By Cynthia Whitty

Ashland author Julie Nardone is a three-time winner. Nardone has recently won three awards for her book, Feel More Alive! 30 Brilliant Ways To Reignite Your Inner Spark: 2021 Finalist for Best Cover Design Non-Fiction and Best Interior Design -- International Book Awards; 2021 Distinguished Favorite for Inspiration -- NYC Big Book Award; and 2020 SOUL Awards Finalist for the Best Upskilling Book -- Soul & Spirit Magazine.

“Authors have a myriad of opportunities to enter their books—traditional, indie, or self-published—into award contests,” Nardone said. “With over two million books published in 2020 alone, being selected as a contest winner or finalist significantly increases an author’s visibility and credibility. It also increases the odds of obtaining future movie or book deals. Plus, it’s just plain fun to be recognized by friends and family for the hard work and commitment that goes into writing a book.”

Feel More Alive! is a best-selling book at Ashland Reiki & Wellness Center on 54 Front St. The gift shop offers Reiki sessions and training, crystal classes, meditation, and spiritual mentoring. 

Ashland Reiki owner Hannah Stein sells a variety of books on topics such as meditation, crystals, spirituality, health, and self-development, as well as gift books. Stein said Nardone’s book has sold the most copies of any book she has had in the store. “I have been successful in selling Julie’s book for several reasons. First, I promote many local artists and writers and my clientele appreciate supporting local women. As well, Julie’s artwork is captivating so when people are drawn to the book I typically mention that the author is an Ashland resident, writer, and artist, and that many people have bought the book and love it!”

Feel More Alive! was released in October 2020. “In this part memoir, part art gallery, and part feel better guide, I share my method for filling oneself up with hope by taking small, doable action steps,” Nardone said. “Once you learn how to fill yourself up with hope, you can do just about anything! People who wake up in the metaphorical morning, usually around midlife, and wonder, ‘Is this all there is?’ A modern day take on Henry Thoreau’s famous quote from Walden (1854), ‘How can I live the life I’ve imagined?’ It startled me to learn that 166 years rattled on by and people were still struggling with the same issues.”

In the meantime, Nardone has created a way for other writers to win an award. She created a writing contest where readers pick their favorite chapter in her book and write a short, inspirational personal essay on that topic or something related. For more information on Nardone’s contest, visit giuliettanardone.com/fma-writing-contest.