most powerful traffic drivers for lifestyle brands. Your audience is already saving outfits, travel ideas, and skincare routines. We just make sure they’re saving yours.

We build branded pin templates, write keyword-optimized descriptions, and set up monthly content calendars designed to pull people off the app and onto your site. Organic reach is still alive here, why not take advantage while the algorithm’s still friendly?

And yes, we’ll even handle Tailwind scheduling so you don’t have to touch it.

Here’s How We Do It

1. Deep-Dive Discovery
We audit your current content, voice, competitors, and audience engagement. If you’ve ever said, “I post but nothing happens”, this is where we fix that.

2. Strategy That’s Not Copy-Paste
You get a tailored social media marketing plan that fits your goals, vibe, and industry quirks. No recycled templates. No “growth hacks.” Just strategy that makes sense.

3. Creation + Campaign Execution
We do the heavy lifting, posts, ads, visuals, copy, scheduling, and reporting. You get to focus on your business and stop pretending Canva isn’t slowly draining your will to live.

4. Weekly Reporting & Adjustments
Trends shift. So do we. Weekly analytics keep everything sharp, relevant, and ROI-positive.

Ready to stop shouting into the void?

Contact us for a free consultation, and let’s turn your socials into your best sales channel.

Sustainable Travel Destinations for the Luxury Eco Explorer

A lifestyle blog post for a fictional eco-luxury travel brand. Blends aspirational tone with practical sustainability insights.

Sustainable Travel Destinations for the Luxury Eco Explorer

Let’s be honest: you want your travel to feel like magic, not a moral compromise. You want luxury without guilt, beauty without destruction, and Instagram moments that don’t come at the planet’s expense. Good news, there are still places that let you do all that. These sustainable travel destinations prove you can tread lightly and sleep in high-thread-count sheets.

1. Bhutan – The Carbon-Negative Kingdom That Lets You In (Barely)

Bhutan is the gold standard for conscious travel. They don’t measure success in GDP, they measure Gross National Happiness. And one thing that makes them happy? Keeping things small, sacred, and sustainable. They only let in a limited number of visitors each year, and the daily tourism fee goes straight into preserving the country’s culture and environment.

Expect high-altitude temples, guided treks through untouched forests, and boutique lodges where you’ll sip tea while the Himalayas glow at sunrise. Entry requires planning, but once you’re in, you’ll understand why they keep it exclusive. This isn’t a place you “do in a weekend.” It’s a reset.

2. Costa Rica – Pura Vida, But Make It Luxe

Costa Rica doesn’t play when it comes to sustainability. Over 25% of the country is protected land, they run almost entirely on renewable energy, and “Pura Vida” isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a lifestyle.

You can hike through biodiverse jungles in the morning, surf Pacific waves by afternoon, and unwind at an eco-resort by night, complete with outdoor rain showers and menus sourced from their own organic gardens. Want to get your hands dirty (without compromising your manicure)? Volunteer for sea turtle conservation or take a guided tour of a working permaculture farm.

This is where green travel meets good taste.

3. New Zealand – Hobbit-Worthy Landscapes, Climate-Worthy Policies

New Zealand is what happens when a country commits to sustainability and aesthetics. Think geothermal spas, electric-powered wine tours, and eco-lodges that disappear into the landscape like they were born there.

Respect for the environment is built into the tourism model, and they’ve taken real steps, like declaring a climate emergency and backing it with policy. Māori culture adds a deeper layer to your travel experience, with opportunities for guided cultural immersion that are respectful, not performative.

From heli-hiking to kayaking past glowworms, every activity feels personal, wild, and just polished enough.

4. Rwanda – Conservation With a Conscience (and a View)

Rwanda might surprise you, but it shouldn’t. This is one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most forward-thinking countries. Gorilla trekking is the headline experience, and every permit supports wildlife protection and local communities. You’ll be guided by locals, not outside operators, and stay in lodges that invest directly in nearby villages.

Plastic bags? Banned since 2008. Roads? Immaculate. The country has transformed itself through eco-tourism, and the result is a place where luxury and legacy walk hand in hand.

If you’re craving a trip with impact, and a serious wow factor, Rwanda delivers.

