Camellia's Cottage

Posted on August 18, 2026August 18, 2026 by Camellia's Cottage · 4 Comments

Funeral Flowers or Floral Foibles?

Southern Funeral Series Part 1 Funeral Flowers or Floral Foibles?

As soon as the faintest whisper goes out into the community, that a loved one has passed- there is usually a group of ladies who will spring into action. It might be the local garden club, master gardeners, the altar guild or church ladies who gladly serve as marauders or advisors. The marauders scour neighborhoods for flowers and fillers. A word about the Advisors. Please don’t think that word ‘advisor’ is taken lightly. She’s knows what’s Tacky or Tasteful, doesn’t hesitate to let folks know and has given the last word, more times than anyone can count!

Here’s the thing: For any major event in small towns or communities- There are Rules. There are Strong Suggestions and there are folks who definitely aren’t apprised of the Rules or.. well, I hate to say it- either have no taste or aren’t from here. I’m here to let you in on the rules, so you can avoid as many Floral Foibles as possible, with a tip on how to deal with the offensive, if it happens. What you need to know is:

Southern Grief is often expressed with Flowers, especially those meant for the viewing room at the funeral home. In many ways, the size of the arrangements, the floral choices are the Ultimate Expression of Love for the deceased. *Let’s be honest here, sometimes it’s just who wants to get noticed, or feels the most obligated! *Tip: the square footage of the funeral parlor should be taken into account- though it rarely is. Local Florists in small towns can easily be overwhelmed with orders and will gladly accept and work with, the marauders– the Yard and Roadside Flowers, as the Master Gardeners and Garden Club members mobilize almost immediately. Still.

Here’s the first Rule:

The Floral Blanket for the Casket, should Only be Decided by the immediate family. And, these should follow the religious guidelines. Some faiths say that ‘All White’ is Liturgically Correct.

My Mimi was a florist, she wasn’t exactly rigid, though I wouldn’t override her opinions on such delicate matters as the Funeral Flowers or Floral Foibles. Let’s keep the service as respectable as possible or the whole town will be talking about it for years! The Piney Grove Gasette may even include it in the Gossip Column! You definitely don’t want the mourners to be whispering gossip, behind their church fans!

Soo..perhaps, it’s best to start with the Don’t’s:

No oversized Chrysanthemums. If it’s big enough for a Homecoming Dance, with a pipe cleaner monogram, masses of ribbons in school colors attached? Let’s give those a hard pass.

No Gladioli. They’re too spiky and too high and mighty, not to mention- impersonal. Love those on your own time.

No ‘Hot’ colors, for anything- especially those dyed to match Carnations in neon colors. Add to that – No Tropical..anything. It’s just not fitting for such a solemn occasion. Hot or Loud Colors could literally wake the dead.

And leave off the Glitter and Sparkles, Spray Paint or that Cheap Ribbon which always makes a crunchy sound.

While I’m at it- Do Not have Glittered Names or RIP on that Cheap Ribbon. Honestly, is there No Taste left among us?

Stay away from Styrofoam forms of Anything. Guitars, Horseshoes, Anchors come to mind. Those might be sentimental to some , yet, can absolutely ruin the solemn effect we are trying to create here.

*A word here: Let’s leave off the SEC anything. Helmets, Big School Letters, Footballs. Why? the Deceased may have been the world’s biggest fan, but the visitors’ views may differ, and why get an argument started? It completely ruins the dignified occasion.

Finally: No plastic or silk floral displays. Those might be acceptable for the final resting place, but really? We all know, those are going to fade in the heat and humidity of the South. I say, finally with tongue in cheek. Nothin’ is Evah the Final Word here, see below, if you don’t believe me.

I need to insert a Word here: Be careful with highly scented anything. Those loud Lilies and Climbing Jasmine, suffocating. Gardenias can be overdone. The Scents. Here’s rare tip- the Scents should depend on the square footage of the viewing room, it rarely is. Our Southern Mothers, talk about the Loud Scents for Years.

*Folks should be crying over a loved one’s passing, NOT because their sinuses have been overwhelmed! I would suggest you print this whole list out. It’s easy to forget things, when someone dear has left us, as in dearly departed.

I think we are ready for the Do’s of Funeral Flowers: You may recall that the Garden Clubs, even Master Gardeners fan out like a military operation of marauders to collect Yard Flowers, even Roadside Floral Treasures. *We will make note, if there are some exceptions made for the Dearly Departed if appropriate.

