Expressing My Thanks On My Book Writing Journey

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to write a book that explores what I call "Gethsemane moments"—those pivotal times in our lives marked by intense challenge, decision-making, or personal transformation. These moments, akin to the biblical story of Jesus' night of deep contemplation and struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, are universal experiences. Each of us, at some point, faces our own Gethsemane, a period that tests our resilience, shakes our foundations, and ultimately shapes our path forward.

My motivation to write Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments stemmed from a desire to provide guidance and hope for those who are currently navigating their Gethsemane moments. It's a journey of acknowledgment that while these times are fraught with difficulty, they also offer a unique opportunity for growth and understanding.

However, the process of writing a book is far from a solitary endeavor, especially when self-publishing. It truly takes a village to bring a book to life, and I am profoundly thankful for the team that stood by me throughout this creative process. I would like to thank my first group of readers, who painstakingly went through each chapter, provided invaluable feedback that significantly enriched the content. Their insights and observations were instrumental in shaping the book's final form.

A special thanks goes to Sandy Haney, Ph.D., my editor, whose expertise and keen eye for detail transformed the manuscript. Her ability to rework the text, making it more readable and coherent, while offering numerous suggestions for improvement, was invaluable. Sandy's contributions were pivotal in ensuring the book's clarity and flow, making the complex themes accessible and engaging.

Another significant source of inspiration was Hassan Osman, the voice behind the Writer on the Side Podcast and a proponent of writing while managing a full-time job. His insights into the preferences of today's readers, particularly the appeal of shorter books, influenced my decision to keep the book to five chapters and around 20,000 words.

As the book's launch approaches this Friday, with availability for download on Kindle, my heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who played a part in this journey. From the early stages of conceptualization to the final touches that made it ready for publication, each contribution was a vital thread in the tapestry of this project.

Writing this book has been a profound and transformative journey, not just in exploring the depths of Gethsemane moments but also in experiencing the collective endeavor of bringing a book to life. To all who offered their encouragement, insight, and support, thank you. Your involvement has not only enriched this book but also reinforced the essence of the Gethsemane moments it explores—reminding us that even in our most challenging times, we are never truly alone.

I encourage you to watch for when it becomes available for download on Friday. You can pre-order it ahead of time at a discount of $2.00. This is the link: https://amzn.to/3IwgFHa And finally, if you find the book helpful, write a review and tell others about it. Thank you.

Jim

The Chaplain Writer