Welcome! I’m Sara Gentry, Math Ph.D. turned writer, book lover, and an Author Accelerator certified book coach.
I come from a family of teachers and coaches - helping others do their best is in my blood! Read on to see if you think we’d work well together.
Why Work With Me?
As an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach* in fiction, memoir, and nonfiction, I have been rigorously trained and vetted through a program that is respected in the publishing industry. You can learn more about the reputable Book Coach Certification Program I completed in order to help writers bring forth their best work. (*Note: As an Author Accelerator certified book coach, I am qualified to coach writers using Author Accelerator's strategy, methods, and materials, but I operate independently of Author Accelerator and am not affiliated with them.)
In addition to being a huge book lover, I write and actively participate in several writing communities, including the SCBWI, 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and WFWA. While in academia, I published several articles in academic journals.
A word about my background in math and music…
I have a B.S. in mathematics and a Ph.D. in applied and interdisciplinary mathematics. (My doctoral dissertation was written in the field of mathematical biology). During my six years of graduate school at the University of Michigan, I taught pre-calculus and calculus classes. Upon completing my degree, I remained at the university and worked for two years as a course coordinator, continuing to teach students while also guiding instructors on how to teach pre-calculus and calculus.
I also have a B.A. in music, and my focused area of study was in music theory and composition. I’ve played the piano since I was five years old, and I continue to play regularly. I enjoy playing classical music for my own enjoyment (Beethoven and Chopin are favorites), and I love playing contemporary worship music with my church’s praise team.
I’ve always balanced the creative with the analytical. I love that I can use both aspects in my book coaching.
Random Fun Facts
I was a three-sport athlete in high school (volleyball, soccer, and basketball), played volleyball on my liberal arts college team, and coached high school volleyball for seven years. I love watching many sports on TV, my favorites being Michigan football, women’s collegiate volleyball, ice hockey, and soccer.
I love film scores. I once dated a guy whose CD collection (remember CDs?) of movie and TV scores rivaled my own. Reader, I married him.
I’m a big fan of personality frameworks. I’m an INTP, 3w4, Upholder, with Learner-Achiever-Input-Focus-Significance strengths, and although Hermione is my book BFF, I would be sorted as a Ravenclaw.
When I was a kid and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I told them four things: a teacher, a piano player, a writer, and a chef. Well, I currently homeschool my kids, play the piano while working as the worship director for our church, and write picture books and novels. And while Le Cordon Bleu won’t be calling me any time soon, I make homemade pizza for my family every Saturday night.