5. Norway – Cool in Every Sense

Norway doesn’t just say sustainability. It builds it into everything. From hybrid-electric fjord cruises to net-zero architecture, this is how you do eco-luxury with northern flair. Want remote? Try a glass-roofed cabin under the aurora. Want indulgent? How about reindeer stew and Arctic spas after a silent electric sled ride?

Norway also reinvests its oil wealth into renewable energy research, so yes, it’s a complicated but ultimately admirable overachiever. A trip here isn’t just cold air and cool photos. It’s proof that modern life and environmental responsibility can coexist beautifully.

Bonus: Slovenia – The Underrated Green Queen of Europe

Small but mighty, Slovenia is one of Europe’s quiet sustainability leaders. Ljubljana has been named Europe’s Green Capital, and the entire country pushes for slow travel, clean energy, and protected nature zones.

You’ll find boutique wine estates, emerald rivers, and farm stays with Michelin-level food. Less flashy than some destinations, but rich in charm, and a dream for travelers who value depth over hype.

Travel That Leaves a Legacy, Not a Footprint

Luxury travel doesn’t have to cost the Earth. Literally. These destinations are proof that you can indulge without over-consuming, explore without exploiting, and return home feeling lighter, ethically and emotionally.

Emerald Horizon Travel designs custom sustainable travel destination itineraries for people who care where their money goes, and where their footprints land. From carbon-offset flights to locally owned eco-lodges, we make sure your vacation feels good in every sense.

We look forward to crafting your dream trip, no guilt, no greenwashing, just great travel.

Cloud for Small Business: Find the Sweet Spot Before You Drown in It

A blog-style sample written for a fictional cloud services company, combining technical clarity with casual tone for small business readers.

Cloud for Small Business: Find the Sweet Spot Before You Drown in It

Cloud technology is the peanut butter of modern business; it goes with just about everything.
File storage? Cloud. Project management? Cloud. Your grandma’s jam recipe backup? Also cloud.
But just like peanut butter, too much can make you choke. For small businesses, the trick isn’t whether to use the cloud, it’s figuring out how much is enough, and when it quietly turns into too much.

Why the Cloud Still Makes Sense

There’s a reason nearly 9 out of 10 small to midsize businesses use cloud tools in some way [^1]. It works.

  • Cost savings: No need to drop thousands on servers you’ll outgrow or underuse. You pay for what you need, when you need it.
  • Remote access: Your team can get things done whether they’re at HQ or halfway through a latte in Lisbon.
  • Scalability: If business booms, your tech can keep up. No rewiring the entire office.
  • Fewer fires to put out: Updates, backups, security patches—most of it happens automatically.

For lean teams with big ambitions, that kind of flexibility is gold.

But Let’s Talk About the Fine Print

Here’s where things get sticky. Small businesses are often so eager to get into the cloud, they don’t notice the trap doors. And the biggest one? Terms of Service.

Yes, those mile-long, soul-draining documents no one reads. But they matter: because some platforms claim ownership (or at least license to reuse) anything you upload. Ever read Midjourney’s terms? I have. They’re horrifying. Some cloud providers reserve the right to distribute, modify, or repurpose your data. Your designs, drafts, client files: suddenly not entirely yours.

So while security is the usual fear (and it’s valid—nearly half of small businesses list it as a top concern [^2]), the real boogeyman might be hidden in legalese. If you’re putting your intellectual property in the cloud, you better know what rights you’re giving away.

Common Cloud Pitfalls

Beyond TOS nightmares, other common risks include:

  • Downtime: If your provider crashes, so does your access.
  • Cost creep: Easy to start cheap, hard to stay cheap. Every “add-on” adds up.
  • Vendor lock-in: Migrating your whole setup to a new provider? Painful and pricey.
  • Over-reliance: If your business can’t function offline at all, you’re one bad outage away from a full stop.

When Less Cloud is More

You don’t need to move everything to the cloud. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. The best approach for small businesses is modular:

  • Use cloud-based email and storage—Google Workspace or Zoho are solid.
  • Add in cloud accounting tools like Xero or QuickBooks Online.
  • Toss in a CRM or email marketing tool if you’ve got clients to wrangle.
  • Project management? Sure, Trello or Notion can stay.

But don’t start migrating critical IP or internal systems unless you’ve read the fine print and trust your provider’s ethics—not just their uptime guarantee.

