Vera Alexander
Writer
Tier: Premium
4.6 · 9 customer reviews
Active 249 days ago
Availability: Available now
Reliability: 100%
Avg. reply: ~24 hrs
Current load: No active orders
Samples: 8
Lifetime words: 131,000
Headline
I am an experienced writer with many passionate interests.
Biography
I spent most of my adult life teaching. When I was about seven, an aunt laughed when she heard I wanted to be a teacher. She said, “All little girls want to be a teacher.” Whether it was my nature or my calling, I will never know.
I qualified as a Mathematics teacher and later as a Computer Teacher, and I loved most of it. I didn’t enjoy nasty kids, but I loved all others, whether they were naughty or not.
I have been fortunate to have many “loves” in my life: Dancing, Music, Writing, Reading, Drama, and Teaching (Math, Computing, Dancing, and Writing). From an early age, my father fostered my love for all my current interests. They have been my companions during the dark and the good times. He also encouraged me to write.
Textbooks for Computing become out of date very quickly, so issuing up-to-date notes became a priority. Many evenings saw me immersed in topics on the internet to help me produce my own up-to-date notes for my students. Computers really fascinate me. I also enjoy researching. I love learning new things.
When I was at school, my teachers frequently reported that I was a dreamer. I had an overactive imagination which I later steered into writing. My writing journey really started when I wrote stories for my granddaughter. My son loved them and encouraged me to publish them. This then led to novels for teens and adults.
Most of my reading consists of works of fiction as I enjoy seeing how the minds of authors work. I don’t like Sci-Fi or terrifying books, but I will try anything else. I enjoy mysteries, humor, and imaginative books – yes, even to witches, wizards and fairies. My favorite authors are P. G. Wodehouse, Agatha Christie, and Jane Austen.
For many years I was employed to proofread and typeset books for a small South African publishing house.
Previous experience, degrees, and qualifications
I started writing 10 years ago. I have published several books, five for children, four novels, and one anthology.
About six years ago I started working the weekend night shifts for a news company. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and was sad when it closed down.
I am a qualified high school teacher. I taught Maths for several years and then qualified as a computer teacher. I taught many programming languages as well as Microsoft Applications. I was much happier teaching computers as it fed into my dominant right brain.
I am a qualified mentor of right-brain writing and I operate a small writing club via Zoom.
Interests and hobbies
I have a wide range of interests and hobbies. I will never be bored! My right brain is slightly more dominant than my left brain so my interests span the artistic and creative as well as the scientific fields. I love everything technical or computer related.
I am a ballroom and Latin dance teacher so anything involving movement fascinates me. I loved teaching kiddies as they have boundless energy and enthusiasm but I have a particular interest in improving mobility in the elderly. I learned ballet dancing until I was 15 and love to watch ballet productions.
My family is very involved in the health field. I love to explore the science behind natural medicine and how it differs from conventional medicine.
I love the theatre. When I was teaching my extracurricular activities involved stage managing productions and then directing productions.
I love to read - anything except horror but humor, fantasy, and detective novels top my list. And that goes for TV as well. Make me laugh or show me what goes on behind a murder investigation and then I am happy. Medical and legal programs are also a firm favorite.
I have played the piano accordion and violin and am currently transferring to a keyboard. I love most music from the classics to the modern day. I don't like music that we describe as DUF DUF in South Africa. The mini-bus taxi drivers like to share their "music" with people two kilometers away.
How I'd describe my personality in two sentences
I have been described as an introverted extrovert who will be very quiet, just observing, when I don't know you but will chew your ear off when you become my friend.
I have a good sense of humor and a keen sense of the ridiculous.
How I'd describe my approach to my work
I first read the outline to get a broad idea of the topic. I will have an MS Word document open to jot down any ideas that come to me. If it is a non-fiction topic I will look at the links provided, copying the link to my open document and then jotting down brief notes about it. I will then do my own research before starting to write. I like a top-down approach, starting at the introduction and ending at the conclusion. if thoughts occur to me that fit in elsewhere in the document, I make a note in my Word document.
Before I shut down for the day I will check in Grammarly and I will also do a plagiarism scan. When I feel all is good I will pack up for the day.
Before I start a new day's writing, I like to skim through my notes and what I have written already.
I like to be comfortable when I am working and I like to write to Tchaikovsky's music.
Why should you choose me for your project
If I have requested your order, it is because I am interested in it. Your order may also speak to my soul.
I will accomplish the task in the set time unless something unforeseen happens.
I will listen to your suggestions and implement them. I will work with you to get the best product we can achieve.
Science & Technology, Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Health & Fitness, History, Parenting & Relationships, Religion & Spirituality, Self Help, Pets, LGBTQ+, Gardening, Sports, Music, DIY & Hobbies
Content snippets
Espresso
What is it about that little cup of steaming, satisfying taste? Take a moment before drinking to enjoy the aroma, to watch the steam rising, and to peer through that creamy top layer to the intense dark liquid underneath. It is almost a sensual experience, even before the kick you get when you taste it. Is it any wonder that the Italians invented it? Italians are lovers of all good things. Espresso comes with a kick of caffeine that is more pronounced than any other coffee you try. Coffee connoisseurs love to settle down with a steaming cup of espresso. Take note that to them, coffee drink...
