Tell a Story, Make an Impact
How I Became a Writer
I love writing. It's become a passion for me. I haven't always felt that way, though. In school and later in my career, I was a numbers guy. My degree and additional college studies emphasized accounting and business subjects. As a result, my career positions were oriented around accounting, contracting, cost analysis, and negotiations.
Discovering a Passion for Storytelling
Gradually over time I learned that I could actually become a decent writer. This realization came partly due to all the reports I had been writing in my career and the many speeches I wrote as a long-time member of Toastmasters. I read a number of books about writing and attended some classes. I was hooked! Writing was now in my blood.
How My Book Came to Life
I knew I had to write. But what should I write about? While I was trying to figure that out, I started writing down some of the stories I had been telling people over many years. In the process of writing my stories, it dawned on me that I could write a book to help others tell their own personal stories. That's how my book was born.
About the Author
Dave Waldo is a writer and storyteller with considerable public speaking experience. He developed and honed both his public speaking and his storytelling skills as a long-time member of Toastmasters International. Early on, people recognized that he had a knack for telling entertaining stories.
Based on that encouragement, Dave went on to develop some wonderful stories that he enjoys telling every chance he gets. Over the years, he has conducted numerous speaking, training, and presenting assignments both for his work and for various other organizations.
A graduate of the University of Washington with additional studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Seattle University, Dave has had an interesting life full of many varied experiences, which he draws from for his many stories. Dave Waldo lives with his wife Hazel near Seattle.
Dave Waldo grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and he has a wide variety of experiences. His employment includes banking, accounting, contracting, and sales. He was a member of Toastmasters International for over 30 years and an accomplished public speaker.
Dave took up writing after he retired and published his first book in 2013, Sharing Personal Stories, a fun read for people of all ages. Dave’s second book, A Flawed Legacy, was published in 2025; people say they have a hard time putting it down.
Organizations and Associations
Dave Waldo is a member of the following organizations:
Toastmasters International — Former Member, 35+ Years
Seattle Storytellers Guild
National Storytelling Network
Pacific Northwest Writers Association
University of Washington Alumni Association
Unity of Bellevue