Let’s talk about the most prevalent funeral flower- Roses. Yes, the florists will have Roses, however, the Garden brigades will scour for Old, Antique or Heirloom Roses. The most highly prized are Soft, Muted Colors, these will blend well with carefully chosen Florist Roses.

Larkspur and Delphiniums are wonderful-tall, stately. (If you need some height- use these, instead of those tacky glads.)

Yard Flowers are wonderful- for instance, Camellia is the South’s Winter Rose. *remember, the foliage of Camellia is evergreen, as is the foliage of Gardenias. *don’t forget to go easy with the gardenia blooms, they can get loud. Evergreen is the emotion we are going for here. You know, Evergreen, just speaks softly to eternal life.

There are wonderful seasonal flowers- Calla Lilies, Peonies, Tulips and Daffodils. Hyacinths, maybe– the scent of hyacinths can get loud in a small funeral parlor.

What the Master Gardeners excel at, is with the Fillers and the Roadside gatherings. We are talking Queen Anne’s Lace, Ivy, Flowering Branches, Muscadine Vines woven in, Hypericum Berries, Southern Beauty Berries. A little bit of jasmine vine can be woven in, again with discretion for the heavy scent.

Then, there are Herbs. Thyme, Mint and Lavender– be careful with that Rosemary- you wouldn’t want folks thinking of Roast Chicken, while they’re standing in the viewing line! For heaven’s sake!

I’m gonna add a bit for the menfolks here:

Magnolia Leaves are wonderful, they are large, evergreen and the brown undersides give a masculine touch to Funeral Flowers. The flowers could be used, though, don’t forget how large they are! Big ol’ Magnolia Blooms can veer over into Tacky quickly, just a word of warning.

Also, the Roadside Selection Committee has said that, ‘If you’re careful, you could take some heavy clippers and find some Common Thistle, especially nice if Bagpipes will be played, and are blessed with a family plaid.’ All of these suggestions will be welcomed, with slight variations for the menfolks. *Let’s add wild muscadine vines, if available. Not that big fat kind, just the thinner, lightly curled vines.

Let’s return to the unavoidable- Floral Foibles. It’s bound to happen, someone won’t get the memo- they will send a highly glittered floral display wrapped in neon purple net. Or, the inevitable Styrofoam Forms will appear, a horseshoe, a even SEC helmet, an electric guitar shape in loud colors or metallic painted horseshoe. The highly glittered, and Tacky ribbon that’s wide enough for the local realtor’s Open House, even the ‘glowing neon from chemicals’ Carnations wrapped with cellophane- will inevitably Arrive. *I am literally getting a little Shiver of Angst here, not quite a sinking spell, but close.

I settle down when, I realize that: The Altar Guild, the Garden Club President or someone with an imposing title or statuary height and weight- will take over.

They will discreetly push these floral offenses all the way to the back to hug the baseboards of the Piney Grove Funeral Home and Mortuary, the Floral Foibles will never see the light of day. We simply cannot allow these offenses to settle upon the living or the deceased.

The nicest folks will glance at the Floral Foibles-Sigh and say, ‘Well, it’s Interesting.. if you like that sort of thing.’ IF being the operative word.

Funeral Flowers or Floral Foibles? There’s a fine line between Tacky or Tasteful. Please remember this- The Southern Mothers are watching.

They see it in Graveyard Maintenance. Pristine, Dignified – Appropriately Adorned. Approved. Graves that are Overly decorated with Plastic, Styrofoam, Faded Silks and Twinkling Lights or Glaring Sequins- can send the wrong signals and have a whole community gossiping about it for decades! We wouldn’t want that sort of Disapproval would we?

Oh my, like all Southern Rules, these are So Helpful. Again, you may want to print it out for future reference! Keywords to remember- Loud Scents, Tacky, Styrofoam, Glittered Anything, Wide Ribbon with glittered lettering and Square Footage of the Funeral Parlor. Oh me.

Next up in the Southern Funeral Series is Funeral Food. Surely that one will be softer, sweeter, more savory! Who knows, when the Southern Mothers are watching! *be sure to read the special message below!

Love y’all, Brenda aka Camellia

Camellia’s Cottage has been coming to your inbox for 10 Years! Thank you for being here. After all this time-

We have a Writing Experience for you! It’s for Creatives like you! It’s an Experience- A Writing Community with a Course.

