Category Archives: Next Top Author contest

Day 108: On the road-Spiritual Authors Part 8

Spiritual Authors: Part 8

This is the last blog in a series of 8. The five authors in this last blog were all people I connected with through the contest and Facebook. My body is energized from listening to the messages they are each bringing forth.

The Next Top Spiritual Author Contest has been a calling for 3000 people to share their gifts with the world. With this kind of passion and enthusiasm, imagine what we can do to heal, transform and create a shift in consciousness?  Peace within creates peace on Earth.

Here are the authors:

36) Laura Cannon and Tim Mulosmanaj. Laura and Tim are a happily married couple who have committed themselves to helping other couples create connection, purpose and growth in their relationships. They are filled with joy, passion and laughter. I already feel that Laura is a soul sister. She is a member of On Purpose Networking in Baltimore, one of my favorite places on the planet. The name of their book is Creationships: Transform your romantic relationship into the ultimate tool for growth and fulfillment. Watch their video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=532

37) Mahri Best.  Mahri is a live-er of life. She has followed her inner guidance throughout her life to a variety of jobs and travel. After watching her video, I felt more connected to myself. She delivers a passion of beautiful words and a feeling of unlimited potential. I have so much I want to say here about her! I suggest you click on the link and read the description of her book. Her message carries a powerful energy of healing. Her book is called, “Soul Talking: Wisdom in Rhyme to make a difference through her words and music.” http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2156

38) Marguerite Piazza Bonnett. Marguerite’s life could easily be made into a Hallmark movie of the week. Her mother was a famous actress. Her father was a socialite who died when she was 7.  And the stepfather spent all of their money while her mother was battling cancer. With all of that, Marguerite went on a path of discovering who she REALLY is! Now, she wants to help you do that, too.   She radiates so much light. The name of her book is: 12 New Thought Steps: The Secret to Releasing Old Patterns And Creating a Life You Love Living.  View the link to her video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=256 

39) Michelle Casto. At the bottom of Michelle’s bio is a quote by Osho, “A master cannot teach, but she can invite you.” This is the perfect description of Michelle. When I read her facebook page or the words on her author page, I feel invited into her space. She is a consciousness catalyst who ignites the inner fire of anyone who is willing and enters into her space. I would describe her as a spiritual mover and shaker! The name of her book is, “The Destiny Decision: Integrating Choice and Grace on your Sacred Path of Purpose” http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2107

40) Stuart Rosen. Stuart is an author, speaker and has hosted 3 radio shows, EnLighten Up, Manifesting the Positive, and Dare to Be Your Best. By watching his video, I know that the book he has written about a man who lost his job and is at a spiritual crossroads is going to be entertaining. Stuart is a cat lover.  From the hairdresser cat, to the yoda cat, to all of the beautiful cat expressions in his video, he had me at, “So I was telling my hairdresser all about my new novel.” The name of his book is , “Dare to Be Your Best” Click on the link to watch his video http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2339

Enjoy the spiritual wisdom, and heart centered connection of the authors and Vote! Thanks so much.

My book is Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip.  http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49

Top 250 authors go to Round 2.

Day 106: On the Road Spiritual Authors Part 7

This is the last week of voting for the Next Top Spiritual Author contest. May 3, 2010 midnight. Don’t wait! Vote now!

I decided to devote a blog to five of the male authors in the contest. All five of the men are writing books that inspired me in different ways. All 5 of them were on Tambra Harck’s radio show Joy of Love and Life. When Tambra finishes the last few shows this week , there will be 13 shows with 4-6 authors on each show. Here is the link to all of the recordings:
http://joyofloveandlife.com/NTSAseries.htm

And here is the link for Tambra’s book, Sacred Truths: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2109

Now on to the men:

31) Brad Williams. Brad is an astrologer and a spiritual counselor. He believes that we each need to embrace the inner feminine to support the transformation in the world to balance the mind and the heart. His book is called Thinking Man’s Dreamer, Based on a true story: One man’s journey finding balance in the divine feminine. Click here to listen to his book video: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2827

