Sarah Robertson – författare

Representations of southern poor whites have long shifted between romanticization and demonization. At worst, poor southern whites are aligned with racism, bigotry, and right-wing extremism, and, at best, regarded as the passive victims of wider, socioeconomic policies. In Poverty Politics: Poor Whites in Contemporary Southern Writing, author Sarah Robertson pushes beyond these stereotypes and explores the impact of neoliberalism and welfare reform on depictions of poverty. Robertson examines representations of southern poor whites across various types of literature, including travel writing, photo-narratives, life-writing, and eco-literature, and reveals a common interest in communitarianism that crosses the boundaries of the US South and regionalism, moving past ideas about the culture of poverty to examine the economics of poverty. Included are critical examinations of the writings of southern writers such as Dorothy Allison, Rick Bragg, Barbara Kingsolver, Tim McLaurin, Toni Morrison, and Ann Pancake.Poverty Politics includes critical engagement with identity politics as well as reflections on issues including Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 financial crisis, and mountaintop removal. Robertson interrogates the presumed opposition between the Global North and the Global South and engages with microregions through case studies on Appalachian photo-narratives and eco-literature. Importantly, she focuses not merely on representations of southern poor whites, but also on writing that calls for alternative ways of reconceptualizing not just the poor, but societal Measures of time, value, and worth.

Representations of southern poor whites have long shifted between romanticization and demonization. At worst, poor southern whites are aligned with racism, bigotry, and right-wing extremism, and, at best, regarded as the passive victims of wider, socioeconomic policies. In Poverty Politics: Poor Whites in Contemporary Southern Writing, author Sarah Robertson pushes beyond these stereotypes and explores the impact of neoliberalism and welfare reform on depictions of poverty. Robertson examines representations of southern poor whites across various types of literature, including travel writing, photo-narratives, life-writing, and eco-literature, and reveals a common interest in communitarianism that crosses the boundaries of the US South and regionalism, moving past ideas about the culture of poverty to examine the economics of poverty. Included are critical examinations of the writings of southern writers such as Dorothy Allison, Rick Bragg, Barbara Kingsolver, Tim McLaurin, Toni Morrison, and Ann Pancake.Poverty Politics includes critical engagement with identity politics as well as reflections on issues including Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 financial crisis, and mountaintop removal. Robertson interrogates the presumed opposition between the Global North and the Global South and engages with microregions through case studies on Appalachian photo-narratives and eco-literature. Importantly, she focuses not merely on representations of southern poor whites, but also on writing that calls for alternative ways of reconceptualizing not just the poor, but societal Measures of time, value, and worth.

Gothic Appalachian Literature examines the ways contemporary Appalachian authors utilize gothic tropes to explore the complex history and contemporary problems of the region, particularly in terms of their representation of economic and environmental concerns. It argues that across Appalachian fiction, the plight of characters to save their homes, land and way of life from the destructive forces of extractive industries brings sharply to bare the histories of colonization and slavery that problematize questions of belonging, ownership and possession.Robertson extensively considers contemporary manifestations of the gothic in Appalachian literature, arguing that gothic tropes abound in fiction that focuses on the impacts of extractive industries that connect this micro-region with other parts of the Global North and Global South where the devastating impacts of extractive industries are also experienced socially, economically and environmentally.

A cyclical guide for founders, makers and creatives seeking to build a brand that feels like home.Branding advice is often built for scale and saturation. It focuses on quick wins, fleeting trends and a relentless presence. For the independent founder, this approach can feel misaligned and unsustainable.In Shape Your Brand Story, Sarah Robertson invites you to move away from the frantic pace of modern business and into the realm of sustainable creativity. Using her signature Brand Seasons® Method, she offers a cyclical framework designed to help you build a brand that not only looks the part but also feels deeply aligned.Navigate the seasons of your brand journey:This isn’t a rigid textbook but a companion for your evolution. Through the chapters, you’ll learn to navigate the four essential pillars of a resilient brand ecosystem:Season of Sowing | StrategyPlant the seeds of your brand. Uncover your vision, purpose and beliefs to create a foundation that supports long-term growth.Season of Blossoming | StyleMove from idea to expression. Develop a cohesive visual identity, from palette to design, ensuring your aesthetic reflects your true essence.Season of Harvesting | StoryMaster the art of brand storytelling. Weave your vision, values and voice into a compelling brand narrative that builds deep trust and lasting loyalty.Season of Grounding | SubstanceIntegrate your brand across every touchpoint. Create a seamless brand experience that fosters genuine, lasting human connection.Why this book is different:This book respects your capacity. It acknowledges that business has an ebb and flow, and that true success comes from working with your natural rhythm rather than fighting against it.Inside, you will find:Reflective prompts: Designed to move you from abstract dreaming to intentional action.Practical exercises: Tools to help you find clarity, direction and momentum.Case studies: Real stories of founders who have transformed their businesses through storytelling.Whether you are launching a new venture, shifting your business direction or seeking a creative reset, Shape Your Brand Story is your guide to building a brand with imagination and intention.