Amanda Lytle, who grew up in Haliburton County, is set to have her work published in the upcoming book She Moves Mountains. /Submitted photo

Haliburton resident proud to be featured in She Moves Mountains

By Mike Baker

Haliburton native Amanda Lytle is set to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a published author.

The 33-year-old teacher and podcaster, who currently lives in British Columbia, was offered the opportunity to write a chapter in a soon-to-be-released book titled She Moves Mountains. The book went on presale on May 10 and will feature real-life testimonials from women sharing stories over their triumphs, trials and tribulations in their home and work life.

Since launching The Safe Haven podcast two years ago, Lytle has opened all sorts of doors for herself in both her personal and professional life.

“I’ve just had the most incredible journey since launching my podcast … The idea behind it, initially, was to interview women and talk about the trials and triumphs of their lives – very much in line with what She Moves Mountains is going to be. It just became a phenomenal outlet for women, and later minorities and people from diverse backgrounds,” Lytle said. “It’s been a real labour of love. It’s not been easy, but it’s so worthwhile.”

It was through her podcast that Lytle became connected with Sarah Swain, founder of Great Canadian Women Publishing House.

After listening to a few of Lytle’s shows, Swain reached out to see if she would be interested in participating in a book series. Back then, the planned title of the first book was Women in Business.

“I was pretty apprehensive at first. When Sarah told me her idea for the book, all of my limiting beliefs kind of set in – maybe I don’t have what it takes, I’m not really a woman in business – but she was so encouraging. She told me that she loved my podcast, and that she thought I would bring a great perspective to the book, so I agreed, as nervous as I was,” Lytle said. “Then it was decided later that the title would be changed to She Moves Mountains and I was just so inspired. How can you not be with a title as powerful as that.”

She started out by jotting down bullet points, going through a timeline capturing her most memorable moments from her podcasting journey thus far.

“It was really easy once I got going. As I went further and further into it, beefing up the timeline, those point forms became little paragraphs, and the little paragraphs became anecdotal stories that could kind of help pull me back into that space,” Lytle said. “As I was pulled back into that space, I started realizing how many vulnerable moments would come up. And then, from those vulnerable moments, came inspiring stories of how these people had overcome obstacles, or accomplished their goals.”

All in, Lytle’s chapter will run approximately 4,000 words.

Speaking to the Echo earlier in May, Lytle admitted she had well and truly caught the writing bug now. She has agreed to take on a central role in at least one other book in this series, and is planning to expand her podcasting career over the coming months.

“It’s an exciting time, for sure. There are lots of coals in the fire so to speak. I’m so honoured, and so incredibly excited to be a part of She Moves Mountains. Learning about some of the other stories included, it’s amazing to think I’m going to be featured alongside some powerful, impactful women,” Lytle said. “There’s a possibility for me to potentially be a lead author in one of the other upcoming books… Then on the podcasting side, the industry is just exploding now. I just recently launched a new website, so people can keep up with the weekly series there.”

Lytle is aiming to presell 200 copies of She Moves Mountains. For more information on the book, visit www.gcwpublishing.com.

For more information on Lytle’s podcast series The Safe Haven visit thesafehaven.co.