I don’t believe that course creators should just Take your money, Toss you the blueprint and walk away. No, the best online courses, offer Access to the Creator.

You get that. I, Brenda Wyatt, am with you, Weekly in a Private Writing Group, called the Writing Sanctuary.

So! You join a Community of other Creatives, who need to write copy for their creative businesses, or for their blogs, their newsletters, even Substack! And, for those of you who are planning to write Memoirs? Learn ways to vary your writing, with things like humor.. I’ve got that too!

Here’s the Link for the to the Writing Experience. It’s a one time investment of $97 USD for the whole experience. Lifetime Access. Go at your own pace. *Most say the Writing Sanctuary is worth the price of the whole course! I hope you’ll check it out!

Speaking of Newsletters- I have one- It’s a weekly Inspiration and Marketing Newsletter. Free of course. The Sign Up Form is here.

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by Camellia's Cottage · 1 Comment

Prologue: The Passing, The Protocols and the Pearls…

Let me say this first, before we dip into the 3 Part Series, mostly from bygone eras, about Southern Funerals. There is nothing funny about Dying. Grief is Real. Loss is a heavy heart burden on the soul; and I respect the solemn occasion of the Passing of Loved Ones.

However: There’s this, Southerners don’t like to say, ‘Goodbye’. And, there are funny things about how our Southern Mothers handle the Passings, the Funerals and the Goodbyes. A Passing is not just a time for mourning, it’s a logistical feat worthy of only three occasions, when a community is spurred into action at this level- Weddings, Christenings and of course, Funerals.

I’m gonna talk ‘southern’ to you for a minute, before I get carried away here.. Southerners will do or say almost anything rather than say ‘Goodbye’. I’m trying to tell you something you may not know. A lot of us, have a superstitious streak and saying ‘goodbye’ is just one of those unlucky things we try to avoid. I end these missives with ‘Love y’all’ – it just seems nicer than ‘That’s All She Wrote.’

If you get me started on the Passings or Funerals. Let’s just say, we have an aversion to sayin’.. ‘He died.’ No, we say, ‘She passed away’ or ‘we lost him’ .. or ‘now that Grandmama’s gone.’ Or- ‘Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Daddy left us?’ It’s confusing, though, Please Don’t Ask- ‘Where did you lose him?’ or ‘why did he leave’ Why? It might provoke a Sinking Spell or worse. One cookbook I have- has a section on Funeral Food– it includes, not one but two recipes for Sinking Spells. Yes, it’s a thing.

We try to find the most ‘delicate’ ways to avoid saying the actual word – Death. There are many ways southerners avoid saying ‘Goodbye’. Whether it’s going home, or to the grave. It’s just so final, you know.

There’s a Social Etiquette, The Rules, the Protocols. I won’t be covering All of these in the upcoming- 3 Part Series. These Protocols are expected to be Enforced with Precision. The Obituary, the Preparations at the Funeral Home, the Final Resting Place. There are always ‘debates and debacles’. Rich Traditions, including the discreet or indiscreet Sympathy Line at the Funeral Home.

‘Where will we sit that special chair for Mama to sit in? You know her ankles swell, and it’s just not fitting for her to stand, in the state she’s in.’ Someone has to be in charge, when we are experiencing these heavy transitions- From the Obituary, Sign In Book, to the whispered conversations, the Viewing, the Fashion Protocols.. let’s Dip in:

“Did you hear? gasp ‘I didn’t’.

Who will be making the arrangements? ‘The service will be held in the old Sanctuary- it was her favorite; with Church Fans. ‘Thank you, Lord.’ *that’s a prayer. The Air Conditioning hasn’t worked since 1984.’ The arrangements will be conducted by the Piney Grove Funeral Home, with Interment in the Founding Members section of the Piney Grove Cemetery.

The Obituary? Oh, I heard her best friend wrote it. She was a columnist years ago, in the Piney Grove Social Section. Famous for her sign off- ‘A Good Time was had by All.’ *surely she won’t add that. Someone said the obituary, ‘will be just like her. Of course, she wanted her final photo to be of her- wearing her Head Majorette Uniform.’ *did I hear a hiss?