Della's Birthday Surprise
As soon as the house was quiet the toys crowded around Tinkerbell. Gabriella asked if she could do magic. “Of course!” said Tinkerbell and with a flash of her dandelion, Gabriella was wearing a beautiful pink ball gown. The material was sparkly and as she turned around she seemed to be moving in a haze of silver and pink. Another flash of the wand and Gabriella was wearing a crown. She felt beautiful. She walked around the room looking and feeling just like a princess. The little pony walked up to her and nuzzled her hand. She took hold of his reins and walked him around the room. As th...
The Sea and I
I have always been attracted to water – and water – the sea – a fountain – a waterfall. I find peace when I can hear water. One of my favorite animals is a dolphin. I would love to swim with the dolphins. I was once told by a mystical man – many years my junior that we swam with dolphins many centuries ago. As we go through life we experience periods of peace and turmoil. Sometimes the peace is so still and lasts so long that we may find ourselves wanting some excitement. Sometimes the turmoil is so intense and life-changing that it seems to swallow our entire being. At times like this, I...
Darkest Before Dawn
As she climbed into bed next to Simon, he suddenly flipped over and pinned her arms next to her head, pulling on each arm until his right hand secured her wrists above her head while his left hand pulled her nightgown up and he plunged into her. The violent lovemaking that followed was the closest thing to rape that Sharon had ever experienced. Immediately after Simon had climaxed he rolled off her, turned his back on her, and fell into a deep sleep. Sharon turned her back to him as she bit back silent tears. She was too afraid to move in case it would disturb him and bring on a repeat perf...
Keto
Before discussing Ketosis, or the diet which is called Keto, we should understand what a Ketone is. Ketones are produced by the liver. They are composed of fatty acid globules. When you do not give your body enough glucose, the body will burn Ketones for energy. Ketosis occurs when energy is released by burning ketones. Ketosis indicates that your body is burning fat. Most other diets burn carbohydrates. In this state, the body can burn fat efficiently and quickly leading to greater energy. Your body needs energy to function efficiently. The body normally burns glucose for its energy sour...
Ancient Greeks
My enthusiastic research will paint a living picture of Ancient Greece. Ancient Greece is particularly fascinating because our modern life is dependent on the inventions that occurred many years before the birth of Christ. This phase of history spans from about 700 BC to 146 BC, when the Romans finally conquered it. The period is split into three periods: The period in history from 775 BC to 480 BC set norms that would be observed for many years. Persia was trying to overtake Greece. Greece was heavily reliant on its soldiers to try to keep control of its lands. The foundations for ma...
My Journey to Health
A long time ago my father was diagnosed with a heart problem so he embarked on a health journey. He gave up his job as an accountant and opened up the first health shop in our borough. He broadened his knowledge on the trot and became respected in the healthy living community. As a family, we started to use homeopathic medications. Essential oils soon took their place in our medicine cupboards. Our first line of defense when ill was to try a natural way first. Since then, more and more people are becoming health conscious. More companies are making herbal alternatives to Big Pharma produ...
Alien Visit
Yesterday was cold. I stayed snuggled up in bed for as long as I could, eyes shut trying to keep the world at bay. Thoughts crossed my mind until I realized that I would have to get up. One last stretch and I forced my eyes open and immediately wished I hadn’t. A pair of large soulful eyes stared at me. “How had he got in?” screamed my mind, but before I could muster up the courage to talk, he disappeared through the wall. Now other thoughts clamored for attention. Was I still asleep? Was this a dream? Am I going mad? Before any of these thoughts could be dealt with, many more shapes, t...
Reviews
A customer · 4.8 · September 2024
Vera has become my go-to writer. She's a consummate professional who is willing to go the extra mile when it makes for a better end product. In a world where AI seems to be taking over the field of writing, she brings finesse to her work every time. I highly recommend her.
A customer · 5.0 · June 2024
As a first project for me, Vera took me through the ropes and around the learning curve. Pleasure to work with. she is my "go to" for the next project. Thank you Vera.
A customer · 5.0 · January 2024
Extremely Pleased, She brought my outline to life and aded a lot of value. You can't go wrong with her
A customer · 4.3 · October 2023
good response, solid writer
A customer · 5.0 · August 2023
Vera was a delight to work with. We stayed in regular communication and she quickly developed the right voice for my project. Reading her thoughtful words and seeing the ideas I wanted to convey on a tough subject come to life was a joy. We will definitely be working together again!
A customer · 4.8 · June 2023
She was amazing, great quality work and really captured everything I felt and wanted to get across. Thankful for her picking up the project. She is GREAT!!!
A customer · 5.0 · December 2022
It was a plasure working with Vera. Very efficient, easy to communicate with and very fast and professional. I look forward to collaborating with her again in the future.
A customer · 3.0 · November 2022
Engaging, and informative. Thank you for your time. Good luck with your future endeavors.
A customer · 4.8 · October 2022
Vera did a excellent job and exceed my expectations!