How I Wrote my First E-Book (and how you can get your copy)

I’m a great believer in the power of encouragement. Ever since I was young, I’ve cultivated a habit of encouraging others in their gifts.Complimenting people on great work and speaking truth into their lives.

When I was younger, especially during my teenage years, I wasn’t encouraged so much. The difficulties going on in my family at the time tended to mean I didn’t get much encouragement, and this was compounded by the bullying I received at school. There were a few people who encouraged me, and when they did, I felt invincible. I felt I could do anything.

But those moments were all too few.

So I resolved back then I would encourage people. I decided I would be a force for encouragement in the world. No one I knew would ever have to deal with what I had dealt with.

The funny thing about my teenage years is there was one gift, one talent, which I was encouraged in by everyone. Teachers, parents and even friends.

Can you guess what it was?

Writing.

Now, writing is one of my biggest joys, my greatest gifts and has become a vocation, a calling.

Is it any coincidence the gift most encouraged in me, was the gift which has developed quickest?

Of course it isn’t.

This is the power of encouragement.

Skip forward to Autumn 2012. I had friends on Twitter and Facebook beginning to mention another gift. The gift of encouragement. At least two people called me “Mr Encourager” and someone asked to sum up me in one word, used the word “Encourager”.

I realised at this point I had never combined these gifts. I had never written on the subject of encouragement. So I wrote a blog post on the subject, which was really successful.

In the Autumn I was also deliberating over an important issue in relating to my writing. I was feeling called and challenged to write a longer piece of work. A short e-book or manifesto. Doing the Tribe Writers course I was challenged about this again.

Only problem was, I didn’t know what to write it on. I had no clue what subject to write about. I wrestled with it and prayed about it for weeks.

Meantime I was still getting reminded of my encouragement gift by people. It was great to be encouraged by others.

But still, no idea for an e-book.

Then one evening, talking to a friend, the light finally came on.

It had been staring me in the face the whole time.

Two of my principal gifts and passions – writing and encouragement. I could simply write an e-book on encouragement.

Suddenly, it was all crystal clear. So I began writing it.

And in January this year, the final copy was put together and completed.

It’s my first ever e-book, and it’s called “5 Steps to Encouragement: The Secret to Transforming the World”. It’s launching on this site on 18 Feb 2013. As a special teaser, the cover is above and you can download and share the cover below.

I’ve already got feedback from some people, and the response has been amazing. Jeff Goins, author of Wrecked, said this:

“In a timely manfiesto, James reminds us of what really matters and where creating change begins: with the heart”

And Alene Snodgrass has said:

“If you are looking to be a light to others, this is a must read”

This is a cause dear to my own heart, and it’s a message I want everyone to hear. And the great thing for you all, is the book will be available totally and utterly free.

Yes, I said free.

And you can get your copy of the book a week early, on 11th/12th Feb, simply by filling out the form below before that date. And when you do, you’ll be sent my two-part MP3 interview with author Jeff Goins as a special gift, before getting the book on 11th/12 Feb.

Encouragement has the potential to change the world. And we can be the change makers. (you can tweet that here)

I hope you will read the manifesto, share it with others,

and join me on this journey.

Get Your Free Copy of ’5 Steps to Encouragement’ delivered early (11th/12th Feb):

Download the Cover to Share on Facebook & Twitter here