Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I used to work in IT and owned a number of companies, but also worked for various corporates. When I was retrenched in June 2013, I opted to retire at age 55 rather than look for another job.
Retired is maybe not the right word, because now I only do the things I love. I would now describe myself as an author, tutor, life coach and blogger.
While I was still working, I experimented with writing and wrote a book on Excel aimed at beginners. Later, I turned to fiction and wrote 2 Science Fiction / Fantasy books. I realized that writing fiction was not my real passion and turned back to nonfiction.
I subsequently wrote 3 Personal Development books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Power of Habit: be Efficient in Everything you do” This is the third book in a 3 part series.
My personal mission statement for the last 20 odd years is “Helping people grow to become the best they can be.”
While I have always done this within my immediate circle of influence – at work, at home and within my social circles, I wanted to reach wider. Writing books to help people grow gives me a bigger audience that I can help.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m what is called a panser – I write off the seat of my pants. I never outline before I start a book, and while I’m writing, I have no idea how the end product is going to hang together, and the writing isn’t done in any particular order.
I simply bang out ‘random’ pieces on the computer. At first, these pieces often don’t seem to relate, but somehow everything comes together and flows in the end.
I also find that I don’t sit still and write for hours at a time. While I’m writing, I get up often, make a cup of coffee, go for a walk or even work in the garden. My mind is however churning furiously and if you were to talk to me during one of these ‘breaks’, it’s likely that I won’t even hear you.
When I sit down behind the keyboard again, this churning of my brain crystallizes and becomes a new chunk of writing that makes sense.
I’ve noticed that I’m doing exactly that while I’m writing this interview. 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first was Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. In that, I discovered why I was doing what I was doing. It also gave me the framework that I could teach my kids.
More recently, Jeff Olson’s “The Slight Edge” has had a big impact. I give a free copy of this book to all my new Life Coaching clients.
I read on average 100 books per year. Each one of these shapes and develops me in some way. The effects are however not always as pronounced as the specific titles mentioned.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.”
What are you working on now?
I have recently completed the final draft of “Act, and Build the Life you want”. It will be released in January 2015.
I am very excited about this book. Personally, I think it’s my best work to date.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My email list.
I’ve read and applied Tim Grahl’s “Your first 1000 copies”, and am currently busy with the follow on course.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Realize that writing is a craft. As such, it takes hard work and many hours, weeks, months and even years of practice to get really good at it. You can’t simply sit down, jot down a few thousand words, and then expect to have a best seller on your hands.
Believe in yourself. If you know deep down inside of yourself that writing is what you love doing, keep at it. Don’t let others keep you from reaching your dream. See every obstacle and ‘failure’ as an opportunity to learn and get better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it is to be, it’s up to me.
What are you reading now?
“Pathfinder” by Orson Scott Card.
What’s next for you as a writer?
“Act, and Build the Life you want” is the first part of a 3 part series. I’m not 100% sure what the next 2 books are about. My brain is working on the detail in the background, and when it tells me, I’ll let you know 🙂
I’ve also started working on converting the knowledge contained in “Act, and Build the Life you want” to an online course. That should be up and running within the next year.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can’t I take my Kindle with please?
In the words of Neil Gaiman – “Picking five favorite books is like picking the five body parts you’d most like not to lose.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Eddie de Jong Website
Eddie de Jong Amazon Profile
Eddie de Jong’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account