I have always believed the Levels of Ascension series would impact people beyond an entertaining fictional read. Only a couple of months since the launch of my first book, it’s incredible to know Outside Ascension is doing just that. Outside Ascension has now helped professors think outside the box, inspired the Cal State Northridge Wrestling team to achieve higher, and will be continued as a textbook alternative in Brightwood College.

Amanda’s trials and tribulations are a serious test of determination and willpower throughout the Levels of Ascension series. Little did I know, those trials and tribulations would prove to be an excellent case study for professors in the Los Angeles College District to think about a different way to instruct courses. Specifically, Outside Ascension was used as a training tool to encourage professors to break free from some of the classic textbooks they have been using to teach psychology and critical thinking. It is incredibly exciting to know professors in the largest college district in the U.S. are not only exposed to but excited about using Outside Ascension in their courses.

Active learning approaches are 1.5 times more likely for students to succeed in the classroom versus traditional lectures. A study done by Doctors Benjamin Todd Eller, Ph.D. & Elizabeth Thrower used Outside Ascension as a unique active learning approach to increase critical thinking skills in students. When confronted with an issue, the class was not asked, “how would you handle this?” but rather, “how would Amanda handle this?” By giving the students an opportunity to think of another perspective, the class was able to approach difficult situations through another lens, helping build their emotional intelligence, and more specifically, their empathy. After this process was complete, it was found students preferred this method of learning over textbook-style reading nearly 2 to 1.

It has also been fun to know the book has been inspiring the Cal State Northridge Wrestling program. They have been using “Are you ready?” as their motto this season, bringing home two gold medals and one silver on the mat. We love sponsoring their team since athletics embody the spirit of Levels of Ascension by encouraging people to stand in the face of their challenges and keep pushing forward to finally achieving their goals.

As a result of the entertainment, inspiration, and critical thinking qualities which have been found in the book, Best Practices Book Awards has selected and awarded Outside Ascension as the Fictional Book of the Year. It is encouraging to me as a writer to know people can get more out of the Levels of Ascension series than just an exciting read. I am looking forward to hearing more about how others have been impacted by my books as well as any other fictional novels.