Inspiration. Strategies. Support.
“Wild, Beautiful and Free” by Sophfronia Scott
#1 in African American Historical Fiction on Amazon
This stunning work of fiction by award-winning author and Women on Fire member, Sophfronia Scott tells the story of Jeanette, a mixed race, escaped slave as she searches for purpose, love, and her place in the Civil War-era world. An instant BEST SELLER!
Are you looking for a tantalizing, titillating, totally bewitching book to warm your winter nights?
I have a special recommendation this month that will fit the bill.
And you could expect nothing less from one of our most inspired and inspiring Women on Fire.
For the November Book To Live By, I am thrilled to present the new book by our dear friend:
Unforgivable Love by Sophfronia Scott
Unforgivable Love offers a stunning retelling of the 1782 French novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The book was scandalous in its time, yet so irresistibly provocative and universal in its subject matter that in the two centuries since it has seen numerous adaptations in every imaginable format and setting.
Given this rich history, it is remarkable to find such a fresh and alluring twist on the themes and a deeper exploration of the characters. But Sophfronia gives us a portrayal that is utterly original and surprising.
Unforgivable Love is set in 1947 Harlem among the crème de la crème of African American society.
The beautifully written and elegantly plotted tale is told from four viewpoints, each drawn with depth and texture. You may not like all of the characters, but you won’t be able to resist or forget them.
Treachery, revenge and seduction abound. The tension will at times leave you gasping and heartsore. And you will want to luxuriate in the luscious scenery.
Unforgivable Love is brilliant and beguiling, and I am so proud to share Sophfronia’s achievement with all of her Women on Fire sisters. It is available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Here’s to warm winter nights ahead,
What is your dream worth?
Author Sophfronia Scott, one of our Women on Fire sisters, overcame huge obstacles to learn the answer to that question.
She had to move past unthinkable tragedy and even give up her own successful business to become the writer she knew she could be.
Now she has arrived!
Three of Sophfronia’s books are being published: her second novel, Unforgivable Love; a collection of essays; and a book on faith she co-wrote with her 13-year-old son.
In the November interview, Sophfronia shares how she maintained her determination through life’s challenges to meet such lofty goals.
Listen here as she describes how she used the wisdom and support from the Women on Fire community to help keep her dreams on track:
In the rest of the interview, you’ll also learn:
And the After Interview features another Woman on Fire sister, Janina Serden Sebesky, who is planning a special celebration for Sophfronia’s book releases.
To hear the rest of this inspiring interview, join the Women on Fire Monthly Membership today.
You will become part of what New York Times’ best-selling author Marianne Williamson calls “the ultimate ‘you go, girl’ community for inspiration and support.”
You have until November 5 to receive the full interview with Sophfronia, your personalized coaching materials, access to the Women on Fire private Facebook page and much, much more.
We hope you’ll join us!
With love,
Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Today, I want to talk about something that all Women on Fire need to be aware of. And an issue I invite you to consider working to eliminate: racism and hate crimes.
In a Facebook post from our beloved and respected Women on Fire sister Sophfronia Scott, she told us about an unthinkable crime that was perpetrated against her brother, a U.S. Army veteran.
What you will see in this video below is how gracefully Wayne Scott responded to a disgraceful, revolting act of violence.
[VIDEO] https://www.facebook.com/AJStream/videos/929769950399958/?pnref=story
At the time his home was defaced and his safety violated, this kind and gentle man was out of town, taking care of his elderly mother. He served and was injured in Iraq and still copes with chronic physical pain.
I marvel at how he responded. I’m not sure I could muster the courage to be as forgiving as Wayne. Could you?
He certainly inspires as a role model for Dr. King’s great wisdom:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
This video was shared thousands of times on social media, and I personally received many public and private messages.
Some people were surprised these racist activities continue; others expressed fear and hopelessness; and nearly everyone asked what can be done.
Honestly? I don’t know.
But what I do know is that I am not going to remain silent.
And I hope you won’t either.
I stand with Wayne Scott.
And I stand with every single person who has been discriminated against for the color of their skin, their country of origin, their sexual orientation, or their religion.
It is shameful this goes on in the world. Enough already.
Secondly, I hope if this video moved you that you will simply share it with your family and friends by email or social media.
In doing so, you are saying that you too stand with Wayne Scott.
In a recent interview with Paul Costello of Stanford University, former President Jimmy Carter lamented that we have “let down our guard” after a feeling of accomplishment and self‑congratulations from the civil rights movement’s success.
He urged our government and society to “readdress” and correct these discriminatory issues and behavior. He concluded, “we have a long way to go to do away with the last vestiges of racial discrimination.”
