Meet DeShawn | Editor | Proofreader

We had the good fortune of connecting with DeShawn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DeShawn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think about risk quite simply as doing something you’ve not tried. As someone who is inherently curious, I take risks often, which has colored my life beautiful.

A few years ago, I booked a ticket to Sydney, Australia—an absolute whim—and traveled there alone, armed with nothing more than a small suitcase and a backpack. Initially, I anticipated I’d stay for a few weeks, but a few weeks all too quickly became a few months. I realized I didn’t want my time there to end. So, I decided to apply to university and pursue a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. As someone who, at the time, held no degree of any kind, this was definitely a risk, and my entire future hinged on that moment.

Within a few weeks I received an email stating that I would not be part of the bachelor’s program—I hadn’t applied to any other schools—and I could feel the sting of tears in my eyes. However, as I read on, they informed me that the head of the program felt I’d be better suited for the master’s degree pathway. Even now, with degree in hand, I am still astonished by this event, but likewise happy I had the audacity to try.

When I think about risk, I care more about the experience—good, bad, or indifferent—than I do about the outcome, even if that outcome is less than ideal. My most daring decisions have led to the most worthwhile gests, and, too, my career as an editor. If I hadn’t taken the chances, done the things I dared to try, I might not have found myself doing the thing I love to do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Raindust Media provides editing and proofreading services, which was cultivated from my passion to help others shape their words, messaging, and stories. Whether it’s books, novels, web copy, poetry, or even something as simple as an email, I love helping writers by making their words shine.

Building a business is a challenge all its own, and the lessons I’ve learned are varied. However, my determination to finish what I start, and to finish well, serve me greatly. If I’m honest, pursuing a career in the arts had never been a goal of mine. Although I’ve always been an avid reader and fell in love with words at an early age, I didn’t actually consider pursuing a career in literature.

Reading has always been one of my favorite things to do, getting lost between the pages of fantastical stories where the worlds become my own. Even as a young child, I’d make vocabulary lists from the words I’d find. Interestingly enough, it’s a practice I keep as an editor, whether it’s a new language invented by the writer or discovering new verbiage to express an idea.

Eleven years on and I still enjoy discovering new words and stories, reading the dictionary for fun, and lending my knowledge and skill to others. I continue to pursue this creative career because I continue to fall in love with it.

Because words matter, because they carry so much weight and depth, finding a way to help people express themselves and get their message across has always been important to me. Editing grants me the opportunity to be part of that process, part of making that possible for everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a tricky one. I’ve lived abroad for a number of years, so I know there’s a lot of change going on in Atlanta. However, I can mention some of my “old haunts.” Two of my favorite dining experiences would be Imperial Fez on Peachtree Road and Two Urban Licks on Ralph McGill.

Imperial Fez is a Moroccan-themed experience, with great music, vibrant energy, and tasty dishes. Two Urban Licks has a more relaxed vibe, boasting industrial architecture and beautiful decor. They offer live music and an open kitchen where you can marvel at all the lovely food they serve before choosing your own.

Other places I’ve enjoyed: The Dogwood Festival which packs out Piedmont Park every spring with music and concerts and has a wonderfully diverse artist’s market; Write Club, where word junkies like myself spar (with words) on stage for charity; and Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, which is probably one of my favorites. I’ve spent many days sipping their specialty brews while poring over a manuscript with my red pen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first person who deserves a shout out is my partner, Anthony. He dares me to be bolder and take on the unfamiliar, encourages me to say yes to a challenge and no to BS, and he constantly reminds me that I am amazing at what I do. His love and support definitely stoke the fire for my career and craft, even on the days when it feels like nothing more than embers.

I certainly want to thank my dad, Michael, who is responsible, in part, for my artistic genes. Though he might prefer I choose a more “stable” career path—like most parents do—he never discourages my endeavors. He has always allowed me to be exactly who I am, and being an editor is no different. He shares in my excitement and reflects my starry-eyed gaze when I speak about editing and words and all the joy I derive from making them shine on the page.” That is, just swapping ‘words and editing’ for ‘editing and words. To say that I am grateful for him is an understatement.

Without a doubt, the Atlanta literary community has been the greatest mentorship, especially the team and members of Atlanta Writes. Through Atlanta Writes, I have been able to grow in my abilities as a storyteller and apply my skills as an editor. Had it not been for them, I certainly would not be this far along in my career.

Website: https://raindustmedia.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deshawn-t

Image Credits
Headshots by Monica Nwaigwe | MNJ Photo