A PUBLIC speaker turned author from Cwmbran is planning to launch his first book in March next year to help people overcome their self-belief problems.

James Calder, 25, of Trostrey, Hollybush, experienced similar problems throughout his youth, culminating in him leaving an architecture course at Cardiff University.

After a turning point in his life, he decided the time was right to help other 16 to 24-year-olds combat their confidence demons with his self-help message.

“I really want to help people that were struggling to believe in themselves,” said Mr Calder, who became a young ambassador for the Government-supported Big Ideas Wales programme two months ago.

“I want to help them building their confidence and overcome their fears or help them follow a passion they wanted to pursue.”

The Journey of Self Belief — a Story of Failure and Success charts the episodes in Mr Calder’s own life which brought him to this point after years of self-imposed silence.

“The book is an experience based on my life so far,” he said.

“I struggled a lot in school, at college and university — I never made my voice heard and kept myself to myself.”

The book will be funded by donations made through a kickstarter campaign, which will help the self-funded project reach the editorial and production phases.

The campaign was launched on October 5, a day which holds particular significance for the author.

“I am doing this as well as a way to thank my parents, particularly my mother, for all the help and support she gave me during those difficult years,” he said.

“The campaign date coincided with my mother’s birthday so if it leads to success, it will be an interesting birthday present for her.”

Mr Calder uses social media as a tool to help spread his message, and is planning to utilise YouTube in the lead up to the 2016 book launch.

“I started with a website and then a blog — ‘The Inspired Life’,” he said.

“I will be launching a weekly YouTube video which will air within the next 24 hours but the feedback I’ve had so far has been inspiring.”

To learn more about Mr Calder’s campaign or to donate towards the book, visit jamescalder.co.uk.