James E Leary

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Gratitude and the Journey of Creation: Sharing My Book with Those Who Helped Shape It

I’m mailing out copies of my book to those who walked with me through its many drafts. These are the folks who took the time to read and reflect, who didn’t shy away from telling me what worked and what didn’t. Their insights were like gold, shaping the book into something truer, something more real. I owe them a debt I can never fully repay, but I can send this small token of gratitude.

Writing a book is a solitary endeavor, but the act of refining it, of sharpening its edges and smoothing its rough spots, that takes a community. It takes a group of readers willing to wade through the muck and mire of early drafts, to see the potential in what is yet unfinished. They did this for me, and for that, I am grateful.

My editor, a Ph.D. in New Testament, wasn’t just there to catch the stray comma or the dangling participle. She dug deep into the heart of the book, challenging my ideas and pushing me to consider perspectives I hadn’t before. The concepts, the very foundation on which this book was built, were tested and strengthened under their keen eye. It’s a rare gift to find someone who can see both the forest and the trees, who understands the big picture but won’t let you get away with a single misplaced word. I was fortunate to find such an editor, and her contribution is woven into every page of this book.

There were times when the process felt endless when the weight of the words was almost too much to bear. But I wasn’t alone. I had my readers, my editor, and a God who guided me through each sentence, each chapter, each revision. This book is as much theirs as it is mine, and today I get to send them a piece of what we’ve created together.

I know that the book is something far better than what it could have been if I’d tried to go it alone. There’s wisdom in many voices, and I’ve been blessed to have those voices speak into this work.

So, to my readers, to my editor, and to God who gave me the strength to keep going, thank you. This book is the fruit of many hands and minds, and I’m honored to share it with you.

If you're interested, you can get your copy of either the eBook or paperback on Amazon. This is the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd   

Join me on the "Embracing Gethsemane Book Tour"! Here’s how you can participate:

  1. Snap a photo with your copy of the book.

  2. Post it on Facebook with your location and the hashtag #EGBookTour, or email it to jim@thechaplainwriter.com.

  3. Share your thoughts, lessons, or insights from the book. I’d love to hear about your “Embracing Gethsemane Journey.”

And please, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Your reviews make a huge difference in helping the book reach more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

www.thechaplainwriter.com