Hanover woman starts 'inspirational' magazine

Allison Saia always dreamed of starting her own magazine. This past August, her dream materialized with the launch of SPARKS of Inspiration, an online magazine.

Saia of Hanover, the magazine's editor-in-chief, and her husband, Dan, the design and marketing director, were guided by the idea that they could somehow create a positive change in the world.

The Saia's partnered with Tami Blodgett, the magazine's publishing director, and Denise Beins, the administrative director, who are both based in Oregon. Allison Saia knew Blodgett and Beins from having worked in publishing together in the past.

The team of four started by publishing a book together, LifeSPARKS Edition #1.

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Twenty-one authors from all over the world contributed their personal stories to create the anthology of inspirational tales. LifeSPARKS, Edition #1 was an Amazon best-seller, Saia said.

In the "special" first edition of their new magazine, Saia said, readers will get to know the authors of that book.

The pages are filled with question-and-answer type interviews with the authors, who share information on their backgrounds, what inspires them and how they identify their authentic selves.

The book's authors range from doctors to professors to ministers, all sharing a similar message of positivity.

"This magazine is the embodiment of our passion for sharing stories and inspiring others. Each issue will deliver our readers with a sense of positivity and inspiration rarely seen in today's media," Allison said in a press release. "I am so honored to be a part of this magazine, as it's so much more than just a publication, it's a movement."

SPARKS of Inspiration will publish six times a year online, and readers will pay a $9 annual subscription fee.

Regular editions will start in December.

The editorial team is also looking for community members to submit their own stories to include in the next edition of their magazine.