32) David Wodtke. David is a deep lover of nature and animals. Watching his video with his calming soul and pictures of nature, I felt peace. David is peace. His book talks about seeing the external environment, including nature as a part of us. The name of his book is Awakening the Heart’s Natural Love. To view his video, click here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=44

33) Michael Brown. Mike is a spiritual coach who helps people turn their blocks into blessings. He is so passionate and full of laughter and love.  The name of his book came from the words his mother said to him throughout his life. It wasn’t until he was about 34 that he began to feel that what she said was true about each one of us. The name of his book is: You are a Gift to the World: A Message from my Mother. View his audio here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=1878

34) Michael David Lawrence.  Michael is a Residential Coach at a therapeutic boarding school for teenage girls. I was really inspired by his message, the work he has been doing for 35 years and his commitment to help people heal. His book was written to help you get in touch with your wounded inner child and how to recover from trauma. The name of his book is, “Emotional Health: Freedom From Suffering and Trauma.” Listen to his audio here http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2627

35) Paul Terrill. Paul is a Conscious Living Coach. He lives and breathes his passion to live life with joy and purpose and gratitude. In his book, he uses real life stories of people he has coached and the steps to live life empowered. His book is called, “Applied Empowerment: A Manual for Conscious Living” http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=1898

Enjoy the spiritual wisdom, and heart centered connection of the authors and Vote! Thanks so much.

My book is Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip.  http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49

Top 250 authors go to Round 2.

Day 94- On the Road: Authors Part 4

April 15, 2010

Here is Part 4 of the blogs to introduce you to some of the authors in the Next Top Spiritual Author contest.

16. Anita Pathik Law. Anita is a spiritual leader, a wisdom keeper, a song writer, a minister and great teacher. And none of these words really describes the powerful spirituality that pours from her soul out into the world. I met Anita when I was organizing an Evolutionary Women Retreat in 2007 and she agreed to be a speaker. The name of her book is Returning to Your Original Intention. View her video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=881

17. Biff and Laurie Boggs Biff and Laurie were on on Tambra Harck’s radio show on. When I heard the beginning of their story, I connected with their hearts and the love they transmit. The book was written by Biff and is telling Laurie’s story. It is dedicated to their son, Preston. One of the ways the book is described, Learn to be empowered by your own tragedy.  The book is called, “Hitting Fear Head On: Become Light as a Feather, Joyful with Love, and Free to Fly.”  View the powerful video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=223

18. Cheryl Hiebert. Cheryl is a spiritual teacher who is committed to helping people cope with loss.. I connected with Cheryl through the peacemaker group. Her book focuses on grieving the loss of an animal and connects her personal experience to the common feelings many of us experience with any loss. Her book is called,  “Losing Willow: Grieving the loss of an animal companion” The video link is:  http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2975

19. Lisa Bonnice. Lisa is a high energy, dynamo! I love her approach to excess weight or illness. She calls it a blessing and a clue your body is telling you. I listened to Lisa’s story on the radio show with Tambra Harck and I connected with her immediately. I want you to hear her message. Her book is called, “Shape Shifting: The body/mind/spirit weight solution” Watch her video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2155

20. Yvonne Read.   Yvonne is a Minister of Spiritual Peacemaking. We connected through an e-mail group of spiritual peacemakers. Her book is an illustrated book for young children and their parents. It has 52 colorful affirmations, one for each week. The name of her book is:  Parenting through the Power Within. You can view her video here http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=255

Enjoy the spiritual wisdom, and heart centered connection of the authors and Vote! Thanks so much.

My book is Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip.  http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49

Top 250 authors go to Round 2.

Day 92- On the Road: Authors Part 3

Tuesday, April 13

Authors in the Next Top Spiritual Author Contest- Part 3

I know that everyone has a full life and it takes time to listen to the videos and audios. I am personally feeling transformed by watching and voting for the authors. Listen, enjoy, and vote, if inspired!

