NON-FICTION

When I accepted the position of executive director of my first nonprofit 35 years ago, I was frustrated at the lack of useable material for a single-staff nonprofit like mine. This started my quest to develop easy-to-use management tools for nonprofits of all types and sizes. I wanted everything to be practical, not academic tomes or theory. The books fit into three categories: nonprofit management, training materials and self-help.READ MORE

Ten Keys to Effective Leadership

When you break the proverbial glass ceiling, often there are few women there with you in leadership positions. This is particularly true in many religious institutions and some specialized professions, like engineering. Fortunately, the situation has improved a lot in the past twenty years.

However, as the recent #MeTooMovement has shown, far too many women have been trapped into moving upward by lying on their backs. Or they feel they cannot move into leadership roles without squelching their spiritual side or violating the religious tenets of their faith.

Leadership for women of faith must incorporate an understanding of Biblical feminism, spiritual authority, spiritual gifts and so much more. Formatted as a study-group book, the topic is relevant to men and women wanting to understand women’s roles in leadership.

“I love the material. I love the usefulness of it. Marilyn gives so many tools and step-by-step instructions that can easily be used right away.”
Pam Bechtel, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County

“These are among the best books I’ve seen for practitioners in the field of managing not-for-profit organizations. The material is easy to understand, user friendly, practical and creative. A MUST read for all executives.”
H. Lovell Mosely, United Way Worldwide, Alexandria, VA

“…the most useful tools I have seen in my 33 years in nonprofit work.”
Margo Friend, Adolescent Initiative, Region III, Charleston, WV

Two Faces of Me

Emotionally damaged by childhood bullying and verbal abuse, the author takes the reader on a rocky journey from deep-seated feelings of ugliness and inadequacies to a positive self image. Struggling to find herself after an attempted suicide, she lives her life like an actress, pretending to be what she does not feel. Focused on a lifestyle of over achievement and trying to please others, it is only when she begins to comprehend her worth in God’s eyes that she is able to see herself as unique, valuable, gifted and beautiful.

“…Like a conversation between friends…honest, intelligent and sometimes heart-breaking.”
Trina Bartlett, MSW, LGSW

“Great transparency…easy to identify with…unique use of creativity to enhance message…provides answers.”
Diane Hawkins, MA, President, Restoration in Christ Ministries

Sophie Longhoofer’s 12 Rules for Seniors

No one tells you what it is like to grow old. In this hilarious look at aging, Sophie Longhoofer (aka Marilyn Donnellan) provides first-hand knowledge of the aging process. You will never look at aging the same way after reading her words of wisdom. For example: Rule #1: Remember aging is a lot like having sex the first time.” Sophie’s hilarious book on aging will cause you to laugh out loud. It is the perfect gift for a retiree or someone reaching a milestone birthday. The large print makes it easy for just about anyone to read.