About Arthur Yavelberg:
Arthur Yavelberg is the author of "A Theology for the Rest of Us," winner of the 2021 "Best Independent Book Award for Theology." While growing up as an only child in an unaffiliated family, Arthur was inspired by such works as "King of Kings," "Kung Fu" and Star Trek's "Mr. Spock." There followed 40+ years of teaching students of all ages. Enriched by travels to religious communities around the world, he has had the freedom to explore spiritual questions without any context of dogma. As a result, his book encourages similar spiritual travelers to follow the Buddha's dictum: "Be ye lamps unto yourselves."
What inspires you to write?
I think every teacher has a desire to share. However, a true teacher wants students to become independent, critical thinkers. In essence, a teacher's job is to make him/herself unemployed. With that in mind, I want to share what I have learned about spirituality over so many years, but I want to do so in a way that will help readers on their own journeys. "The road less traveled" is not easy by any means, but it is the only path that is spiritually satisfying.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Richard Bach's "Illusions" was very inspirational to me in many ways–both in terms of its simplicity and its message. Leon Uris's historical novels contributed to my passion for history and Irving Stone's biographies had me meeting all kinds of marvelous individuals like Michelangelo and Sigmund Freud.
Tell us about your writing process.
As a teacher, I have always helped students organize their writing so that readers can best understand what they want to communicate. "Clarity" is the goal. Too many writers use big words to impress–even intimidate– others and not to communicate. So, when it comes to my writing process, I decide what I want to say and outline the flow of ideas that lead to that conclusion. There was a time I used to write notes on index cards and sort them into order. Suffice it to say that word processors have made this process much easier!
What advice would you give other writers?
There are technical areas where writers can seek help about publishing, editing and the like. Honestly, though, if someone wants significant advice about writing per se, they probably need to look for another field. Writing is about passion and no one can help someone else with passion. As Hemingway said, to write is to "Sit at the typewriter and bleed."
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I went to Google and searched for firms that published books about spirituality. That is where I found MSI Press and, seriously, I believe there was some divine connection there. The entire experience has really been miraculous.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I love to play chess and, when computers started playing the game, there was a fear that they would "solve" the game–like checkers–and it would disappear. As it turns out, the popularity of chess has exploded with people all over the world having access to play 24/7. I believe the same will be true of book publishing. There are opportunities today that were inconceivable just a short time ago and those who are creative and thoughtful will be able to take advantage of those opportunities.
What genres do you write?: non-fiction
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Arthur Yavelberg Home Page Link
Link To Arthur Yavelberg Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Facebook
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