‘Well, we All know she dressed like a Dream. Always looked like she stepped right out of a bandbox, but really?’ (voice goes up two octaves) And, why would they say? ‘She enjoyed shopping at Bargain Town U.S.A.’ sigh.. ‘Much less add – she was a strong advocate for Literacy in this county. She even drove the Bookmobile every Thursday for a while.’ *You take major risks with the Obituary Writer.

Then, there are the Pearls and Fashion Choices. Before the first tear falls, the wardrobes must be curated. The Waterproof Mascara that actually works must be bought. And, wouldn’t you know? The first thing you see are the Twins. The twins are older than Grist Mills over the mountain. They decided, of all things, to wear ‘Ivory Silk’ dresses. They always dress alike. Though, really? To a funeral in October, of all things! No, the women’s attire must be heavily starched Black Linen Dresses at a Decent Length. Pearls. Hats are allowed, just make sure yours isn’t so big, that No One can see the Choir Loft because of your Hat!

Dressing the Corpse. There is a major exception to wearing Black. The corpse may wear whatever was her favorite color, though, not Black. And make sure, the color won’t make her look wan and pale under those harsh lights of the funeral parlor, which can cast an unnatural pallor, plus, the lipstick choices must be chosen carefully too.

There’s a thin line between Tacky or Tasteful especially Funeral Tasteful or Funeral Tacky. *I wrote a 3-part series on Tacky or Tasteful fashion choices, several years ago.

Listen in again: ‘I heard her hairdresser of decades will be fixing her hair. No, it won’t be the latest style she wore. She asked for that Pompadour Sweep Over she wore years ago. You know, she was always so self conscious about her height. Still, I hope she will look Natural.’ *They secretly hope she hasn’t asked to wear that fake leopard muff to conceal her hands, folks worry about the hands. ‘Well, it’s better than Earlene Odene telling everybody who would listen- she wanted to wear one of those pretty negligees, Buck had given her through the years’. ‘She’s not Dead, she’s just Sleeping.’ was her motto. They will probably add that to her Tombstone.

If Big Momma isn’t leaving us; it’s the Men we have to worry about. Their Fashion Choices. We make an exception for the menfolks in attendance- Heavy Starched Overalls and his Best Sunday Shirt are acceptable, in some cases. *Maybe he attended Lone Wolf Lake Chapel. Though, wearing that-as a corpse?

Take- PawPaw. He had his ways. The Rules say- his attire must not conflict with the casket. Would he prefer his best Sunday Suit? Or- will they let him wear his Fishing Vest and Plaid Shirt, so St. Peter will recognize him. PawPaw had always said, ‘St. Peter was a fisherman, I don’t think he would mind when he sees me in my fishing vest, at the Pearly Gates.’

The Ultimate Test of Character in a Southern family, is the dividing of the spoils. Watch out for the Sisters and the Aunts while you’re making the arrangements at the funeral home. Make sure, no one, including- Mary Beth, with her sweet face and sweeter smile, hasn’t started dividing up the Jewelry of the Deceased before the cemetery plot is even dug. There’s always at least one who has been eyeing the Cocktail Rings, the Pearls, the Jewels right in the presence of the deceased, for heavens sake! You might hear a whisper. ‘You know, Gertrude always wanted Me to have the emeralds..’ Ruth Ann, pipes up- ‘Well, she promised me those South Sea Pearls, Arnold gave them to her, when he got back from the South Pacific.’

Then, there’s the grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Insisting to anyone who will listen, ‘You know I was her favorite.’ Entirely unaware that Big Momma told every single blood relative, not to mention the ones she claimed kin to– They were her ‘favorite’ just to keep the peace and make sure the grass was cut!

There are two types of Matriarchs that make sure Funeral Protocols are done, and done right- The uppity but precise- Mary Maude Morton, and the cold stone Freesia Faye Butler. Both are in the historical society, some call it the ‘hysterical society.’ They both serve on the Cemetery Committee.

And there’s this: No matter how caring, compassionate and careful Piney Grove Funeral Home is- If either Mary Maude Morton or Freesia Faye Butler, objects-The County Coroner and the State Records and Certificates have been told in no uncertain terms that ‘unless’ Miss Morton or Miss Butler file a written notice that the Proper Protocol has been followed- ‘Do Not. I repeat Do Not issue a Death Certificate.’

That means no one is leaving or passing over the Jordan River, if you get my drift, until Mary Maude or Freesia Faye are satisfied.

