Sarah Holman, writer and cheese enthusiast
The Deets
I am a writer living and working in Portland, Maine… where the food is as good as the beer, the people are friendlier than the weather, and the ocean is closer than the Interstate.
I grew up in rural Maine and left to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. A job at a small branding agency in the East Village introduced me to the possibility of a career in creative writing, though initially I pursued marketing and graphic design when I returned to Maine. My eventual transition to stay-at-home-mommy left me searching for a new creative outlet, and I began writing fiction. As time allowed (that is, as my stay-at-home-mommy job became less all-consuming) I took on freelance copywriting, editorial, and layout jobs. Currently I am a columnist and regular contributor for Maine Women Magazine, and I hope to add YA fiction author to my resume sometime in the next decade.
The Fluff
Things I devote non-writing time to include: running (in the woods), drinking coffee (at any hour), eating locally (cheese, please), treasure hunting (at thrift shops), worrying about climate change (not global warming), raising a daughter (she’s a tween!), exploring Maine (especially rural parts), and anything crafty (pass the hot glue gun).
The Work
I have written copy for publications, websites, brochures, resource guides, promotional pieces, and training materials for many companies, including:
- Maine Women Magazine – Portland, Maine
Monthly HOME columnist and regular editorial contributor
- The Brand Collective – Auburn, Maine
Freelance copywriter for multiple re-branding projects
- Polychrome Collective – Portland, Maine
Freelance grant writer for non-profit organizations
- Birth Roots – Portland, Maine
Contract layout designer and project manager for the annual Birth Roots Resource Guide
- SlickFish Studios – Portland, Maine
Freelance copywriter, project manager, and design consultant for this creative Maine website design company.
- Management Research Group – Portland, Maine
Freelance copywriter and layout designer for marketing initiatives and training resources
- RF Sales & Marketing – Portland, Maine
Freelance copywriter
- Frawley Construction – Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Freelance copywriter for marketing, print, and online materials
- Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine – Portland, Maine
Former Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Links to Published Articles and Columns
Financial Fitness
Maine Women Magazine, January 2020
Some people hit the gym in January. We’re all about reviewing our finances for a fresh start. Our experts weigh in on smart planning…
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My Precious
Maine Women Magazine, November 2019
What do I do with this (really important) thing? Tips on preserving, protecting and displaying family heirlooms…
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Hammering Stereotypes
Maine Women Magazine, October 2019
Women in Maine’s lumber and building materials industry talk family business, gender bias and rolling with f-bombs in a business hardwired for sexism…
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Home Work
Maine Women Magazine, October 2019
Suggestions for those times when it feels stressful just to make time for stress relief…
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The Case for Slippers
Maine Women Magazine, September 2019
Scuffs, House Shoes, Fuzzies, Mocs, whatever you call them, they’re back and quite possibly, keeping us healthier…
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Monson Makeover
Maine Women Magazine, August 2019
A major investment by the Libra Foundation is turning Monson, a nearly forgotten town, into a place where creativity flourishes and art is born…
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The Marie Kondos of Maine
Maine Women Magazine, May 2019
The Japanese declutterer is all the rage. But some of Maine’s professional organizers pre-date her. Others model themselves on her…
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Green Cleaning for the Win
Maine Women Magazine, May 2019
I’ve been buying natural, non-toxic cleaning products for years, but I also know labels can be misleading. And I have plastic-guilt every time I toss a bottle…
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Screen(time) Savers
Maine Women Magazine, April 2019
Last July the market-research firm Nielsen released a new study saying American adults are spending over 11 hours a day interacting with media…
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Pump It Up
Maine Women Magazine, April 2019
Exercise trends come and go, but with the backing of some compelling science, High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, may be here to stay…
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The Woods Wake
Maine Women Magazine, March 2019
When Diamond Duryea left North Norway for college 10 years ago, her parents took up mapling as an empty-nester’s hobby…
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Bring in the Green
Maine Women Magazine, March 2019
During the last official winter month, our thoughts turn wistfully toward open windows, ice-free sidewalks and reestablishing a relationship with the backyard…
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Mitten Mountains and Hat Hills
Maine Women Magazine, January 2019
How is it that every winter, despite my diligent efforts and family-wide reminders, I am constantly picking up mittens, hats, jackets, boots and scarves from all over the house…
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Beginning a Life Together
Maine Women Magazine, January 2019
Meet four couples who chose to mark their commitment to each other with a wedding—one that brought together the people they love in ceremonies that were as unique as they are…
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Cozy and Calm Decor
Maine Women Magazine, January 2019
Coming off the busy holiday season, January is a month for recuperation and renewal, a time when I want my home’s interior to support a calm, introspective state…
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A Packrat’s Holiday
Maine Women Magazine, December 2018
Incorporating nostalgic objects—in all their imperfect, off-trend glory—into modern holiday decorating…
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Cool Home Finds
Maine Women Magazine, November 2018
Whether it’s something colorful on the wall or underfoot, or a repurposed antique that gives your space a unique flair, these neat finds at Maine shops are fun ways to make a room yours…
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