Longtime Wilmington resident, and a former resident, have collaborated as authors and recently released a personal development book about how to live a life of purpose through 7 key principles. The co-authors of The Mirror Book: 7 Steps to REFLECT The Life You Want™, Tim Howard and Maria Spears, each have backgrounds in professional and personal development coaching, entrepreneurship and podcast hosting.

"I’m hoping that readers will be inspired to examine where they are and decide to pursue the dreams they have,” said Howard when asked about what he hopes readers will glean from the book. “[I want readers to] use their talents and giftings to change their lives and the lives of all those they encounter and serve.

While writing the book, Howard juggled production of his podcast called REFLECT The Life You Want™, his full-time real estate business at Tidal Realty Partners, coaching, and mission trips.

Co-authoring a book was both an investment in significant time not only for the writing aspect, according to Howard, but also developing a deeper friendship in collaboration with co-author Maria Spears.

"I’ve had to make it a priority to devote time and energy to writing, editing, and collaborating with my co-author, Maria Spears,” Howard said. “Publishing this book and sharing the ideas contained within has been a dream for several years and it’s exciting to see what it brings forth.”

Co-author Maria Spears also had a balancing act to play during the development of the book as an entrepreneur, musician, speaker and business owner who strives to alleviate burnout in high-achieving women through her coaching business and podcast called Girl, Water Your Grass.

"My writing process taught me that I don't love writing books,” Maria Spears said laughing, when asked about the writing process. “But in all seriousness, the writing process was challenging. Sometimes words and stories would just flow, while other times it felt like running a marathon uphill. To finally be in the launch stage feels absolutely amazing and like all that blood sweat and tears, that labor of love was all totally worth it. Which I really believe, if this book helps even just one person, all the struggle and challenges throughout this project were worth it!

As to what she hopes readers get from the book, she says, "I’m hoping that readers will be inspired to examine where they are, decide to pursue the dreams they have and use their talents and giftings to change their lives and the lives of all those they encounter and serve". 

The Mirror Book walks through personal stories, practical exercises, neuroscience, and strategies for mind management. Ultimately, it's about finding the person you want to be in the mirror and reaching your full potential through practical applications. Whether readers are struggling with self-doubt, feeling stuck in a rut, or simply looking for ways to grow and improve, The Mirror Book offers an insightful and actionable path forward, but it’s with the personal stories that truly challenged Spears during the writing process, according to the co-author.

"Gosh, it felt so vulnerable sharing so many personal stories,” Spears said. “But I really believe these personal stories are what people will relate to. My hope and prayer is when people read these stories and hear the lessons learned, that they will be able to relate and see themselves in them and really that they walk away with hope and the belief that they can create a beautiful life of design rather than default."

The website for the book was designed and built by Wide Open Tech, and the co-authors are collaborating with our team for their SEO strategy. Some of the SEO goals the co-authors have is to show up in search results for certain terms related to the book, as well as drive as much traffic to the website as possible.

For those interested in purchasing a copy of the book, you can do so by visiting the website at https://themirrorbook.com.