And Dr. King left us wise counsel by telling us that the greatest tragedy is not “the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
All the more reason to speak up today.
Thank you for being a force for good and for standing up to make this world better.
Love,
P.S. Please always feel free to share your comments below.
It’s my favorite time of the month. I get to share what a number of you are up to!
But before I do, I want to congratulate all the Women on Fire members participating in member Amy Marzluff’s Get Your Summer On 21-day cleanse.
What a great way to get ready for summer by becoming healthier. I am part of the group and the support of my Women on Fire sisters working toward a similar goal is both comforting and motivating. We’ll let you know how we all do in a future Spark!
I also am wondering …
Are you a Judy Blume fan? Were you captivated as a young girl by Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret or later one of her adult novels Wifey or Summer Sisters?
Women on Fire members will receive my personal interview with this beloved and inspiring author in your July CD membership packet. (If you’re not yet a monthly member, you can register now and you, too, will receive Judy’s refreshing wisdom and inspiration.)
She has been a wonderful supporter of Women on Fire and this week she launches her first movie, based on her book Tiger Eyes, in theaters on June 7.
Well, here we go … in to the world of Women on Fire!
Sophfronia Scott at Harvard
Sophfronia Scott of Sandy Hook, Connecticut celebrated her 25th college reunion at Harvard University this past week. (Doesn’t she look fabulous in that hat?!)
In addition to being highlighted as a published author, she attended the 362nd Harvard graduation ceremony where Oprah gave the commencement address.
I know a number of you tuned in (where we had the thrill of seeing Sophfronia on Live Stream often during Oprah’s talk!). If you missed Oprah’s speech, I highly recommend it and you can see it here.
Sophronia signing copies of her novel All I Need To Get By at the Harvard Coop
Oprah shared many gems with the audience including “there is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”
A view of Tandi Phillips Musuraca’s new style blog ~ File Me Under Fabulous
Tandi Phillips Musuraca of Columbus, Ohio has launched her own style and personal shopper blog called File Me Under Fabulous. Many of you may know Tandi from our 2012 trip to Paris or from last fall’s retreat in Chicago where she effortlessly coordinated our fabulous event.
She is always so stylish, and I encourage you to follow her blog for the latest in styles and trends and you will see her embrace her passion full force!
The beautiful Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts
Isabel cut her college career short when she became pregnant many years ago, but always knew she would return. Her children gave her the inspiration to finish, and now she’s accomplished her dream! Congratulations, Isabel!
Tracy with her business partner Eddie Pauline
Tracy Stuck of Columbus recently celebrated a large-scale project she conceptualized and launched. With her business partner Eddie Pauline, she started the Buckeye Leadership Fellows program at The Ohio State University this past fall, and had the great pleasure of graduating its first set of students.
I love when I see women inspiring and igniting the generations to come. Bravo, Tracy!
Jenn Bassett has recently launched her own marketing consulting business and is making a cross-country move from Oregon to Key West in the next couple of months. Check out Bassett Professional Consulting Services here.
The second children’s book from Karen Philippin Kilpatrick
*This week’s Spark PINspiration*
Pin to Pass on the Love!
[pinit]
Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other!
She’s a Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her. Please say hello to…
Mandy Pratt
Boise, Idaho
Women on Fire Member: #00023
Please tell us about you, your family, your work, where you’re from, what you are “on fire” about.
I feel very blessed to live in beautiful Boise, Idaho near my wonderful family. I am a proud Auntie of three nieces and three nephews who play a very important role in my life.
Eighteen years ago, I met my best friend, Mike Ryan, who has worked with me on the personal development journey, and who has played a key role in my life. This year we launched our Life Coaching School called “Results In Coaching.”
It’s a dream come true for both of us to be doing this business full-time together.
How did you originally discover Women on Fire?
In 2003 I had a sales job with well-known financial expert, and Debbie Phillips was one of my leads. I called Debbie up and developed a friendship with her. How can you not love Debbie? When I left that job, she was the one contact I took with me.
Less than a week later, I became one of her personal coaching clients. Best decision I ever made.
Your favorite part of the day?
When I get to do what I love: coaching and spending time with close friends and family.
The last book you read that you would recommend to other Women on Fire?
I recently read Woman on Fire Jenifer Madson’s book “Living The Promises” and was very touched and inspired. Jenifer knows how to have empathy for someone who is in a dark place, and then knows how to convey the wisdom and strength to inspire someone to move through it.
Wonderful for daily meditation, or when you ever you need a quick shot of sanity and strength.
What is your proudest accomplishment in the past 12 months?
