Interview With eBook Author Elizabeth Gupta

Elizabeth Gupta is an educator of many years standing and has taught in some very fine schools in India. She is now at the Billimoria High School, Panchgani. Elizabeth is a teacher of Chemistry and Western Classical Music. She is deeply interested in issues concerning the girl child and women especially in India. She loves trekking, travelling and writing.

Chillibreeze interviewed Elizabeth about her first eBook and ePublishing experience:

CB: Are you a first time author?

EG: Yes!

CB: Why did you choose to publish your work as an eBook?

EG: Writing an eBook seemed like an exciting thing to do. All our information is on the Internet, and that is where I thought anyone interested in travel would look for travel facts.

CB: How did you find the whole process and experience of ePublishing?

EG: I found it fascinating. I was on the mail with Ms. Sharma and her team who guided me every step of the way. I’ve not seen these fine people, but now I feel I know them, and am definitely the richer for having worked with them. It is actually the whole process - starts with the challenge, and then the challenge slowly takes form and shape---all on the net, and all in a virtual workplace.

CB: Do you think it is worthwhile for writers to ePublish their works or should they go for conventional publishing?

EG:It depends on the kind of book, I guess. There are books which cater to a niche group of readers. Also, there is the pleasure and happiness of holding a book in your hands, and turning the pages....but, I think if it is information that you require, or facts, then publishing on the net would be a better option. There is a huge amount of data available on the net. You will be able to compare the data, formulate your conclusions and take your decisions.

CB: Tell us about your eBook ‘Spiritual Tourism in India'?

EG: In the rush of daily living with all its problems and tensions, it is important, necessary actually, for us to de-stress ourselves. I believe that the best way to de-stress ourselves is by being with Nature. Stress is nothing but our separation from our inner core, it is an alienation from our spiritual nature. By spiritual I mean all that is good, all that brings peace, and all that generates harmony. It is our higher self. Our soul yearns for beauty, and the peace of solitude. India is a land of great natural beauty. In this Guide, I’ve tried to focus on some places that offer beauty, and solitude. Whether you are trekking in the breathtakingly beautiful mountains, or sitting on the beach looking out over the sea to the distant horizon, or losing yourself in the wildness of the wildlife sanctuaries, you are connecting with Nature. You might want to be in retreat in a yoga and meditation centre. In the solitude of these ashrams, you learn ways of de-stressing yourself. When you get back into the daily rhythm of your life, you can use these exercises effectively. Or, maybe you prefer a pilgrimage to get back to yourself. I’ve talked about a few pilgrimage centres which are set in beautifully scenic places, because one really cannot separate God from Nature. Whichever place you choose to go to, what you are seeking is to make a secret garden deep in your heart. A place which is tranquil and where you can retreat to, to regain your equilibrium and peace of mind.

CB: Do you think travel writing is a popular genre for eBooks?

EG: More and more people are travelling now than ever before. People are also more focussed about what they want from their hard-won vacations. Travel books give a lot of suggestions, and added to the travel experiences that trekkers, globetrotters and other travellers have to offer, the first-time traveller, or an intrepid traveller, can make his choice. A very good development is that there are holiday packages for every pocket. At the end of the day, every one knows how travel expands the mind and the mental and psychological horizon, not to mention the physical horizon. Travel becomes an addiction, and a wise traveller would want to know what choices there are.

CB: Are you working on any other eBook?

EG: Yes, I am

CB: Do you recommend ePublishing to budding writers?

EG: Oh yes I do, without a doubt. The idea is to share, and the net is the best place to share....where you can place your wisdom and knowledge, your experiences and most importantly your thoughts for the benefit of many, many people. The net has succeeded in removing all man-made barriers. This is the beauty of the net and this is the beauty of publishing your work on the net. You establish wonderful links and you learn so much from the feedback, good and bad, that those who read your work offer. To all budding writers out there, I’ll say – Go for it!