11. Beth Rosen.  Beth is amazing! I would list all of her accomplishments, talents and interests here, but…watch her video instead. I met Beth on the SHARE area for the authors in the contest. She is high energy and is on the group site to encourage, connect and enlighten. Her book is called: It Does Matter and So Do You. Check out her video  http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=667   

12. Betsy Muller-  Betsy is the founder of the Indigo Connection and is an energy coach. She also has 29 years of experience in corporate America. I met Betsy on Facebook, watched her video and felt an instant connection! Her book is called, “Energy Makeover: Simple Self Care and Soul Care for Creating a Magnificent Life” Watch her video here-  http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=799

13. Eugene Pitout.  Eugene has had quite a journey of studying and experiencing spirituality and metaphysics. I met him on the Share site for the authors in this contest. About one minute into his audio, I felt like I was entering a relaxed meditative state. So glad he is feeling guided to creating  meditations!. His book is called, “I Create Therefore I Am.” Listen to his audio here  http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2087

14. Phyllis Abbott.  Phyllis has a powerful story to tell about depression. Her energy is very soft and low key. I can see how important her story is for someone who is struggling with depression. I have attended spiritual retreats with Phyllis and she is passionate and filled with love about sharing a message with people and helping them heal. Her book is called, “Awakening.” Watch her video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=423

15. Raija Rintapaa.  Raija is a minister of spiritual peacemaking who lives in Finland. I met her in Oregon at a spiritual retreat with James Twyman. We were both ordained as ministers at that retreat in 2006. I love reading her simple messages of love and hope on her Facebook page. She is pure love and a gentle soul. Her book is called “Fearless Connection: How to keep your freedom in a relationship.  http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=11

Enjoy the spiritual wisdom, and heart centered connection of the authors and Vote! Thanks so much.

My book is Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip. http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49

Top 250 authors go to Round 2.

Day 91- On the Road: A Journey of Creativity

Mon, April 12, 2010

A Journey of Creativity

I want to support you in expressing more of who you are.

I want to encourage you to create, to write, speak, dance, and play. Creativity, and the expression of it, is as important as food, water, shelter, and community. As human beings, we need to express ourselves creatively.

I feel like I have an opportunity right now to share more about creativity. I am in a contest and I am expressing myself through my voice. I am on a journey that can help you to awaken to a deeper part of your path of creativity. I am here to encourage, nudge, and inspire you to deepen your own journey.

On Mondays, for the next few weeks, I am going to share a brief description of the journey I have been on as a writer. It is one form of creativity. I hope that it sparks something in you that leads you to a discovery of something that wants to wake up right now! I will share an overview of ideas and resources every week. Use the ideas and allow your own Divine expression to come forward.

As you read about my journey, my greatest desire is that it spark something in you. A remembrance. A new idea. A passion. It may happen immediately or it may surface later today or sometime this week or month.

You have all of the answers inside of you. Sharing my journey is something to help you stimulate your own answers.

My journey  of writing:

I was always a journal writer. I had a diary as a teenager and I loved to write about feelings, thoughts and observations. I was always curious about why people acted the way they did and I wrote about it privately. Just for me.

In 1991, when I was pregnant with my third child, Cooper, I became a daily journal writer. He was born with a congenital heart defect, had two open heart surgeries and died at 19 months from a neuroblastoma cancer. Hannah, my 4th child, was born two weeks after Cooper died and a year later I developed an autoimmune condition that took over my life for two years.

I had a lot of thoughts, feelings and emotions to write about!

I was in book clubs with groups of women for about ten years. We explored our creativity and spirituality once a week. Two of my favorite books were by Julia Cameron, “The Artist’s Way,” and “The Vein of Gold.”  Julia’s idea of morning pages, walks and art dates were some of the things I began to incorporate into my life. They really stirred the words and self-expression. I had connected with the women in the group through friendship and homeschooling our children.

If a book group interests you, gather friends or find a group on-line that meets in your area. The library, a local bookstore or a group like Meet-up is another way of connecting with new people.  Julia Cameron’s books are available at the library and in bookstores. Support a local bookstore!!