Choose Usefulness Over Trendiness

Not every cloud tool is necessary. If you’re using a sleek new SaaS just because someone on LinkedIn swore it “10x’d their productivity,” take a beat. Does it actually solve a problem, or are you collecting subscriptions like they’re Pokémon?

Wrap It Up: What a Good Cloud Partner Looks Like

Cloud can absolutely work for small businesses—it just needs to work for you, not against you. Skip the bloat, read the TOS (seriously), and choose tools that earn their keep.

NimbusEdge Cloud Services helps small businesses build smart, sustainable cloud strategies. From file storage and secure backups to CRM support and managed transitions, they keep it simple, honest, and scalable. Reach out to learn how they can keep you in the cloud—without your head in the fog.

Reincarnation: Inheritance

The post above inspired this story.

Reincarnation: Inheritance

It was always said your debts died with you.
However, that was before they discovered reincarnation was real.

At first, it was a miracle. Scientists unveiled the SoulPrint protocol, quantum mapping that could trace the consciousness of a person across lifetimes. Proof, they said, that the soul persisted.
Proof of justice, of continuity, of something greater than death.
For a brief moment, humanity believed it might finally mean something.

Then the corporations stepped in.
If you could inherit wealth, they argued, then you could inherit debt.
They called it, karmic enforcement.

Now, not even in death could you escape capitalist greed.

For people like Vale, that greed didn’t stop at the grave.
It was stitched into every contract, every scan, every form signed in a moment of desperation.

She had once dreamed of designing things that made life better: low-cost sensors, water filters for field kits, clean power retrofits for housing blocks. But none of it paid. Not fast enough.
Now she picked up whatever freelance work she could get: repair jobs, obsolete code patches,
things other people didn’t want to touch.
Because surviving came before dreams.

Then came the letter.
By the time Vale received it, the debt had already been accruing interest for over a century.

A paper envelope. Not a netmsg, real paper, an expensive rarity.
Embossed with a silver seal: Credit Continuity Division.

Inside, the summary was short:

You have been identified via certified quantum continuity as the reincarnation of one
Elias B. Trenholm, digital ID #TRN-1975-NYC.
As such, you are now legally liable for the outstanding balance attached to this identity, per the
Soul Liability Enforcement Act (2031).

Total Due: $1,823,566.72
Minimum Due: $45,000 by 06/01/2040

The second page showed a grayscale photo of a man in his thirties. His eyes were hollow, his expression blank. Born 1975. Died 2009. Systems engineer. Two failed tech startups (2001, 2007). Six-figure student debt from a shuttered for-profit college. Subprime mortgage default in 2008. Bankruptcy filed months before death.

His financial ruin had been meticulously preserved by NovaCredit Systems, Modia Federal Loan Servicing, and LexinTrust Analytics; all backers and lobbyists for the Soul Liability Enforcement Act.

At first, Vale laughed. Soul ID?
But the document bore a federal trace code from the Bureau of Reincarnative Affairs.
She checked. It matched.

Ten years ago, SoulPrint had been opt-in. Then the loopholes closed.
Now it was automatic, assigned at birth, embedded in hospital records, linked to biometric scans.
Her last emergency room visit must’ve triggered the match. She’d signed intake forms without thinking.

You could challenge a match. But the legal fees were higher than the debt. That was the point.
She didn’t remember being Elias. That didn’t matter.

At the Bureau office, the clerk didn’t even look up. Just scanned her ID band and printed the form.
“You should feel lucky,” the woman said. “Some people come back with ten debts across five centuries. At least you only had one life before.”

“That we know of,” Vale muttered.

The clerk slid a pamphlet across the desk.
Reparation Through Identity: Fulfilling Karmic Responsibility the Ethical Way.

“You have until the end of the month. If you can’t pay, the system defaults to Neural Offset.”

Vale blinked. “You mean you take memories.”

“Only non-essential ones. Redundancies. Nostalgia, dream patterns, sensory imprints. The process is non-invasive and fully compliant with consciousness retention regulations.”

“And if I refuse?”

The clerk looked up for the first time. “Then the debt rolls forward to your next incarnation. With penalties.”

Vale already knew the pitch. She’d seen the ads: clean clinics, soft music, testimonials from smiling people who couldn’t remember what they were so worried about.

But there were darker threads in the forums: screenshots, whistleblower leaks, buried research studies.

