Bestselling author Douglas W. Davis chatted about his book “Yoga: A Love Story.”
Background on the book
“Yoga: A Love Story” by Douglas Davis, tells a quintessentially human story of one man’s search for resonance and love. The protagonist, John Yogacara Asanga, struggles with being a half-Indian and half-white male in rural Indiana.
His search to belong leads him to Chicago where he becomes part of a notorious Black South Side gang simply because they accept him. He learns there is an integrity to gang life and surviving in the inner city. Eventually, the gang’s criminal activity leads to jail time for him. He agrees to testify and accepts witness protection – only not in the US. But in India.
In India, his spiritual journey truly begins. He encounters angels, demons, shapeshifting tigers, and breathtaking vistas while traveling through the amazing Kaziranga jungle. Once he learns the true meaning of Yoga – a union with God, he finds a love for himself, others, and the love of his life.
The story is replete with mystical, magic details tied together with romance. From Indiana to the center of the earth and back, Yoga A Love Story takes one on an enthralling journey that will open audiences to the secrets of yoga, the universe and of love and life.
Biography
Douglas Davis is a writer, father, husband and a constant spiritual seeker. He has a passion for Eastern and Western religions, particularly in learning how they are intertwined. His hobbies include studying world religions and playing a fiery jazz trumpet.
His lifelong goal is to unite all religious and spiritual seekers by revealing how they all stem from the same tree. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his family and two poodles. He has blogged for Beliefnet, and published a book of spiritual essays entitled In My Contemplation. Yoga A Love Story is his first published novel.
Q & A interview
“Yoga: A Love Story” has been very popular with readers and reviewers. Every book has a story about its creation, what’s the story behind this phenomenal book?
I wanted to write something in the vein of the Carlos Castaneda books I loved reading in the late 70s and early 80s. I didn’t just want to be a spiritual explication, I wanted it to be fun so I combined the spiritual journey with a love story.
Once John learns to love himself and recognize the power of his spirit within, a wonderfully mysterious and awesome world opens up to him.
While you were writing ‘Yoga A Love Story’ did you learn anything new about yourself? Did you include any of your spiritual journeys in this epic read?
I did include my studies of world religions from the last 20 years. I have studied extensively Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism while on a quest to find my truth. John’s journey to himself was my journey as I learned that we are all one regardless of background or religion.
Writing a book is not for the faint of heart. What was one of your challenges, and conversely one of your successes?
My greatest challenge was finding a story arc, creating characters, and then listening to those characters. My greatest success was to follow my main character to India. It was not part of my original plan but the character took over and I just went along for the fun ride.
When you did the final read-through for ‘Yoga: A Love Story’ what was your favorite part and why?
My favorite part is still the beginning. The opening line of a book or a song is very important. It sets the tone for the entire work. I love the opening line and I also love the dialogue between John and Anya at the end of the novel.
This book has been so very successful we are sure your fans are wondering what is coming next. Do you have another book in the works you can tell us about?
I do have another book in the works. I am in the middle of the novel as we speak. This one will deal with the environment and interstellar and interplanetary travel.
When you finish a new book what is your favorite way to celebrate?
A great cigar, fine rye whiskey, and good jazz. If I am lucky I will actually jam on my trumpet with my friends who are excellent jazz musicians. Improvisation is invigorating and pure creativity. There is no time to think when improvising. One has to just play. I write the same way …just let it go and see where your mind takes you.
“Yoga: A Love Story” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