In 2004, I had the thought of writing a book. I thought it would probably be a “how to travel with your children” book because so many people asked me to write down tips I had learned. I was homeschooling my children and life felt very full.  I felt like I was “fed” creatively and spiritually but something else was bubbling inside. I had to write. I don’t want to be overly dramatic here, but seriously, sometimes it felt like I would die if I didn’t start writing. Have you ever had that feeling? A desire so strong that you had to listen to it or die?

I decided to go to a coffee shop once a week for 2 hours and began to explore the ideas that were bubbling inside of me. I wrote down things that interested me, areas I thought I had experience, and I looked through old journals for ideas.

In my day to day life, I wrote down words, book titles, billboards, songs, dreams and vanity license plates that inspired me or stirred my heart.

A few months after starting this, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. My passion for writing was channeled into journals again and e-mails to family and friends to describe the details of my husband’s cancer and treatment.

After he died, I still had the desire to write, but the idea of a book did not surface until 2 years later.
                                                              *********

Today is the beginning of  stirring the pot. See if the things I wrote here stir anything in you. It might be a moment of remembering a passion you had as a teenager or a child. It might be something that you put on hold when life happened and you thought, well someday I will…

Please write things in the comments section to share with each other. Your own ideas and stirrings. If you have questions for me, go to: http://www.formspring.me/andreahylen

Next week, I will talk about the first book I co-authored and how that emerged at an Evolutionary Women Retreat.

If you haven’t voted for me in the Next Top Spiritual Author contest, you can go to this link to register on the site,  view the video and vote. Thanks!
http://www.nexttopauthor.com/profile.cfm?aid=49

Day 87- On the road- Introducing authors Part 2

April 8, 2010

Introducing Next Top Spiritual Authors Part 2

Here are the next five  amazing spiritual authors I will be introducing to you over the next few weeks. Bask in the energy of their messages. Like a daily spiritual practice of seeing the beauty and heart-filled messages being offered here.

6. Amber Welsh – Amber is a medical researcher, writer and change coach.  I met her through an e-mail list with spiritual peacemakers and connected because of the contest. (One of the beautiful opportunities) Her book is called Perspective: Finding Magic in Every Day Life. View her video here- http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=758

7. George Harris – George is a Minister of Metaphysics and Spiritual Peacemaking. I have had the opportunity to attend 2 James Twyman spiritual retreats with George. We were in a core group of ministers that met every week for a period of time after one of the retreats. He is an incredible communicator, minister and facilitator. His book is called, One with God/One As God.  Listen to his audio here http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=34

8. Gina Villa-Grimsby.  Gina is a minister of spiritual peacemaking. We have supported each other on Facebook for a long time and I have great respect for her journey. Name a life challenge and she has experienced it personally! Her book is a memoir and is called, The Optimystic Ride.  View her video here. http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=91

9. Jean Roorda.  Jean is a writer, teacher, spiritual coach and parent. I met Jean on Facebook! Her book is called Our Next Step: Right Action and Right Relationship for a Radically New Human Experience. Check out her video http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2046

10. Kimberly Coots. Kimberly is a minister of spiritual peacemaking who I met through some very good friends. She is the founder of project heart space, a free on-line resource to inspire people to awaken to their hearts. Her book is called,  Divine Worth. View her video here: http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=139

Enjoy the spiritual wisdom, and heart centered connection of the authors and Vote!

My book is Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip. http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49 

Top 250 authors go to Round 2.

Day 85- On the road Introducing Authors Part 1

April 6, 2010

Day 85-On the Road
Introducing Next Top Spiritual Authors Part 1

This is my humble offering to introduce you to some of the other authors in the contest. I will be posting links to five authors on Tues and Thurs for the next few weeks. Enjoy the energy!

