Goodreads Book Giveaway – until November 15, 2016
Enter to win one paperback of because, from now until November 15, 2016.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
because
by Jack A. Langedijk
Giveaway ends November 15, 2016.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Two years after…
It is true how time just doesn’t stop for anyone as no matter how hard you try to live in the moment and cherish each day, it still becomes yesterday. And so it has now been two years since I ventured—hand and hand with my incredibly gifted loving wife, Virginia—into the publishing world. Since last year, I’ve been very fortunate to have experienced more wonderful and exciting adventures: Like getting closer to having the book translated into the language of the most populated country on earth. Like seeing my book comes up on the searches in libraries. Like getting raving reviews from readers and supportive messages from friends…I’ve been blessed to have had so many new doors opening up for me—just because I wrote a book.
It has been another fruitful year. Virginia has been busy creating contents for our web site visitors and members. You can see some of her work here and here. We worked together (but really, she was the one who brought my vision to life) to produce the ‘because I listen’ workbook, which has been an invaluable tool to many participants in my workshops. Now you can sign up for a free copy here.
We have also organized a number of promotional opportunities to help other authors to gain a bit more visibility for their books. These activities required a lot of time to do and gave us tons of fun too. But more importantly, it was our way of paying forward to the indie publishing community that guides and supports us.
As every artist knows that without an audience, we are just singing alone in the wind. We all need that someone to hear, to see, to read, to share our creations. In saying that, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you all—whether you are a family member, a friend, a reader, a site visitor, a fellow author or someone who re-tweet my messages occasionally, like/share my posts or participate in my book giveaways. I really wanted to show my gratitude to so so so many of you that have been incredibly supportive. Please let me say thank you—thank you for making me feel it was all worth it. May you all feel that same blessing you’ve given me.
Interview with IndieReader
Earlier in the year, IndieReader (IR) provided this review for because. Since the book received a 4-star review, IR invited me to participate in their “All About the Book” interview which they just posted on the IndieReader.com site.
because received a 4 star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Jack A. Langedijk.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
because was published in September 2014.
What’s the book’s first line?
“I’m not supposed to be here!”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”?
After a tragic accident on Mt. Everest, Roberto, a professional mountain climber and motivational speaker, is now faced with the toughest adventure of his life. This is an inspiring story about Roberto saving his career and his marriage while struggling with his own ideals and morals.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
It’s funny how often that the question is asked: “What inspired you to do this or that?” One thing for sure is that we can find inspiration in thousands and thousands of ways and I’ve been inspired so many times in my life to take action and yet, more often than not, I was never was able to achieve what originally inspired me. It’s really hard to make that inspiration to stick around long enough to see you through the completion of most things. I mean how long does any inspiration stay alive inside you?
It was only in the last couple of years I discovered that what makes inspiration stick. You see, a couple of years ago I was asked to do a motivational/inspirational talk to 500 leadership students. But I got stuck, really stuck. How do I motivate and inspire 500 completely unique human beings at the same time?
I had been inspired to write a book many times in my life and failed every time. Why? When I was asked to do that talk, I had already been writing because for six months. So what was different this time? Why was the inspiration sticking? What was the reason? It was PURPOSE! I know it sounds simple, but I had a very clear purpose to write this book and that purpose kept the inspiration alive!
So to answer your question: What was my inspiration to write this book? Well, after facilitating hundreds of workshops and sharing experiences with thousands of human beings, I knew I had a story that I want to share—a story I truly believed was worthy to be heard and read. I wrote the book because it comes from the passion of my life and work outside of acting and directing: that is to help my fellow human beings feel happy, empower them and create healthier environments to live and work in. The story comes from all the experiences of my life—what I have learned and what I still have to learn. I hope it is read with a spirit of wanting to look at one’s self. And as Bertolt Brecht, who was known for writing and performing plays that were always about intense political social issues, once said, “Regardless of what the issues I’m trying to convey—one thing I think we as writers, actors, directors have—is we must first try to entertain for if we fail at that we will fail to get our message across.” So yes, I tried to follow Brecht’s advice and attempted to create a story that’s engaging and entertaining as well as meaningful.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Although because is a fictional story about a tragic period of one remarkable man’s life, its message helps us better understand and appreciate different perspectives and choices when we face change, a challenge, or hardship. The book depicts my core belief that our happiness and purpose in life is always going to come out of how we relate to others. If we talk, share more and truly listen, we will not be going through our own journey alone. If someone wants to come out a better person through change then they should really read this book.
Believing in doing the right thing…
Believing in doing the right thing in the right way
Design by: Virginia
