Ep. 189 - Alison Gieschen: Sail On

From Stories from Real Life by Melvin E. Edwards

February 17, 2026 · 39 min · Season 4 · Episode 189

About this episode

Alison Gieschen shares her journey from a horse farm to sailing around the world, discussing adventure, resilience, and storytelling.

Show Notes (Bullet Points) 🔸 Key Topics Covered * Alison’s journey from running a horse farm and teaching to sailing around the world. * How her early passion for adventure propelled her toward blue-water sailing. * The creative process of writing while essentially living on the ocean. * The role of resilience, fear, and personal transformation in challenging environments. * Storytelling techniques that draw inspiration from real world experiences and mythic imagination. * Practical tips for listeners dreaming of their own reinvention — whether through travel, writing, or life change. 🔸 Books & Projects Mentioned * Blue Ridge – Award-winning novel influenced by lifetime experience with people and place. * The Legend of Altor & Julia’s Vaulting Dream – Children’s and middle-grade fiction inspired by equestrian roots. * Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph – Nonfiction sailing memoir. * The Seven – A sweeping novel blending fantasy with deep human themes of judgment, connection, and redemption. * Upcoming title: Seanna – Mermaid Tales (children’s ocean-themed fiction). Alison Gieschen's Website Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at…

People in this episode

Host: Melvin E. Edwards

Guest: Alison Gieschen

Topics covered

sailing
personal transformation
storytelling
adventure
writing
resilience

Keywords

sailing
adventure
writing
resilience
personal transformation
storytelling techniques
blue-water sailing
travel
life change

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Blue Ridge, The Legend of Altor & Julia’s Vaulting Dream, Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph, The Seven, Seanna – Mermaid Tales