Here are five of the amazing authors:

1. Cathy Matarazzo- Cathy is a singer, songwriter, minister of spiritual peacemaking. On her video she shares some of her music along with her message. I met Cathy at a spiritual retreat in Colorado with James Twyman. Her book is called Freedom Wake … where it all begins. To view Cathy’s video http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=121

2. Jamie M. Eastman – Jaime is a Goddess, a mother and an author. I met her through the Prosperity Tribe of Kristin and David Morelli. Her book is called Flashpoint. It is a fictional story based on the power of intention and quantum physics. Listen to her audio http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2635

Scott Brandon Hoffman- Scott is a comedian who lives in Los Angeles. I met him at the Lynn Rose WOW Factor a few weeks ago. His book is called-Living in a Human Suit. Check out his video and book subtitle on-line http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2329

Susan LeClair- Susan is the founder of Divine Parenting. http://www.divineparenting.org/ She has a huge heart and is always reaching out to communities of people to support the opening and connection to the heart. I met Susan at a Spiritual Retreat with James Twyman. She is pure light and love. Her book is called. Life with Steve: Ascension Through Relationship Check out the audio description of her book here. http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=242

Tambra Harck- Tambra has a radio show called Joy of Love and Life. I met her through the Prosperity Tribe with Kristin and David Morelli. She had the inspired thought to invite Next Top Author contestants to her show over the next month. The fan page for her show is http://www.facebook.com/joyofloveandlife Her book is called Sacred Truths. To listen to her audio http://www.nexttopauthor.com/?aid=2109

Enjoy the wisdom, love, and laughter of the authors and Vote!
My book is Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip. http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49 

Top 250 authors go to Round 2.

Day 77: The Next Top Spiritual Author Contest

March 29, 2010

Day 77: The Next Top Spiritual Author Contest

I am inspired by the authors who have entered this contest. I am inspired by the heart-felt calling of 2500 people who have entered the contest with gratitude, humility and a deep passion to share a message that has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life. To make a difference in many lives.

And more than any other time in my life, I really, really, really, understand the concept of the different energy we each carry and how we are all needed to express ideas and allow this to flow through us.

In the last week, I have watched videos, listened to audios, read the book descriptions and voted for about 20 authors in the contest. Here is one important thing I want to share with you.

We all matter. Our words, energy and inspiration matter. We each carry a uniqueness, even when we say the same words.

I know that I will not connect with every author’s energy and message. When I started to view the videos and listen to the audios, I decided to look at each one with a deeper perspective and to see the unique expression of each author. I thought about how each of us can touch the life of someone. I thought about the people in my life who would connect with the different energies being presented. I closed my eyes and felt the love and energy from the person.

We all have a personal story of why we entered the contest at this time. I will be sharing links to some of the authors in a blog on Tues and Thurs for the next few weeks. I hope you will take the time to listen to some of their book ideas and feel the power of their messages. It may be a message for you or someone else.

Here is a brief story of how I signed up for the contest:

I entered the contest on Feb 4. I had spent a year clearing a house and deciding to move from the East Coast to the West Coast. During the first week of February, I started to throw my hands up to the heavens and beg for an answer. What am I doing here, God? How can I serve? Why did I let go of everything to move across the country?

And on that day, I felt that I just needed to start moving my body. I didn’t know what I was doing here or where I was going. I love California and the land and the people and the creativity that is happening here. I feel at home here.

But, even feeling at home, I need to find a way to earn money and eventually find a place to live. I was feeling very squirmy on that day. I started with demanding some answers and finally I allowed myself to sink into a deeper place of calm and patience within.

After a long walk, I settled into a table at a local Panera with my laptop. I started to work on my book Open to Inspiration. I was feeling curious as to the next steps of getting my book published. I wonder…

Bing!

I heard the sound that announced a new e-mail in my inbox. An e-mailed invitation to enter The Next Top Spiritual Author contest had arrived . As I read about the steps and concept of entering, I knew that this was the foundation and the structure that I needed.

Thank you, God, for such a quick response to my prayer. A light was shining on the next step.

This is where I have been focused for two months.

Round 1- Create a video or audio pitch for your book. An opportunity to really look at the message and present it in less than 3 minutes. (Some of the videos/audios are longer)

I have taken walks on the beach and in the mountains.  I have looked deeper and deeper within to find the core message so that I can reach the people who are waiting for the unique expression of my message.

Tomorrow I will post links to five authors.  I would love if you would vote for me, too. Here is the link:

http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49