Hi! I’m Nancy Flinchbaugh, a Christian contemplative, seeking to write books for change, for peace, for justice and the Earth, close to the heart of God. I consider my writing as a spiritual practice. Every morning, I meditate for 20 minutes. After meditating, I journal and then I write. My books contain elements of contemplative practice. My fictional characters engage in meditation, labyrinth walking, silent retreats and contemplating nature. My nonfiction books include my experiences with contemplative practice and instructions for others seeking to engage in contemplative practice.
Revelation in the Cave (Spiritual Seedlings, 2012) I finished this book while in training with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation on Leading Contemplative Small Groups and Retreats. This book features the Magnificent and Marvelous Book Club (the MAMS), as they retrace the journeys of St. Paul on a Mediterranean cruise and engage in a dig in Turkey at the archaeological site of Ephesus. The book speaks for peace and concludes on Patmos at a conference of mystics.
Revelation in the Labyrinth (eLectio Publishing, 2017) The ancient walking meditation design of the labyrinth provides a guiding motif for this novel. It features “The Living Vine Labyrinth,” created at my church while I was in the Shalem program. The MAMs read about climate change and act on a call to create an organic farm for women in recovery and re-entry. The ecospiritual visionary thoughts of Fr. Thomas Berry are highlighted. Thomaseena moves from prison into the MAMs program, finding a healing path. It’s a message of healing and hope for individuals and the Earth.
Revelation in the Roots: Emerald Isle (All Things That Matter Press, 2022) In this novel, the MAMs take up reading about genealogy. After some of them discover their combined Irish/African DNA, they journey to the lands of origins, beginning with Ireland. As they explore the Emerald Isle, they engage in silent retreats, labyrinths, and listening circles. St. Brigid, Grand Ma Ma and a leprechaun conspire to create a lively exploration of roots, and political differences. A message of hope, love and bridging the things that divide us.
Revelation on the Sea Island has been accepted for publication with All Things That Matter Press, and I’m currently writing Revelation in West Africa. In these sequels to Revelation in the Roots, the MAMs continue to explore the lands of their DNA.
Letters from the Earth (Higher Ground Books and Media, 2018) Inspired to write letters to myself from the Earth by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone in their book Active Hope, I discovered wonderful messages of hope and guidance as I grappled with climate change and other life events. This memoir includes 24 letters I received during a year in my life, with my introductions and responses. I believe these are messages from God that I received while journaling after meditation. The practice of Lectio Divina is featured in this book, as well as a contemplative retreat.
Awakening: A Contemplative Primer on Learning to Sit (Higher Ground Books and Media, 2020) I started this book when planning a weekend retreat to introduce contemplative practices to my friend’s church. The book provides a primer on a variety of contemplative practices, including a summary of each practice, my personal experiences of the practice, a letter from the Earth on each practice, as well as suggestions for individual and group practice.
Mariah of the Wind (All Things That Matter Press, 2023) As my contemplative practice leads me into love, I feel a growing connection with all of God’s creation. In this environmental love story, I write about Mariah, a young woman with indigenous roots who is enamored with the Earth. She meets a grieving wind scientist who is harassed by a troll from the fossil fuel industry. Mariah meditates, takes walks in nature and seeks healing for our Earth.
Find out more about my writing at nancyflinchbaugh.com. Follow me on Facebook at Nancy Flinchbaugh Author and on YouTube@nancyflinchbaugh for a variety of videos and interviews exploring themes in my writing. My books are available on Amazon (Paperback/Kindle/Audible), Barnes and Noble, and from the publishers. Signed copies also available by emailing Nancy.Flinchbaugh@gmail.com.