Sandy Speaks…

Every once in a while, Opportunity knocks and you know that, not only do you need to open the door wide, you need to grab her, give her a welcoming hug, invite her to dinner and use your best china!

I was sitting at my desk in March of 2010 and, at the exact moment that I thought to myself,  ”I must get my book written NOW”, I received an email from a friend that invited Authors and Aspiring Authors to take part in “The Next Top Spiritual Author” competition.  Wow…another serendipitous moment that sent chill bumps all over my body!

Ever since I created “Gratitude Boot Camp” in the summer of 2009 and started sharing it as a coaching program, I’ve been led to put it into a book.  My dream is that millions benefit from learning how to make gratitude a daily habit.  During the first Gratitude Boot Camp session I watched, in awe, as people’s lives were transformed…personally and professionally.  After speaking at a Law of Attraction Meetup, I was approached by a woman who told me that I had given her the strength to continue after losing her son 8 months before.  My story had inspired her to be grateful for the time she had him.  It also gave her the tools to focus on her current blessings.  That’s when I decided to include some of my personal story in my book, along with the steps needed to create a life filled with happiness, love, peace, success, and abundance.

The Next Top Author Competition started on March 29th with 2800 Authors.  It is comprised of four rounds where Authors will share their books with a panel of publishing experts and with the public.  In the final round, the Grand Prize Winner will receive a publishing contract with Hampton Roads Publishing.  I am excited to present my upcoming book, Gratitude Habit, as an entry.

Welcome Home, Opportunity!  I’ve been waiting for you my entire life!!!

See below for updates throughout the competition…

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UPDATES:

9/9 ~ The final four Authors were announced today and I am not one of them.  After the announcement,  I felt sad to not be a part of the competition any longer, proud to make it to the top 1% of the participants, happy for the finalists, grateful for the connections I made because of this opportunity, and appreciative of the amazing support that I received from so many.  This competition motivated be to finally start writing my book so I am very thankful for that.  And, I’m excited about the future… a Publisher wants to talk with me about Gratitude Habit and about my children’s book.

7/6 ~ During a conference call today, they announced the 25 Authors who are advancing to Round 3 of the competition.  When my name was called, I started crying and fell to my knees in a prayer of gratitude!  I am still pinching myself!!  I am honored, grateful, happy, and excited as I move forward in this competition!

5/26 ~ In order to receive votes in Round 2, each Author must submit a book proposal (which can include a sample Chapter).  I uploaded the proposal and Chapter 1 today and invite you to check it out at http://sn.im/TopAuthor.  While you’re there, be sure to vote and get your friends and families to vote also!  It kinda feels like I’m competing in the “American Idol” for Authors!!!

5/6 ~ The 271 Authors who are advancing into Round 2 were announced in the Next Top Author competition!  I was one of them!!  I am excited and honored to be moving forward!  This journey would not be possible without the support of my friends, family, and Gratitude Boot Camp community and I  am so Grateful.  There will be another round of voting, so…stay tuned!!!

4/8 ~ The ‘top 150 Authors’ in week 1 of Round 1 were listed on The Next Top Author website.  My name was on the list!!  I am so very grateful to everyone who has voted for me and who is continuing to rally around me and my book, Gratitude Habit, by having their friends/family vote also!  Thank You!!!  I will continue to place updates on this page.  Again, you can vote at http://www.sn.im/TopAuthor.

3/28 ~ I opened an email that announced a competition for Authors, where voting started the very next day!  I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. putting together a bio and audio pitch of my upcoming book, Gratitude Habit, because I didn’t want to miss out on any voting days!!!