The annual awards received about 2,000 entrants for consideration for various genre categories.
While this is Flinchbaugh’s fourth book, her second nonfiction title along with two novels and the first she’s entered into a competition and was pleasantly surprised to be included in this company.
“It made me feel so good,” she said. “This competition prides itself on including small and independent publishers along with the large publishers.”
“Awakenings” was published by Higher Ground Books & Media, a small publisher based in Missouri.
Flinchbaugh, a contemplative Christian, set out to explore how meditation has brought her to a new place in her relationship with God.
“This book I wrote from the heart. It’s been forming in me for nine years. Meditation has helped me being a contemplative evangelist,” she said.
Flinchbaugh begins her days with 20 minutes of meditation and journals about anything she’s concerned about, be it work, church or private life-related and by being in that space finds her answers during that time.
“If you read the scriptures, it’s clear that God is not wind or fire, but a small voice,” she said. “Silence is about sitting in the presence of God as He speaks to you. I trust God in the silence.”
Flinchbaugh said her book can be a tool for coping during these challenging times. “Awakenings” has a different theme for each month and talks about the physiological benefits of meditation, mindful eating and other tools. The book has earned all five-star ratings from users on Amazon’s feedback section.
She said her books have a purpose, but also teaches contemplative workshops and at retreats. Flinchbaugh is also active in the Springfield community, leading events like the annual CultureFest and the Global Education and Peace Network, which does a monthly speaker series to share more about various cultures, religions and ethnic groups to promote better understanding.
Being recognized alongside other talented authors has only given her confidence a boost.
Having downtime during the lockdown due to the pandemic has allowed Flinchbaugh more time to write. She finished the third novel in a fiction series about several friends, titled “Revelation in the Roots: Emerald Isle” that will come out in December or January 2021.
She has another, “Awaken to the Earth” about a young woman connected to the Earth on the way, and wants to write another nonfiction contemplative book. The Earth is another area Flinchbaugh is passionate about.
“It’s important for us to connect to the Earth. We’re all a part of it and it’s a connection to God,” she said.
Find out more about Flinchbaugh at her Facebook page.
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