There is More to Passing, Protocols and the Pearls. Though, your patience may be wearing thin. So, I want to make sure you know that- Next up is the Three Part Series- Flowers, Food and the Restorative Cocktail.

Love y’all, Brenda

I would add that Writing Humor is one of more than a dozen Writing Techniques I teach, in ‘Writing Content with Confidence’ . Why teach that many? Well, it’s to help you find your Voice.

The Writing Sanctuary is my favorite part of this course. It’s a weekly, private chat group. There is no Zoom, no cameras, no recordings, no mandatory attendance. A Gathering around a Writing Prompt. *enrollees in the course, automatically have a seat!

I’ve been told that the Writing Sanctuary is worth the price of the whole course, which is $97 USD. I am in there weekly, along with others. Even seasoned writers enjoy this group! Thank you again for being here!

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Camellia's Cottage

Movin’ On…

Is there Anything that says, ‘Forward Motion’ like a Bicycle? I had one bicycle as a young girl, this one looks like it. I tried to back up that Bicycle.. let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty. I might have avoided wheelies and skinned knees, though my clean, almost new Tennis Shoes got scuffed, and the bike tipped over. Yes, with me on it.

I recall telling you that I am Uncoordinated, practically from birth. Okay, by first grade, it was obvious. Sadly, publicly obvious. So, just the Act of Moving can be dangerous for me. And..

I think I recall telling you about Pit Barbeque, though, did I mention Real Pit BBQ isn’t throwing something on the backyard grill? No, real pit BBQ is getting harder and harder to find. And, really: I think those places don’t want New Customers coming around. As a girl, riding in the backseat with the windows rolled down.. the scent of Loblolly Pines, the crunch of an old chert road.. I knew when the scent began to change.. I smelled it. That distinct Hickory Smoke… ‘It’s just on down the road..’ could mean Miles in Alabama. It’s true.

Though, here’s the thing. I’m not taking you on a bicycle ride to get Pit BBQ. I am not even suggesting we take a Car. For one thing, it’s dangerous. Those places are notoriously waay back in the woods.. and I will admit it, I could get us lost. I would have to think about it long and hard.. because learning how to Drive, practically made my driving instructor want to quit his job!

No, I’m movin’ on.

Wait, don’t call the Funeral Home yet! I’m just going to get historical on you, first.

For 10 years, I have been writing Camellia’s Cottage. First, under the pen name of Camellia. My hands literally shook before I hit ‘Publish’. Do you know that feeling?

Back in 2020, we had that pandemic. My voice, as Camellia , began to crack. Stuff wasn’t as funny to me as before. I was concerned about Small Shops and Small Business owners surviving. So, I shifted the Messages here, on Camellia’s Cottage, to Inspiration and Marketing, and there’s this: shhh… the po-lit-ical landscape for southerners was starting to be as hot as freshly poured asphalt.

That’s not my style- to get in heated conversations or into hot water for that matter. So, I kept Writing to You about Marketing- selling what you Do, Create or Offer. *I still do that Weekly in my Newsletter. The signup form is here: Brenda Wyatt.

Meanwhile, expect this here: I’m Movin’ On to a Shift here. I miss writing Southern Lifestyle, Southern Food and Southern Humor. It’s generally ‘bygone era’ stuff. Why? Well, I’m pretty ‘bygone’ myself and to be honest, that kind of writing is nostalgic and funnier.. I plan to write more of that.

I’ve already planned the Funeral. Wait! not my funeral.. I’m not going anywhere. I have more to say about ‘bygone era’ Funeral quirks and customs. It will be at least a 3 Part Series. Here’s a taste of what you will read, in the Funeral Series:

The Flowers. Don’t use Plastic. Do let the Garden Club ladies scour roadsides and gardens. Yard Flowers. Great on their own or as Fillers. Let Uncle Fred sit and fret over the exact shade of Pink Roses ‘she loved’.
The Food. We must talk about the Funeral Food. It’s an Encyclopedia Volume 1 and 2. Let me just say one word. Casseroles. ‘Really, Mabel who would’nt want Elbow Macaroni laid to rest in that egg and cheese custard? Though, don’t you dare add that Cayenne Pepper that Lucille insists on! It’s not fitting, to bring the heat on for the Bereaved, who Do Not, I repeat, Do Not want to even think about how hot the Devil’s Back Door Knob might be!’
The Restorative Cocktail. Now, don’t get up on your abstaining High Horse. I won’t elaborate on this just yet. Here’s the Thing. A discreet ‘after the funeral is over, Restorative Cocktail’, isn’t a Celebration for heaven’s sake! – it’s for Medicinal Purposes only. If St. Paul allowed for it, who are we to question Apostolic Advice? No, siree, we will not.

