Although I’m not a native of Bay County, having lived here since 1992, I certainly feel like a “local.” Originally, I’m from the Tar Heel State of North Carolina, but have quickly adapted to Florida living. Bay County has been THE most welcoming and inviting community I’ve ever lived in, perhaps due to the influences of the military, Snowbirds, world transplants, and locals (who tend to welcome all comers).
My business, The Write Place, has been in existence for 41 years. I must say, Bay County has been very, VERY good to me. Primarily offering marketing and public relations services, I also spend a great deal of time writing, editing, compiling, and conducting corporate training, as well as teaching writing courses. Join me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-sabiston-89b43964/
I’ve also had the pleasure of editing books and ghostwriting for other clients, so I guess you could say “words are just my thing!”
In addition to writing feature articles and selling advertising for GO! Christian Magazine, I’m also the Content Coordinator for Panama City Beach Living magazine, where I’m responsible for interviewing and/or coordinating all articles. Twice a year, I teach “10 Ways to Capture Your Life Story” during Education Encore at Gulf Coast State College. I’ve enjoyed teaching there for almost a decade.
Another of my writing specialties is working directly with clients to determine the content their employees will learn (and enjoy!) during my corporate training sessions. (* Note: Contact me for a full list of specially designed courses suitable to most company, or government, environments.) https://www.facebook.com/pat.sabiston/
From 2006 until 2010, I served on the Bay County School Board, where I learned about the various challenges parents face. That’s why I am now such a supporter of the Home School Library located at my church, Heritage Bible, on State Avenue. For 21 years, I was also a Sunday school teacher there within the Mary and Martha Class, where I am still a member.
Children have always been my passion, and I am so very proud of my three daughters, three grandchildren, and five GREAT-Grandchildren.
During the COVID pandemic, I worked closely, online, with a student from Gulf Coast State College (Taylor Johnson) to produce my first children’s book – CAN’T NEVER COULD! Based on a true story between my granddaughter and me, she found out that with a little encouragement and trust in herself, anything is possible. In a blurb, Suzan Gage, Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Inc. said: “In today’s complex and challenging world, young children need this life lesson more than ever!” And Stefanie Gall, former Superintendent of Schools, said: “The author does a masterful job of helping the Pre-K through 2nd Grade child learn that when you believe you can, you can find a way!” Books are available on Amazon, from the publisher, WestBow Press, or my website: https://patsabistonauthor.com/ (An interesting side note: After the production of this children’s book, the Library of Congress advised me that “Can’t Never Could” is actually a Southern colloquialism that dates back to the 1700s in print, which makes it far older verbally! I thought it was just a word of wisdom my grandmother used to say to me!)
However, with all this said, THE most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I was first saved, at nine years old, at a Billy Graham Crusade in my hometown of Charlotte, N.C. Ever since, I have counted on Him to lead me in His truth and teach me His ways, as He is the God of my Salvation. It’s a never-ending process, and I’m always looking for interviews with people who share such an amazing testimony of His work in their lives.
