By Carroll Taylor
Guest Writer
Sam Uhl
Sam Uhl, owner and memoirist of "The Cheerful Word," www.cheerfulword.com, will be the guest reader for Mountain Wordsmiths at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 26. This event, sponsored by North Carolina Writers’ Network-West, is being held via Zoom because of COVID concerns. We hope to meet again in person in the months ahead; however, we are happy that not only local writers are attending our meetings but writers outside our state are also joining us.
Uhl helps people write their memoirs through ghostwriting, book coaching, retreats, workshops, manuscript editing and book printing. She believes that everyone’s life is a story worth telling.
Born to older parents, Uhl grew up at the feet of elders. Their friendly and patient storytelling kindled her lifelong passion for helping others preserve their life stories. Everyday people have extraordinary stories if one asks them the right questions. She discovered that universal truths are the stuff of great stories—love, survival, overcoming adversity, inspiration, adventure, and honor. It is her mission to give voice to the lives of everyday people, honoring and encouraging them today and helping them leave a legacy of inspiration for generations to come.
Uhl has published more than 100 memoirs including limited printings for families and Amazon Bestsellers. Her passion for helping people explore and share their story is most evident in her workshops, classes and retreats. Through colleges, community organizations, and even the USO, Uhl helps people find their voice and tell their truth to honor who they have become through life’s twists and turns and determine who they want to be for their remaining tomorrows.
Uhl is a Birren Institute Certified Guided Autobiographical Instructor and is the author of "How to Survive Dying: A Journal of Hope for Family Caregivers." You can find her at: cheerfulword.com.
Mountain Wordsmiths meets the fourth Thursday of each month. We welcome those who were regulars at Coffee with the Poets and Writers which met at Moss Memorial Library prior to COVID-19 restrictions. Those wishing to attend Mountain Wordsmiths may contact me at: vibiaperpetua@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. Anyone who wishes to participate in open mic may sign up upon entering the meeting and we welcome those who would simply like to listen to the beauty of wordsmithing.