THE ARCHIVIST
Sarah Jayne Ventress
Part Writer. Part Coach.
WHO AM I?
I’ve spent more than two decades listening to women’s hopes, fears, pressures and dreams — in boardrooms and corporate offices, at school pick-up, over coffee, in online communities.
Different rooms.
Different lives.
The same question again and again.
Where did I go?
WHY THIS BOOK?
I couldn’t keep hearing that question and not do something with it.
Because I was asking it too.
Where did I go?
And the answer wasn’t one big thing. I hadn’t disappeared overnight. It had happened gradually, in all the ordinary choices, compromises, responsibilities and things I’d put before myself.
And finding my way back didn’t happen in one big leap either.
One ordinary act at a time.
Sitting down.
Writing something.
Coming back the next day.
Choosing the book — and choosing myself— over some of things I’d spent years putting first.
She Is The Archive is that idea, given shape.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I’m a mum, a coach and I’m working towards being a published author.
I have a she-shed where I dance to loud music and occasionally attend “international conferences” at midnight — which is really just me learning something new with nobody watching.
I have a 1963 Vespa named Marilyn, who is older than me and, by her own admission, better looking.
I share my life with my husband, our two girls, our dog, four sheep, one rescue alpaca and four feisty chickens
And at the time of writing, I have not eaten a crisp for 107 days.
Anyone who’s met Audrey will understand that this is no mean feat. (Archive Five)
