Local author Nancy Illman is excited to sell and promote her memoir on Saturday, July 13, outside Orangetheory Fitness in downtown Silver Spring.
The Takoma Park woman shares her experience of abuse and isolation in “Instigator of Joy: Becoming My Own Fairy Godmother.” Illman hopes her book can help readers find their authentic selves.
“I really want people to recognize themselves in my struggle and be inspired that they can find a way out of whatever they feel stuck in,” Illman said.
Illman wears many hats in her day-to-day life. Aside from writing, Illman is also a holistic healer and muralist. Locals may recognize some of her art around the area, or may even have a mural of her’s at home. Whatever she’s working on, Illman’s goal is to instigate joy – a passion she believes is truly fulfilling.
Orangetheory Fitness at 8455 Fenton St. invited Illman to table outside the gym. Illman described her gym as a community where instructors and members are encouraged to get to know each other. Some of the employees came to her book launch and wanted to further support her, she said.
At her table, Illman will be selling her book at discounted prices on Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. People will have the opportunity to spin a wheel and purchase her memoir according to the discount the wheel lands on.
The 5-foot-11-inch self-proclaimed fairy godmother said she worked hard on her memoir because she sees the value in sharing her truth. Illman said people go to Orangetheory to be their best selves, and she hopes people can find another way to be their best selves with her book.
“Nothing is more gratifying for me than having the kind of connection with a person that inspires them to live their best life,” Illman said. “That is so exciting to me to be that agent of change in somebody else’s life.”