So, yes, I will be movin’ and backing up carefully towards Southern Lifestyle, Southern Food, Southern Humor. *again, the Inspiration and Marketing Advice will still be in my Weekly Newsletter!

Love y’all, Brenda aka Camellia

Don’t forget to sign up for that Marketing and Inspirational Newsletter!

And, if you’re interested in finding a Writing Community, here’s the one I created, it’s the Writing Sanctuary. I would love to have you!

Remember:

If you sign up- I will never sell your information, I will never talk about you behind your back, I won’t mention that weight you’ve gained over the summer, I won’t even get mad if you unsubscribe.. it would break my heart, though.

Posted on March 22, 2026April 12, 2026 by Camellia's Cottage

Three Things You Need Always

Three Things you Need Always

No matter what you Do, Create or Offer, in your Life or Work.

You need:

Instinct
Intuition
Imagination

The 3 Gifts.

Instinct has the Grit to speak it’s Mind, before you have a Chance to Doubt. Intuition has the Grace to gently walk beside you, nudging you in the right Direction, if you will listen. Imagination is that playful Friend who Guides your Creativity.

These Gifts don’t have to be earned. They are your Inside Voices. Priceless Friends. I’m convinced that at a certain age- we’ve either left these Gifts behind Or.. We have cultivated the friendship and the companionship of Instinct, Intuition and Imagination to guide us toward our next chapter- Our Second Act.

No longer dreaming- Designing a Creative Legacy, whatever form that takes. “Is it too Late?’ I heard you say that. No. These Gifts have always been there.

How to access them- Get Quiet. You will begin to Hear them and have the Grace and Grit to allow them to Guide you.

Instinct, Intuition and Imagination don’t ever Really go away. They wait patiently until we recognize their significance. Then, bit by bit we regain the Trust we need to use them, creatively.

Which one do you like best? Bossy Instinct? Gracious Intuition prefers to guide quietly..until she gets insistent. Or Playful Imagination? She’s usually the life of the Party! I need them All! Why?

Because the ideal is that these 3 Things Work together, for you. For you. By blending the Grit of your lived experiences alongside the Grace of your Inner Guide, you will transform your natural Instinct, Intuition and Imagination into a creative Legacy that speaks clearly to the world and stands the test of Time.

Inside ‘Writing Content with Confidence’ my online course.. It’s the End of Someday.. you know that drawer full of ideas you have? Isn’t it Time that you bring them out? Share them with the world. I hope you will. Check that link to see if it’s something you may want to add to your writing skills. Meanwhile…

I have some News You Can Use!

Where do you think Long Form Writing ranks right now? Consumer interest has it at #1! And, there’s this: Instagram is in the top 5 of Search Engines. Plus, it’s still, the Best Place for new or small businesses to share what they Do, Create or Offer! As Seth Godin said, ‘It’s not about the Stuff you Sell, it’s about the Stories you tell’.

So, keep writing and telling those stories! I’m here to help if you need it.

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. I have a weekly newsletter, if this is something you would like to receive, leave your email address in the comments Or send me an email – just type NEWLETTER in the subject line at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com

Posted on January 25, 2026January 26, 2026 by Camellia's Cottage · 1 Comment

In the Age of AI, Your Voice is Your Legacy

Hi, I'm Brenda Wyatt Writer, Author, Blogger and Course Creator

To my Incredible community of writers and bloggers:

Thank you for being here. After over 500 posts, over a decade now- You have read my stories. I’m So grateful for the space you have given me, here. Today, I want to talk about the future of Words. We are living through a time, when a machine can generate content in mere seconds. The silent question we all share is:

Does my human voice still matter? Is pen to paper a Lost Art? The resounding answer is Yes. More than ever! Your unique human perspective is your greatest Asset in 2026. An interesting fact: Stationary Shops are having a big moment. Paper, Pens, Notebooks, Journals! Here’s Why your Voice, your genuine Words matter.

Human generated Words are Words written with a Purpose. AI is a Prompt that a Human has written.

