A Man’s Work is Never Done: A Novel About Mentoring Our Sons
by James Cloughley
About the Book
Understand what it means to live life as a man in today’s world and do it with passion and excitement.
Follow the story of a disillusioned young man in his mid-teens who does not have a father in his life, the struggles of a single mother trying to understand her son, and the challenges faced by a man in staying true to himself.
Whether you are a single mother or a teenage boy looking for a father’s guidance, this story will help you develop skills, learn techniques and uncover life lessons so that you can create a life filled with balance and promise, peace and happiness. Understand what it means to live life as a man in today’s world and do it with passion and excitement, the important others in your life will be grateful you did.
No. 1 Amazon Best Seller
About the Author
Jim has worked in the human services field for 20 years. Having done so, he has developed a keen understanding of the differing ways both genders see the world they live in. Some of that time included working with men and women, as singles and couples, whose lives and families had been ravaged by alcoholism and drug addiction. Having been a single parent for several years, Jim can now add a personal level of experience to the insights he shares in this book. He is especially proud of his son and daughter and the human beings they have become in the world.
Praise for A Man's Work is Never Done
“Boys with an absent father face a considerable and well-documented number of social, academic and emotional deficiencies because of a lack of mentoring from his father guide. In his new book, Port Colborne author James Cloughley addresses these issues as well as the uncomfortably new and unfamiliar role men have in the post-feminist world. This is a great story that takes us into the heart of a boy that was raised without a father. Our society needs to hear Jim’s message.”
Bobby O’Neal, author of “Dr. Love’s Prescription for a Romantic Loving Man”
“James Cloughley has written a story about perspectives on what it is like to be a man in today’s world. The characters are strong and knowable with the author’s message coming through the story loud and clear.”
Canela Michelle, author of “Right Here, Right Now Meditations”
“I found this book clearly laid out issues that, not only young men but adult men as well, struggle with regularly. The author deals with them in a step by step approach within the context of a story that more than held my interest. You could read this book a chapter at a time or as a continuous read—either way is impactful. This is a must read for single parents, co-parents, young men who question their place in todays society, teachers, professionals and anyone else who is interested in not only understanding what is happening in the world for men currently but for those truly wanting to learn how to support and assist them in this time of uncertainty. It will benefit all. The timing of this book is perfect.”
Phil Durrant, Coordinator of Social Service Worker Program, Niagara College
“I have a great respect for Jim, his work and talent to share knowledge thru his books. I would recommend this book to any parent, friend, mentor, social worker, or big brother/sister who is looking to further their understanding of how the children in their lives tick.”
Mike Leone, President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara
“Cloughley tackles this question head-on. Whether male or female, young or old, this book will help you understand more fully the process of growing into manhood, and the importance of having a strong models and mentors to help along the way.”
Rev. Steven Davis B.A., M.Div.
Media
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St Catharine’s Standard “Wanted: A Father Figure” (Aug 1, 2012)
Interview on “Keep in Touch” (May 13, 2012)
Interview on “Awakening to Conscious Co-Creation” with Peter Tongue (Nov 16, 2011)
Niagara This Week “Lessons from Fathers” (October 3, 2011)
The Welland Tribune “Port Author Hopes to Inspire Fathers and Sons” (September 2, 2011)
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How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
I write in bits and pieces, both time-wise and word-wise. Often a phrase will come to me just before going to sleep or upon waking. I write it down on a notepad I keep on my headboard. Live music causes ideas and words to flow; I scribble them on the margins of the concert program. In the beginning of a writing project, I write during little breaks in the day – while rice is cooking or the ten minutes before my grandchildren arrive – littering my desk with bits and pieces of paper.
When I begin developing the ideas, it’s usually around 500 words at a time; for that I need an hour or so. The first draft is choppy. More uninterrupted time is required as I move through drafts, fleshing things out, and creating transitions between my 500-word creations. I start ordering in food, abandon my husband, and say “no” to my grandchildren. I go into my writing room and close the door any time I see the possibility of having a chunk of time available. When there is no time for writing, I know that things are percolating inside; an inner composing is going on, and I have learned to trust it.
What did you find most difficult about the writing and publishing process? What was the easiest?
Contrary to the above description of my process, I like structure and order. Therefore, the hardest thing for me about writing is handing myself over to what wants to be expressed and how it wants to be expressed. Sometimes it takes a long time for me to reach a state of allowing what comes forth to determine the shape that my writing takes. Equally difficult is the matter of keeping one foot in my outer life and one foot in the creative life of my inner world so that neither is neglected. It’s a constant juggling act.
The easiest part of writing this book has been working with the feedback of others: Julie Ann, my structural editor; Danielle Anderson, my content editor; and my readers. Their eyes saw what I could not see, expanding or tightening my focus and style. Regarding the publishing process, once my manuscript was ready, it was like little Influence elves came out of the woodwork, guiding and coaching me. Marketing is the hardest for me as I’m not very familiar with social media nor does it fit my personality.
What title have you released? Can you share a bit of what it is about?
The Nature of Woman: When the Feminine Is Ready, the Masculine Responds is my first book. In it I write about the “natural” feminine, which is the essence that resides deep within us as girls and women. Many of us have been socialized into a false femininity robbing us of the inner security that comes with being rooted in our feminine nature.
What does it mean to be genuinely feminine? What does that look like? Underneath our compliant or rebellious selves, who are we as women? What makes us tick?
My book explores basic features of the natural feminine like inner timing, instinct, and body-knowing. In the process of growing up and entering the public world, these traits may become forgotten or rejected. With knowledge and effort, they can be reclaimed. As we women learn to value the feminine capacities within ourselves, I believe a healthy masculine response will be called forth in the patriarchy and in our men.
Do you have any new books in the planning or writing stage?
I am considering the possibility of publishing a manuscript already written called “13 Solitudes: An Initiation into the Feminine.” First, though, I want to see how my current book is received.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Trained as a clinical social worker and a Jungian analyst, I have a private practice as a depth psychotherapist. I’ve co-partnered a counselling business, run many workshops for women and presented at events in Canada and the U.S. My abiding interest, in work and in life, is understanding the deep workings of the archetypal feminine, particularly in women.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The female body houses the natural feminine. When a woman accepts this reality, welcomes it and lives it, she comes home to herself. The consciously embodied feminine makes a woman voluptuous, filling out her personality, plumping her sense of self, bringing curvatures to her presence. She becomes sensual through and through, from her laugh to her ideas, from her touch to her deeds. A magnetism unique to the feminine character flows through the woman, perfumes the atmosphere, draws forth the magic of the moment. The inner feminine enlivens the woman who embraces her and, through that woman, brings the world around her to life.