Books
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Want to buy the book locally? Shop at these local stores:

  • Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
  • Lebanon Valley College Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Annville, PA
  • Hershey Pharmacy & Gift Shop, Hershey, PA
  • Barnes & Noble, Camp Hill, PA

Interested in a signed copy? Reach out to me at hillary@hillarymarotta.com.

“I was recently at Hershey Pharmacy checking out when I looked up and saw your name. I said, “Hey, I know her!” I picked up your book and it was a lovely read from start to finish.” – Pat Peffley

“Thank you, Hillary! for taking the time, energy, and soul searching to write “Playing My Heart Out”! Yep, couldn’t put it down.” – Karen Rolland, Ringer and Conductor

Playing My Heart Out: One Ringer’s Passion for Handbells

Now Available on Audio. Listen on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.

“A gift to our handbell community, the musical world at large, and to anyone who wants a peek behind the curtain at what drives passionate musicianship. Just wow!” – Brian Childers, Director of Handbells, Children and Youth Music, Myers Park UMC, author of Ringing Deeply, Devotions for Bell Ringers

Part-memoir and part-love letter, Playing My Heart Out is a lighthearted, intimate look at the world of handbells and the ringers who geek out over them. From the first meet-cute story of the unlikely way the author discovered this unique art to the satisfying to-be-continued conclusion, Hillary Marotta shares funny and heart-tugging stories of the adventures and emotions handbells have led her through, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. But this is not just a book for handbell aficionados. This is for anyone who has ever yearned to engage but has been put off by fear, lack of time, or disconnection from the soul-singing feeling pursuing a passion brings. Marotta offers her vision of the full and joyful heart we experience when we’re engaged in our passions, whatever they may be. Her invitation is simple, inspiring, and clear: Find the thing you love, make time for it in your life, and watch your joy multiply.

“I was truly inspired by this encouraging story about a woman’s journey to discover and pursue her heart’s delight. Marotta’s love for the subject shines in her writing; she deftly weaves memoir and history together in an engaging and funny storytelling style while she leads her readers to find that which will make our own hearts sing. What an enjoyable read!” – Meredith Bricker

For an additional exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Rooke Chapel Ringers, check out this conversation between Dr. William Payn, former Rooke Chapel Ringers, and Derek Nance of the Handbell Musicians of America.
get the Book

Want to buy the book locally? Shop at these local stores:

  • Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
  • Lebanon Valley College Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Annville, PA

Interested in a signed copy? Reach out to me at hillary@hillarymarotta.com.

Head and Heart: How to Run a Smart and Compassionate Nonprofit

“This is an easy-to-read, quick guide to all of the essential elements of starting a non-profit. It’s personal, real-life, and filled with practical advice for anyone with a heart for making a difference. I’ve already suggested this as a must-read to friends serving on nonprofit boards and those just beginning a career in the nonprofit sector. A real gem of a book and an inspiration to follow your own passion.” – Patti Donnelly, Retired Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you want to make a bigger impact in the world by taking that passion and starting your own nonprofit organization? You can do it and you can do it well! The key is to take that soul and idealism and combine it with the realism and strategy of the for-profit sector. As a 20-year nonprofit professional, I wrote Head and Heart: How to Run a Smart and Compassionate Nonprofit to walk new nonprofit leaders through the steps of establishing a nonprofit organization by marrying the ideas of big, giving hearts with successful business practices. In Head and Heart, I show you how to:

  • Determine if a nonprofit is right for you and your cause
  • work step-by-step to establish a legal, legitimate organization based on your passion to help others
  • begin fundraising, hiring the right people, and developing your mission, goals, and business strategy
  • create a strong, effective board
  • handle issues ranging from communication to effectiveness and efficiency, growth, succession, and everything in between
  • avoid the most common pitfalls and missteps
  • and much more!

My background of service helps me provide a unique perspective from which I share advice, personal stories, and real-world examples in order to help new nonprofits avoid common mistakes. I aim to spare you some of the fear and overwhelm of beginning an exciting new journey. If you have the desire to expand your service to others, to formalize a passion, or to turn a simple service idea into a business, it’s possible! In fact, with a bit of organization and commitment, it’s very doable. If you’re ready to take the next step, to make a more profound difference for your cause, Head and Heart: How to Run a Smart and Compassionate Nonprofit will get you there. Come check it out!

“Head and Heart should be on the desk of every nonprofit founder and in the syllabi of introduction to business courses at colleges across the country. It is a must-read for nonprofit executive directors, board members, staff and volunteers. This book is a blueprint for how to start a nonprofit and how to keep one running smoothly. If you are thinking of starting your own nonprofit, or are struggling to keep one mission-focused and fiscally viable, Head to Heart is your guide.” – Jennifer Woolever
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Understanding Your Anxiety for Elementary Children

Understanding Your Anxiety for Elementary Children is a free resource for elementary school teachers and classrooms as well as parents and caregivers. Written by board members of the American Mental Wellness Association as a story, it helps children understand what anxiety is, where it comes from, and how to manage it with healthy coping skills. It is meant to be a starting point for a discussion on anxiety and brain health and is accompanied by a classroom program provided by the American Mental Wellness Association.

Did you know, I speak to groups about various mental health topics as well as provide training as a Mental Health First Aid Trainer? Learn more here.

Mental Health Resources: