A Spiritist since 1998, Giseti Marques Teodoro (photo) was born in the Brazilian city of Sousa, in the state of Paraíba, and lives in Cajamar, in the state of São Paulo, where she works as a commercial rep. She is a member of Núcleo Espírita Seara de Luz, a Spiritist Centre in Cajamar. She is the author of several books and produces a weekly internet programme aimed at encouraging everyone to develop a reading habit. In the following interview, she speaks about her early days in Spiritism and her work in the literary world.

How did you find Spiritism?

It was through literature. My first point of contact with Spiritism was through Zíbia Gasparetto’s book, Laços Eternos (Eternal Links). My interest for the Teachings only grew after that and I have never stopped reading and trying to learn more.

What is the most striking aspect of Spiritism, in your opinion?

It is the clarity of vision with which the Spirits and Allan Kardec compiled these Teachings, without, however, imposing rules or concepts for the wider society. Each one who decides to learn about Spiritism has to think for themselves in order to learn, bit by bit, the theory and the practice. The teaching process Spiritism uses is one that leads to true learning.  

How did you develop your passion for reading?

From a very early age, I had an interest in literature. I drafted my first book when I was 16, but I didn’t go ahead with it for a number of reasons. Years later, after finding Spiritism, that drive to write came back even stronger. Writing is something that completes me in so many ways. But, more than that, writing enables me to help people who are looking for some sort of light and find it in my stories, which are undoubtedly produced with the inspiring help of the Spiritual Benefactors. I have so far published five books.

How have people reacted to your books?

The feedback has been wonderful and very surprising to me, especially when the first publication sold out. The other books have also done well with the readers. The storylines came up sort of spontaneously. I was always inspired by things that were happening around me. I’ve always observed things and paid a lot of attention to detail. Some of the stories just came up to my mind or were already there in my psyche. After that, I begin to change the characters and build the plot.

Is there anything in particular you would like to highlight from the feedback you have received from the readers?

Look, the readers are the best part of all this. They are always very nice and generous about my work, which I appreciate from the bottom of my heart. I could mention the feedback of many people who have read my books, but I think I will mention something that still brings joy to me every time I think of it. It was a cloudy, grey Autumn day. One of those days that can bring about a sad atmosphere around you and make you forget how wonderful Our Lord, the creator, is. Well, it was a day like that when I received an email from someone asking for my phone number. Hours later, the phone rang and the sweet voice of a woman was on the line to thank me profusely. She said that one of my books, O Escritor (The Writer), had saved her marriage. She and her husband had decided to split up after 15 years together. But after both of them read my book, they were inspired by the example of the main character, who taught them a lesson about the true meaning of love. Well, it must clear to everyone how we both helped each other that day. Her words helped me to cheer me up that day.

Tell us a bit about your weekly YouTube programme.

As I was always into literature, the lack of encouragement in the area in Brazil has annoy me. I think the situation has improved, but there is a lot still to be done. So I decided to do something about it and created a programme that is accessible to everyone. I don’t intend to lecture anyone. My aim is to encourage a debate, respecting individual tastes and beliefs. The general aim is to encourage literature, the arts and culture in wider sense. For those who want to join in, the process if very simple. Just do a search on YouTube, looking for the title of the programme – Literagindo – or simply click here

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to tell everyone that, as difficult as life may be, it will always have a meaning provided we look around us instead of focusing only on ourselves, our problems, our challenges and our illnesses… The project of Jesus Christ was always a collective one. In other words, there is no salvation for those who think only about themselves and leave their brothers and sisters behind. Let’s open our eyes, indeed, to our imperfections. But let’s not forget to offer a helping hand to our brothers and sisters. You can simply close your eyes and stretch your arms to help other people and you will certainly find another hand there ready to hold us. Our Master Jesus will be there waiting for us, as he is our leader and the best example we have to follow.