While having a quiet time with your latte, do you ever STOP thinking about the political/tedious aspects of living and THINK about the spiritual aspect of leading your life?
Do you ponder upon the existence of God? Good and bad deeds? God and the Ghost?
Presenting to you an exclusive author interview of Preeti Gupta, the writer of I’ll Put 3 Chips on God – just in case there is one
Do you ponder upon the existence of God? Good and bad deeds? God and the Ghost?
Presenting to you an exclusive author interview of Preeti Gupta, the writer of I’ll Put 3 Chips on God – just in case there is one
Author Interview:
Q1: What inspired you to write a book like I’ll Put 3 Chips
On God just in case?
Well, let’s see—I was getting close to my 40s, was in the
middle of a divorce, and was realizing that my numerous entrepreneurial
attempts were not working and I would have to return to the corporate world.
That was enough for me to dive headfirst into the lap of Spirituality!
When I did, I realized that a lot of existing material is
written from a “purist” point of view, i.e. the idea of Karma or Detachment is
not questioned, rather the focus is on how to incorporate these concepts into
one’s life. I wanted to take a step back because I was not sure whether I even
believed in these ideas in the first place. So I had to do my own analysis of
all that I came across. I wrote the book because I simply wanted to share
whatever knowledge I’ve acquired with those who might think similarly to me.
(That is so sweet of you and we are all glad that you wrote
this wonderful book)
Q2: Any exciting story you would like to share with us for
choosing I’ll Put 3 Chips On God just in case
as the Book title?
Surprisingly I recall this as being the very first title I
thought of, and stuck with. Unlike the
rest of my book, which had many painful re-edits and re-writes. But both the title and the cover were done in
one shot!
Q3: How would you like to describe I’ll Put 3 Chips On God
just in case to someone who is non-spiritual?
The book is about Spirituality, analyzed from an agnostic
point of view. I take a look at common spiritual concepts such as the Ego, the
Soul, Karma, Detachment, Heaven, God, Meditation, Vegetarianism, and Astrology,
and examine them from an objective, “devil’s advocate” perspective. In other
words, I analyze these ideas from all angles, including the possibility that they
are valid, and the possibility that they are not. I do come to some conclusions
at the end of the book, but it is less about preaching and more about the use
of logic when exploring Spirituality.
Q4: In this book you have shared your outlook towards the spiritual
and philosophical aspects of life. If you have to briefly share your thoughts
with the readers, what would that be?
I don’t think I’ve presented anything that hasn’t been
discussed before, but I think this book will appeal to the skeptics out there.
This is a Spirituality book for those who normally don’t read Spirituality
books. Some people prefer to be in a classroom when learning. Others like
online self-study. There are those who respond better to visual aids. Certain
concepts take time to “click” with people, and sometimes it happens because of
a certain way they are presented. I think I’ve discussed these ideas in a way
that might “click” with those who are not currently being drawn in by the
material already out there.
Q5: I loved your style of writing as you felt free to share
your thoughts as if you were directly talking to your readers. Yet, I would
like to know, were you worried about the reactions you might get while writing
this book?
Not really, I figured some people would relate, and others
wouldn’t. That happens with all books,
even the most popular. I just cared that
it appealed to someone, so that I would feel I accomplished something by
writing my thoughts down.
Q6: Is there any other book soon coming up in the series?
I’ll only write if I feel compelled to say something. There
is another book I do want to write, but I just can’t seem to find a block of
time to write it properly. I’ve noticed
that I am a binge writer, I can’t simply write one hour a day, I need a few
weeks in a row.
Q7: In this book, you talk about God, Karma and many such
things. Is there anything you were
scared to write about?
There were certain religions – which shall remain nameless –
that I hesitated to analyze. I think
it’s sad when religions intimidate people into silence and a forced belief
rather than allow them to find the truth for themselves.
Q8: What books are on your nightstand?
I love reading historical fiction, like Memoirs of a
Geisha. I like learning something about
different cultures or history, but through a well told story.
My favorite book was “Nectar in a Sieve” and “A Handful of
Rice” by Kamala Markandaya. Very
well-written books about rural and urban life in India, the style of the author
just draws you in and her books are such a pleasure to read.
Q9: Who was your inspiration while writing this book?
I grew up with the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda who was a
very logical, well-spoken teacher. I
also respect what the Buddha said in terms of questioning everything, even his
own statements. It was in that spirit
that I wrote the book.
Q10: What’s the question you’d most like to be asked but
never have been?
None that I can think of!
Q11: You were born in Chicago and presently living in New
Jersey. Would you like to share some Indian likings and/or moments and/or
memories with us, if any?
Most of my lifestyle is very Indian – music, movies, food,
friends! I find it sad that India is
losing its special culture and turning more into the West. But I’m also glad to see the progress and
raised standard of living for many.
However I miss the India from my childhood!
Q12: Finally, Is there anything you would like to share with us?
I’d love to offer a complimentary copy of the EBook to your
readers, downloadable at:
www.3ChipsOnGod.com/EBook
There are also some excerpts available to read on the
site. I am very interested in hearing
everyone’s feedback, so I hope they will take the time to write me, or to post
an honest review on Amazon. It would
mean a lot.
Lastly, I want to thank you for taking the time to learn
about the book, and for the opportunity to introduce myself. I’ve enjoyed
sharing my experiences.
(Thankyou Preeti for sparing sometime for this beautiful
interview session. We wish you all the best for your upcoming book and hope you
write it soon ♥ God bless you! ♥)
View Book review by Crazy Bibliophile
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