Despite having some health setbacks, I’ve stayed consistently focused and determined to successfully launch our life coaching school. There was a lot of work to do, but I knew the outcome would be worth it. I’m most proud of influencing myself to stay the course!
Name another Woman on Fire who has inspired you, and why?
Sophfronia Scott. After hearing about the heart-breaking tragedy at Sandy Hook, I felt the spiritual strength of Sophfronia. Her words of love, compassion, and healing kept me in a healthier place, especially when she lost someone so close to her. She inspired me to focus on what I could do to help versus dwell on the sadness.
If you had the opportunity to teach a child one strategy that would help to guide her life, what would that be?
SELF-WORTH. Especially for a young girl, I’d teach her to have self-worth of who she is, and to cherish her own personal gifts and talents. For her to know she is worthy of love, romance, and success. For her to have the wisdom and courage to easily walk away from a job, a man, or any scenario that doesn’t respect who she is, and what she has to offer.
What is something that we might be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve always been drawn to the Chinese culture. I studied Mandarin Chinese in college, and was going to travel abroad to Beijing, but took a job with Tony Robbins instead. It was a good choice, and I still plan to go!
Name women who have influenced your life, and what you’ve learned from each.
My mother, LaVina Pratt, has not only been the most fun loving mom a daughter could ask for, she also is the person who first influenced me to really work on myself as a young woman. She had me reading self-help books in 7th grade, and she would quiz me on the information I learned.
For my high school graduation, she bought me a ticket to a Tony Robbins seminar and life was never the same again. I knew that helping people the way I saw Tony do for others was going to be my passion and career for life!
My coach and friend, Debbie Phillips, came into my life during a very difficult time; I was very lost, confused, and full of self-doubt. I remember how comforting her soft, strong voice on the other end of the phone was for me. Debbie helped me to start taking care of myself in a way that I had never done before.
My best girlfriend, Jodi Coochise. Jodi was my college roommate at Gonzaga University. When Jodi was 27 years old she tragically lost the love of her life, her husband Kris, during a rockslide hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Being there for Jodi, and witnessing her strength and grace through such a tragic heartbreak has inspired me to know what we truly are capable of growing through. She is my hero.
Eighteen years ago I was blessed to be in the room with my sister when she gave birth to someone who would change my life forever. My niece Savannah helped me realize how important it is for me to walk my talk because it truly does affect those I care most about.
What is your favorite “pig-out” food?
FRENCH FRIES!! I gave them up for Lent one year, and will not do that again — way too hard. Maybe it’s because I’m an Idaho potato girl!
What is your favorite self-care strategy?
It is going to sound so simple, but my favorite self-care strategy is sleep. I give myself nine hours of sleep each night, and I’ve forgiven my body for needing more sleep than most people I know.
Giving myself the permission to take a nap if I need, going to bed early, or sleeping later has made all the difference in my mood and overall self-esteem. I love my sleep and I protect it!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Breaking up with someone I was still very much in love with, but I knew it was not the right match for me. The only way I was able to overcome it was with the help and strength of my relationship coach and close friends.
I had a TEAM to cheer me on, and shoulders to cry on when I felt sad. There is no way I would have done it alone.
That experience taught me to have even more empathy and compassion for women who are in unhealthy relationships. I admit, before this happened, I didn’t understand why a woman would stay in a relationship that obviously wasn’t what she deserved.
Now that I’ve gone through it myself I understand her conflict and pain. I understand what keeps her stuck, because it kept me stuck too. Now if I come across a woman who is clearly struggling in an unhealthy relationship, I offer her compassion, patience, and love.
Judging her, shaming her, and pressuring her only keeps her stuck. This is a message I am personally very passionate about sharing with other women.
Are you a dog or cat person?
Growing up we always had dogs. I am a huge puppy person, because I love their playfulness and unconditional love. Three years ago that changed because I picked up the most beautiful kitty I’ve ever seen. I was at the Humane Society, and there she was — Beebop.
I immediately laughed, and thought to myself, “If I said the word Beebop everyday it would be impossible to not be happy.” It took six months to build trust with Beebop; at first she slept under my bed and only came out when she was hungry.
Today she is my coaching pal. She is snuggled by my feet right now as a type. There is definitely something to be said about the bond with cats, because unlike dogs you have to earn it.
What is the most powerful strategy you learned from working with Tony Robbins?
There is a saying in Tony’s leadership academy — “Physiology First!” And that is something radically different about Tony’s events. He has a very intense focus on moving your body, clapping, dancing, jumping, and even massaging! Motion = Emotion.
Whenever I receive a coaching questionnaire from a client who feels depressed, I support them in making sure they increase their exercise and how much they move on a daily basis.