The memories they took: smells, regrets, first kisses, final goodbyes. Were stripped, tagged, and fed into commercial neurogrids. Used to train empathy simulators, targeted ad engines, interrogation AIs.

Neural Offset wasn’t just debt relief. It was asset extraction.

Vale sold everything she could. Maxed freelance shifts. Cut her meals in half.
But there was no making the kind of money she needed before the deadline.

Eventually, she stopped looking at her bank balance and started looking for answers instead.
She had started learning about Elias.

At first, she was just looking for a loophole, anything in his record that might reduce the debt or delay the offset. But the more she read, the worse it felt. He’d lived in a time before SoulPrints, before karmic enforcement, before any of this was possible. He couldn’t have known.
And yet she kept wondering: if he had, would he have lived differently?
Will anyone now, knowing what we know?

She kept reading. Elias’s patents read like sketches of the future: modular energy grids, urban vertical farms, autonomous repair drones. Most were filed and forgotten. Others were quietly bought, shelved, or rebranded. He was never credited for any of them.

The rest of his record told a common story, high interest student loans, lawsuits from creditors, a foreclosure in November 2008. Not scandal. Just failure in a system designed to let people fall through the cracks.

His obituary had labeled him:
Elias Trenholm – A dreamer who didn’t quit.

Vale stared at the line for a long time. It wasn’t fair, but it was familiar—dreaming, trying, failing, being forgotten. She didn’t remember his life, but now she was the one paying for it.

On the final day, she sat in the NeuroConvert clinic, cold metal pressed to her temples.

“You’ll forget some things,” the tech said. “Maybe a childhood smell. A favorite street. A name you only said once. Nothing essential.”

Vale nodded.

Then she asked, “Will I remember any of this?”

The tech didn’t answer.
The machine hummed.
She closed her eyes.

Three days later, a netmsg arrived:

NOTICE: Payment Received in Full.
Neural Offset Process Complete.
Debt Resolved.

Friendly reminder: Additional debts from undocumented lives may still be identified pending future audits.

She stared at the screen. A hollow space stirred behind her eyes.
Whatever had been there was gone. But something else remained.

Then, without knowing why, she opened a new document and typed:
A dreamer who didn’t quit.

Engagement & Community

Context:
This prompt is for when your audience becomes your inspiration. It flips the dynamic and shows you’re listening—not just broadcasting. Great for engagement and trust-building.

Prompt:
Here’s what someone on this list just taught me

  • For human:
    Highlight something a subscriber shared that impacted you. It shows you’re listening and builds connection.
  • For AI:
    Write an email where the sender shares a lesson or insight they learned from a subscriber or client. The tone should be grateful and genuine. Invite others to reply or contribute their thoughts as well.

Reminder:
AI will give you the shape. You still need to add the weight. Don’t let the message become too polished or generic—this is where personality and specificity matter most. No cold copy pasta.

Why it works:
Audiences respond when they feel seen. This prompt helps create a feedback loop: when someone on your list feels heard, others will want to engage too. It’s how you grow connection, not just content.

Enjoy this sample?
It’s part of my AI Email Marketing Prompt Pack—designed for small businesses, freelancers, digital nomads, and expats, who want better emails, faster.

Newsletter Gold

Context:
This prompt helps freelancers and solo business owners stay connected to their audience between big launches or campaigns. It’s ideal for maintaining trust and momentum with a subscriber base that expects more than just pitches.

Prompt:
Monthly check-in: What’s working, what’s not, and what’s next

  • For human:
    Be transparent. Share wins, struggles, and what’s coming.
  • For AI:
    Write a monthly newsletter check-in for a small online business or freelancer brand. Include what went well this month, what didn’t work, and what’s coming next. Tone should be open, confident, and inviting.

Reminder:
This is not cold copy pasta. If you copy the AI’s draft and hit send without editing, your subscribers will feel it. Use the prompt to break the blank page, but inject your real voice and story into the output. AI can organize your thoughts—it can’t be you.

Why it works:
Check-in emails feel personal. They create rhythm, encourage loyalty, and make your audience feel like they’re on the inside. Used right, this prompt becomes a monthly touchpoint people look forward to.

Enjoy this sample?
It’s part of my AI Email Marketing Prompt Pack—designed for small businesses, freelancers, digital nomads, and expats, who want better emails, faster.