Interview With Author Arthur Yavelberg
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was involved in schools as both teacher and administrator for 40 years. In that time, I have leaned how to make complex ideas accessible to students of all ages. I have written one book, “A Theology for the Rest of Us,” which draws on both western and eastern religious traditions, as well as science and literature, to encourage readers to draw their own conclusions regarding spiritual questions.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is “A Theology for the Rest of Us.” While I was not raised in a religious household, as a child I saw the movie, “King of Kings,” and found the story of Jesus’ life absolutely captivating. Given that the star was Jeffrey Hunter, there was some irony in that he was “Captain Christopher Pike,” the captain of The Enterprise for the pilot for “Star Trek.” Commander Spock, the logician from the planet Vulcan, was on the same series and quite a role model for me. So, too, was Kwai Chang Caine of the series “Kung Fu.” He was a Taoist monk exiled to the US during the days of the Wild West. These fictional characters led me to consider a wide variety of spiritual ideas over the years and provided the emotional starting point for writing the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
“Spirituality” these days is usually an assortment of vague memes or charismatic figures pitching a particular belief system. I hope to help readers come up with their own answers when it comes to spiritual questions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alan Watts wrote a number of books that popularized Eastern thought in the West throughout the 20th Century. Huston Smith wrote “The Religions of Man.” While there are lots of “history of religions” books, he does an extraordinary job of presenting each tradition as if it were his own.
What are you working on now?
I have had a number of articles published in different journals and newspapers. I also manage a FaceBook group page dedicated to the kind of spiritual exploration outlined in the book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website, ArthurYavelberg.com, as well as a FaceBook group page. The book’s publisher, MSI Press, also has a variety of outlets available to promoting the book. Finally, Lamourie Media is a public relations firms that works to promote the book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think the best thing any author can do is to simply write as much as possible for as many venues as possible. Wanting to promote a book is understandable, but continuing to write keeps the creative process alive–and also generates the exposure necessary to promote a book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to worry about creating a “style.” The simple truth is that everyone has their own style, whether they want to or not. The danger in wanting to somehow “create” a style is that it comes across as artificial and contrived. It is better to just write as clearly as possible. Language, after all, is about communicating–and is not about impressing or intimidating or even selling.
What are you reading now?
“A History of God” by Karen Armstrong and the classic “Sons and Lovers” by D.H. Lawrence.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, I plan to continue writing articles and meeting people interested in their spiritual development. That has been the most rewarding consequence of writing the book.
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?
I already mentioned Huston Smith’s “The Religions of Man.” Will Durant’s “The Story of Philosophy” is another wonderful book to read and reread. I also love to play chess, so Yasser Seirawans’ “Chess Strategies” has material that one can never master, but one can continue to try and put into practice.
Author Websites and Profiles
Arthur Yavelberg Amazon Profile
Arthur Yavelberg’s Social Media Links