I truly believe people are happier, not only if they exercise more, but by simply changing their lifestyle to include MOVING on a consistent basis.
When you reflect on your life so far, what is the first word or two that comes to your mind?
Magically blessed. I definitely know we are not alone. I’ve been wonderfully guided to meet the most perfect person, or read the words I needed, or hear the song that spoke to me at the right moment.
I am very grateful, and thank you for reading this interview. I hope to meet each and every one of you soon! Let’s go out and change the world one Woman On Fire at a time!
More about Mandy Pratt, known as “The Coaches’ Coach”
Mandy has been coaching clients of all ages and backgrounds, personally and professionally, for more than ten years.
She coaches both men and women on everything from starting and growing their own business, achieving their financial goals, overcoming limiting beliefs, reaching their fitness goals and building supportive and passionate relationships.
She received much of her professional training by working directly with numerous high-profile and pioneering trainers in the motivational and self-development industries. Mandy defines coaching as helping people get the results they want, which they were unable to accomplish on their own.
Today Mandy is focusing on training others to become successful life coaches through her school called “Results In Coaching.”
Visit her site at ResultsInCoaching.com
~ Compiled by Women on Fire Senior Writer Becky Adams
Nearly two decades ago, my brilliant friend and (of course!) a Woman on Fire Patricia Wynn Brown suggested a book she was sure I would love.
Reading it changed my life. And I think it could change yours, too.
The book was my first taste of Anne Lamott’s funny and perceptive writing, and the beginning of my love affair with her words and wisdom. And, here’s the passage in her book that blew my mind and rewired my thinking:
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was 10 years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day.
“We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead.
“Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.'”
And, that’s how Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life came to crack open my fear and resistence to take on the “big stuff.”
Before that, I would see BIG dreams and desires looming in front of me without the direction of how to fly from Point A to Point Z. How could I get to what I really, truly wanted in my life?
And there it was, tucked into Anne Lamott’s book, the secret. “Bird by bird” — one small, doable step after another.
All these years later, rarely a week goes by that I don’t remind myself of a daunting task toward my big dreams, by saying out loud or silently mouthing “bird by bird.” I always know I can do it, if I take it “bird by bird.” 🙂
I’d love to hear if that resonates for you? Or, a simple strategy for how you approach an enormous dream or huge project?
I was reminded again last week of how important it is to have strategies like this for our big dreams when the co-authors of the next Women on Fire book were announced. (If you missed it, you can read who was selected here. And if you know any of them, please feel to reach out and cheer her on!)
Each one of our co-authors is about to tackle something big: she will reveal a personal life story and struggle and what she did to reach success, overcome an issue or accommodate her challenge into her life.
It’s one thing to tell your life story and personal struggles to a friend, it’s another to share it publicly in a book. Our co-authors are courageous women! Revealing can be so frightening even though the rewards are tremendous.
Every single one of our co-authors is up for the challenge. She knows in sharing she will lighten the load for another women or give comfort and direction to someone facing a similar struggle.
With Sophfronia Scott, our publisher, Kacy Cook, our editor and me, there are 24 of us in this big dream.
Together, we will fly — and we’ll take it “bird by bird.”
Photos by Rob Berkley in Naples, FL
Have a spectacular week. And, I’ll see you mid-week for a special new feature we are launching to share more of who the women in this community are!
Sophfronia Scott and I were thrilled a couple of months ago to reveal plans for Women on Fire Book 2!
And, today, Sophfronia, our publisher, and Kacy Cook, our editor, and I are ecstatic to announce the names of the co-authors who have been selected to write our second book.
Our first book — Women on Fire: 20 Inspiring Women Share Their Life Secrets (and Save You Years of Struggle!) won the 2010 Indie Excellence Award for best compilation book in the country! And, I am tremendously grateful to the wonderful co-authors of that book for helping to make it such a success.
And, there’s no doubt in my mind that our next book will be equally engaging and powerful and provide you the inspiring stories you’ve come to love and learn from.
Before I reveal the co-authors who have been chosen, I want to thank … YOU!
We were overwhelmed by your interest and response. Many of you submitted proposals to be part of the book, passed along our invitation to friends and family, expressed interest to participate in future books, and cheered us on by telling us how eager you are for another WOF book!
Thank you so much.
In fact, there were so many worthy co-authors under consideration that WOF Book 3 is no longer just a gleam in our eyes. 🙂
We appreciate you coming along on this next book adventure with us — and I look forward to the day you will hold our newest offering in your hands and celebrate with us!