My Journey:

I have always believed the my work should speak for itself. I focused on the craft of writing, words on a page. *Literally writing with a pen on paper before typing it here or as I wrote my book. I believed in the Integrity of the Stories. Even the humorous posts, came from ‘lived experiences’. The awards along the way were wonderful confirmations for me.

I need to clarify here: I wasn’t new to Marketing; I was new to Writing in a Public format. I had spent 30+ years in high end retail and also with visual display and branding. That experience is why I created my first online course: Be Unforgettable! A Guide to Visual Marketing.

Before that course, I had written a book, published in 2014, and struggled to Learn How to write a Blog in 2016. A few years ago, I realized something: It’s not enough to write a beautiful message if that message can’t find it’s readers. I had taken a wonderful Online Course for social media. I struggled with Social Media. I kept going. I had joined a few Challenges. I was building a community there.

The popular advice for writers was far too generic. The focus was rushed, focused on algorithm hacks over Authenticity. My motto became: ‘Become a Trusted Resource.’ Which I will always Believe. Now, we have been told the focus in 2026 is Authentic, Trustworthy, Real. That’s a Good Thing. Since Bots are showing up faster than even the best algorithms can keep up with or eradicate.

I decided we needed a better way for Writers, with Purpose. Apply Image Driven Words. We needed a place focused on legacy, not quick fixes or hacks. I created my second online course- ‘Writing Content with Confidence’. Born out of Years of Work and Writing. I knew I had Tools to Offer.

It’s a guided experience- more than a dozen ways to craft a message, plus Images drive the Written Content and Color starts Writing the Story before a word is written. It’s a blend of Writing and Marketing, authentically, in a Trustworthy way.

Writing now, as unsettling as it is, in the current environment of lots of noise, lots of hacks, lots of bots, lots of AI- our Perspective Shifts. Often, we are looking back with Nostalgia or adopting a forward-looking Mindset. We need both. We need Writers like you!

Perspective. Looking back? or Forward facing?

My Writing Course was soft launched in the Fall of 2025. I have had several beta testers going through along with some students. I realized something. Yes, it’s ‘go at your own pace, lifetime access’ and that’s great. And the introductory price is low at $47. Yet my intuition was telling me that Writers need a Sanctuary.

Are you asking: Why tell Bloggers, who are Writers about this? Well, even seasoned writers who have had a first look say, ‘Man, this has a Lot of Stuff in here!’ or that they never imagined it would also have Marketing Advice along with the Writing Content. *There is even a section on ‘Product Shots’ Yes, writers need solitude, yet they also need a safe space, with a community of other writers, who may also be artists and creatives too!

So, I am adding the Writing Sanctuary for the official relaunch February 10, 2026. I added a Private Chat Group for my first online course and most have told me that Private Group is worth the price of the course! With the new Writing Course, this private group will be called, the Writing Sanctuary, a quiet private space right inside Instagram. Find me @brendawyatt_

I plan to be in the Writing Sanctuary at least weekly, to have ‘Ask Me Anything’ or Encourage Writers to Write also offer prompts and more. In my other group, members follow each other and encourage one another, become friends, their most ardent cheerleaders.

I am opening the Doors to the Writing Sanctury:

The Doors are Open for the Writing Sanctuary

There will be a price adjustment from introductory $47 to $97 to reflect the added benefit on February 9. (There is Lifetime Access, the Course is completely open, no waiting for another lesson to drop, Go at your own pace. No zoom meetings.)

Founding Members will enjoy all of the benefits, including the Private Group at the Introductory Price. *of course, that also means extra support while it’s new.

The Doors are Open now, until February 10,2026. *To take advantage of the additional benefit of the Writing Sanctuary- Join us now, before the Rate Changes.

I am here to help you feel confident enough to share your Legacy. You’re writing one, you know you are.

Your Stories need to be Written. They need to be Shared. Even your Recipes! Those Stories may not even be in the genre you’re writing now! All the best in 2026!

Love y’all, Brenda aka ‘Camellia’ and yes, I still make cornbread!

REMINDER: Founding Rate: $47 USD *rate adjustment deadline is February 9. $97 USD. I hope You will join us! If you would like to receive my Newsletter: send me an email! brenda@brenda-wyatt.com

Find out more about the course here: Write Content with Confidence

And, if you’re on Instagram Find More @brendawyatt_

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

To my Incredible community of writers and bloggers:

Share this: