We recently got a chance to interview Yoda Guru regarding his book ‘So Says The Guru’. Our discussion spanned his sources of inspiration, the intricate details of his new book, and many other fascinating aspects of his life and work.
Q. Welcome to Jukebox Mind! What initially inspired you to write this book, and how did you decide on the unique format of ‘yodaisms’ to deliver your insights?
What initially inspired me to write the book was that I started writing after graduating high school in 1996. I continued to write over the years about my unique perspective on my personal observations of life, matters of the heart, and everything in between. During those years I was encouraged by friends, family, and peers to publish them in a book, which I finally did earlier this year in 2024.
As for the unique format, it started out as random thoughts that came to mind and then somewhere along the lines it transitioned into the style/format that people seemed to rather enjoy reading.
Q. In your book, you share a lot of personal thoughts and feelings. Was there a particular entry that was more challenging for you to write about, and why?
To be perfectly honest, all the “yodaisms” I’ve written are considered challenging to write. However, If I had to pick one it would be the “yodaism” titled “The Other Side”. It involves getting lost within the darkness of the maze of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions when it comes to matters of the heart, which every person can relate to.
I actually included and shared something personal at the end to wrap up the entire “yodaism” to show you can find the light when you’re mentally, emotionally, and possibly even spiritually lost within yourself.
Q. Can you describe your creative process? How do you come up with each piece of advice, and what does a typical day of writing look like for you?
My creative process: It starts with a topic that sparks an idea that comes from what I hear from people around me, from watching tv/movies, listening to music, etc. Whatever the case may be. The idea that was sparked leads to an initial outline created but it can quickly change when something doesn’t necessarily work, which has happened on several different occasions during my writing process.
How I come up with each piece of advice: I try to relate the topic at hand with the idea I’m comparing it to what everybody is going or has gone through in life. I just write it in a way that it has a unique spin and perspective when it comes to certain things like friendships, heartbreak, dating, etc.
A typical day of writing: If I’m not busy working, I’ll get some writing in and usually the first paragraph tends to set tone in the overall feel of the “yodaism”. When I start to feel it I can get completely focused and I get in the zone. There are times where I don’t feel it and it can get absolutely frustrating when what I’m writing isn’t coming together. That’s when I force myself to take a break and come back later to mentally relax because it can be considerably exhausting.
Fortunately, when I do come to continue to write I not only have fresh eyes, but I’m mentally rejuvenated as well.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to tackle personal and profound topics as you have?
My advice is think outside the box and find your own unique way of perspective when it pertains to such things as life, love, and everything in between. Be honest and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions that can be considerably challenging to answer. Also, envision being in another person’s or couple’s shoes when delving deep in topics concerning heartbreak/love/worthwhile relationships.
Q. After delving so deeply into life’s various themes with this book, what’s next for you?
Is there another project or topic you’re eager to explore? I’m actually working on Volume 5 of So Says The Guru and I don’t know when it will be out. I am working on goal in reaching a thousand “yodaisms”. I’m presently at 895 and counting.
Q. Lastly, as we ask all our guests on our platform, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?
Ask questions. You’re not only challenging yourself to answer them, but it also pushes you to mentally dig and delve deeper instead of stopping just underneath the surface. Don’t be afraid. You’ll actually be surprised at the answers you find yourself while exploring your own thoughts, feelings, and/or emotions.
About the author: Dante Abundo Jr was born in Subic Bay, Philippines. He grew up with a military father who is happily retired from the Navy and has been spending quality time with his wife of 48 years. Dante lives in the Sunshine State of the Florida Panhandle. When he’s not working, he enjoys in his spare time a number of activities such as drawing, traveling, playing video games, watching anime, and writing. You can find him on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube etc.
The book is now available on Amazon: So Says The Guru: Volume I
For more details visit:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/shortpinoyguy
The Inner Sanctum – https://yodaisms.blogspot.com
