How Sarah Alderson, Author and Screenwriter, embraced uncertainty to craft her storytelling life. Sarah's journey from a stable job in London to a life of global exploration and storytelling is nothing short of inspiring. In our latest conversation, she opens up about her bold decision to leap into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar to pursue her passion for writing.
The Leap of Faith Sarah started her career at a non-profit organization, working her way up from administrator to head of projects. Yet, after having her daughter, she and her husband found themselves yearning for a different life.
"We saw we'd seen all these people in Mexico, like expats, you know, living the life. And we were like, wait, maybe we should do something similar." This pivotal moment led to a year of planning, culminating in the decision to cut the safety net and embark on a traveling adventure with their young daughter. The fears were palpable, but so was the wisdom in taking that leap.
Embracing Naivety Initially, Sarah felt overwhelmed by the prospect of writing. With no formal training and doubts about her abilities, she found inspiration in unexpected places.
"I was desperately trying to think, what am I gonna do to earn money? And honestly, this list was like Richard Branson, J.K. Rowling..." This led Sarah to write her first novel, inspired by her desire to create something powerful and engaging. Her naivety became a strength, pushing her to pursue her dreams without being hindered by self-doubt.
Building a Writing Career The journey was not without challenges. Sarah faced numerous rejections and the harsh realities of the publishing world, yet she persevered. Her resilience became her greatest asset, helping her navigate the ups and downs of being a writer.
"It looked like a lot of disappointment along the way... 99% of authors don't earn enough to live on." Despite the setbacks, Sarah found success in screenwriting and continued to write novels, cultivating a backlist of over twenty books.
Reflection on the Journey Today, Sarah reflects on her unique path with gratitude. The leap into the unknown transformed her life in ways she could never have anticipated.
"It's been such a unique path and so extraordinary in so many ways that it was worth it." As Sarah continues to craft stories, she reminds us all of the importance of following our passions, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.
For a deeper dive into Sarah's story and insights on navigating life's uncertainties, listen to the full episode.
****Sarah's latest novel "The Edge of the Woods" is available now from major retailers****