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Meet SoulGrown writer, Sara! Sara Watkins is SoulGrown’s expert on North Alabama’s newest and best. Residing in the region, Sara writes from a heart connected to her community. She is always in-the-know of local stories that deserve statewide awareness and brings them to our readers through her witty and clever way with words! Here are 10 fun facts about Sara:

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am originally from outside of Atlanta. I went to Auburn for college, (degree in Public Relations) where I met my future husband. We got married in 2005 and have two children (a son, 14, and a daughter, 8). We have lived in Anniston, Birmingham, and now Guntersville. We love our new hometown and incredible community, which just so happens to be the most beautiful little lake town. I have held many jobs, from preschool teacher to flooring sales associate, but have always written in some capacity since my 6th grade language arts teacher wrote “You’re a great writer, you should be a writer when you grow up!” on one of my essays.

2. What is a favorite memory from your career so far? 

With a career centered around writing and journalism, I have a lot of interesting and exciting memories stored away. Recently, though, I was able to interview a favorite musician. He’s not super famous (yet), but I have followed him for years and it was so cool to be able to have a conversation with him and hear his story straight from his mouth.

3. What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I am a huge Aerosmith fan, but love Tupac just as much. Music in general is a really big part of my life and I like to listen to all kinds.

4. What motivates and/or inspires you?

My kids, for sure. But also meeting, interviewing, learning about the people and places I write about. If there is beauty in it, if it’s created from a single idea or as a solution to a problem, it inspires me. The motivation to tell the story effectively follows.

5. Do you have a secret talent?

I’m really good at (useless) trivia.

6. Do you have a goal you are working toward outside of work? If so, what is it and/or how do plan to achieve it?

I have always had a goal to write a novel. Other than constantly filing ideas away in my brain, I haven’t really worked to achieve it. Yet.

7. What is your favorite thing (or things) about Alabama?

I’m a Georgia Peach at heart, but I have now lived primarily in Alabama for over half of my life. I have grown to love it for its natural beauty, its incredible food and the fact that it’s, without a doubt, made up of the nicest people on the planet.

8. What are you most passionate about?

I have a lot of passion about a lot of things. But quality storytelling is right up there at the top of my list. I think it’s so important for the stories that make up our communities to be told and told well. I am also passionate about my own community and, of course, motherhood.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Bora Bora. Or one of those far away tropical paradises with the little huts right over the water. I am a tropical vacationer through and through.

10. What is your birth order?

I am a very typical (and proud!) middle child. I have an older sister and a younger brother.

The Soul of SoulGrown is a series highlighting the staff and contributors of SoulGrown. We hope that each of these profile’s will inspire you.

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