Please join me in congratulating our newest co-authors:
Jan Allen, Columbus, OH
Lisa Arundale, Boca Grande, FL
Marilyn Brown, Columbus, OH
Kim Davis, Fort Washington, MD
Nicole Friedler Brisson, Edgartown, MA
Sarah Elizabeth Greer, New York, NY
Leah Hamilton, Chicago, IL
Laurel Hodory, Columbus, OH
Beth Kloesener, Saginaw, MI
Susan Kruger, Lake Orion, MI
Jenifer Madson, Erie, CO
Linda Neff, Shorewood, WI
Mary Kay Purdy, Columbus, OH
Kay Raypholtz, Pioneer, OH
Carrie Saba, Westerville, OH
Tricia Simpson, Dublin, OH
Marge Snyder, Greenville, SC
Maria Verroye, Driftwood, TX
Heike Vogel, New York, NY
Mary Carran Webster, Chagrin Falls, OH
Michelle Whittaker, Arlington, VA
We look forward to sharing highlights as the book evolves. Thank you again for your awesome support and enthusiasm!
There are no words.
Hanukkah candles lit in memory of all who perished. (Photo by Jill Dulitsky)
And so we need say nothing.
Yet, the horrific tragedy last week calls for us to want to say something … do something … to take the edge off this wrenching grief and disbelief.
Particularly for us.
Because the hand of fate directly touched one of our own beloved members of this circle.
Sophfronia Scott of Newtown, Connecticut sent Tain, her darling third-grade son, to Sandy Hook Elementary School on sunny Friday morning.
Then she went to work — with me on Women on Fire Book 2 where she is the publisher and to take her husband’s car for repair. While at the garage, she noticed police cars streaming by. Then she saw on TV there was a shooting at Tain’s school.
With few details, Sophfronia’s first response was to ask for prayers. And, then the long, what felt interminable, wait to hear if Tain was safe.
If you have been fortunate enough to meet Sophfronia you know what a kind, gentle, honoring soul she is. Devoted to her husband, her son, her family, her church, her town, her work as a writer and publisher, and her role in our community, she is truly one of the most loving, caring and supportive women I know.
In waiting for news about her only child, Sophfronia was comforted when Tain’s godmother Fran, searching for her own two sons, spotted him with his class.
By 11AM Sophfronia learned Tain had been reunited with her husband Darryl in an evacuation area.
“Relief, just sheer relief,” she emailed.
If only the relief for her could have lasted.
Fran’s younger son, Ben — Tain’s god-brother — was unaccounted for. And so began the long night of hoping for the best and knowing the worst.
What unfolded Friday in Newtown, Connecticut is the 9/11 for parents of school-age children. And across the country, and indeed the world, we sat frozen, numb and teary in horror — once again.
As with 9/11, we are devastated, heart-broken, angry and outraged. And, we are called to something deeper, something more profound to correct this terrifying wrong.
Libby Bradford, my cherished, late mother-in-law, a Hospice pioneer and grief expert, used to remind me what remains in life is this: love and caring.
And, so it is with our precious Sophfronia. She was supposed to babysit Ben on Friday night and instead she did what Sophfronia would do. She stood with Ben’s family and others in love and support during unspeakable grief.
And, so it is with Robbie Parker, whose 6-year-old Emilie died in the tragedy, when he offered a most extraordinary gesture of love and caring.
He extended his condolences to the family of the killer:
“I can’t imagine how hard this experience must be for you, and I want you to know that our family and our love and our support goes out to you as well.”
Today Sophfronia did what she always does on Sunday. She taught Sunday school at her church, and I guarantee her students walked away with the comfort that they are loved and cared about.
If you are like me, you want to be able to do something to make things better. We can.
Who right now needs love? Who needs your shoulder? A pot of soup? A few extra dollars? Who is having a tough time that you can give help and comfort to?
In the days, weeks, months and years ahead, we will keep the vigil to love and care for those in Newtown, Connecticut, and we’ll offer ways we can do that as a community.
For now, please keep Sophfronia, her loved ones and community surrounded in your love and caring and prayers. She is a deeply spiritual person and she will feel it!
And, I wish for you a gentle holiday season. One that finds you at peace with your family and loved ones.
I’d like to close by sharing this beautiful passage that Women on Fire member Jill Dulitsky of Vernon, Connecticut and a mom of two young children sent today. It was sung at her Synagogue in memory of the Sandy Hook victims.
Not By Might
Not by might and not by power,
but by spirit alone shall we all live in peace.
The children sing. The children dream.
And their tears may fall, but we’ll hear them call
and another song will rise, another song will rise,
another song will rise. (Zechariah 4:6)
I wish you peace. I wish you comfort.
