To be honest, I don’t remember how I first encountered Sarah White. It may have been through learning about the Association of Personal Historians. In any case, I am fascinated by this growing area of storytelling and pleased to have Sarah as a Q&A subject.

This Q&A with Sarah will run over the next five days.

Bio: Sarah White provides writing services for individuals, families, businesses, and communities from her home base in Madison, WI. Typical projects include books, articles, online content, and life histories. She is currently leading reminiscence writing workshops, and producing group publishing projects and public story performances.

Q: How did you initially become involved with story/storytelling/narrative? What attracted you to this field? What do you love about it?

A: For 12 years I directed my own marketing communication firm. After the sale of that business I built a freelance writing/consulting practice, providing marketing communications and how-to advice for small businesses. I was frequently hired to help other authors find publishers and prepare their books for publication.

As my professional pursuits have drawn me in different directions, I have sought a way to bring my many skills “back under one umbrella”. When I learned about the field of personal history, I discovered my professional skills and my personal interests weaving together. Today I help individuals, families, businesses and communities record their stories for presentation in book form and more. I also lead reminiscence writing workshops and hands-on intergenerational programs exploring personal history.