![]() ![]() PODCASTS Memoir: Writing for Self Versus Others Lecture, The Iowa Summer Writing Festival Memoir: The Politics of Writing About Loved Ones Lecture, The Iowa Summer Writing Festival Memoir: Real-Life Characters and the Who Cares? Question She Writes Blog Talk Radio discussion with Kathryn Harrison and Alexandra Styron TESTIMONIALS I first met Sarah after hearing her speak, which inspired me to take a week-long class with her at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. It was an incredible learning experience. Sarah taught me how to tell a story that the reader cares about and finds relatable. I continued to work with Sarah throughout the writing and editing of my memoir. She helped me structure the book in a compelling way and provided spot-on editorial help. Sarah inspired and motivated me throughout. She is an absolute joy to work with in addition to being just a wonderful person. Lisa F. Smith, author of Girl Walks Out of a Bar The day that I walked into Sarah's workshop at Sarah Lawrence changed my literary career forever. Before the workshop was over, I asked Sarah to edit a book that I was writing, which turned out to be the best investment in my literary career. Sarah taught me how to create and maintain a "tick-tock" in my story, and gave me a crash course in sentence construction and grammar. Sarah will be editing my next book! Traci Medford-Rosow, author of the national bestseller Unblinded: One Man's Courageous Journey through Darkness to Sight "Get Over Yourself," a memoir writing course taught by Sarah Saffian, gave me the basic tools, skills, and motivation to launch me to the next steps. I am so proud to be a published author, and it never would have happened without Sarah's class. Barbara Santarelli, author of Everything I Never Wanted: A Memoir of Excess Sarah brings focus and clarity to my work, and her zero BS tolerance comes in handy when I occasionally self-mythologize. She sets the bar high and makes me want to be a better writer. L.F., Yonkers, NY Having Sarah edit my novel was the best decision that I could have made. We hit it off instantly. She brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the work that I finally felt I had found someone who understood my project. With her honest, encouraging guidance, I became a better, more thoughtful writer. Her edits were sharp and insightfulnot only was she able to look at the big picture and help my plot flow, she addressed small line edits with equal keenness. I cannot recommend Sarah enough. She will be an asset to anyone who is smart enough to use her! S.D., Clifton Park, NY Sarah provided, and continues to provide, invaluable guidance and support as I work on my novel. Her feedback is so detailed and insightful, that reading her notes is akin to having an editor at my side as I write. Any time I have doubts or despair over writer's block, her words motivate me to get back to the page and keep going. K.R., New York, NY By sharing her incredible writing knowledge and skill, Sarah has given me the framework and inspiration to continue writing my memoir. She offers a perfect blend of honesty, insight, motivation, and encouragement when critiquing my work. Writing for me is a grueling but exhilarating journey, and I am grateful to have Sarah as my guide. J.M., Cincinnati, OH In editing any given chapter from my memoir-in-progress, Sarah not only suggests ways for me to sharpen the language in the chapter, but encourages me to consider how the chapter functions within the larger story. As a memoirist and journalist, she has a keen sense of how to tell a compelling story precisely, to make every word count. I count Sarah as a blessing. S.B., Indianapolis, IN Sarah is available for individual coaching/ editing/ consultation via e-mail and phone, and group workshops in person. Folks of all ages, stages in the process, and levels of writing experience (including none) are warmly welcome. Got a completed first draft and want a sharp edit? An outline or a proposal in need of shaping? Seeking an ongoing arrangement with regular feedback? Just exploring and in need of guidance? Or have a group of writerly friends hankering for some structure? Give a holler! |