Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, my full name is Anne Athena Dura. I’m a freelance short story writer. I’ve been living in Greece all my life, but I’m originally from Albania. I studied Geology and I’m a Master student in Natural Disasters Management. I have too many interests (including teaching, humanitarian aid, fine arts, geo-sciences, sports, and more), but my greatest passion is writing.
I started writing short stories at a very young age. I’ve written numerous books, but I never thought they were good enough to be published. I’ve published three short stories so far in ebook format: “Nadine”, “Sweet Sweat” and “Through Michael’s Eyes”. Each story I decide to publish involves a social issue I’m concerned about, such as domestic violence, homophobia, religion, war, mental and physical health, etc.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is “Through Michael’s Eyes”. It is a domestic violence story presented through the eyes of a five-year-old boy.
The story was inspired by an incident in my neighborhood two summers ago. Writing and publishing a story about it was my way of protesting against such violent acts.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I like writing in a quiet room with a warm cup of coffee usually, or tea.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The books that have influenced me the most are: The diary of Anne Frank, The Harry Potter Series, The great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, Best of Friends. I’m not a one-genre type of person.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m rewriting a sci-fi novella. The original title was “Roommates”, which became “The other girl” and now “The other side”. I still haven’t come up with the final title of the story yet. I think I’ll let my beta-readers pick one.
The story is about a young artist who discovers the entrance to an alternate universe. After meeting her-alternate-self, she decides to keep it a secret. Things get worse, however, and the two universes collide.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The truth is that I’ve only been marketing and promoting books for less than a year, so I’m no expert. However, I choose social media for promotion and soon I’m planning to reach other means like local newspapers and magazines, bookstores, etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors? Be yourself. Just that simple. No one wants to meet a copycat. Being original is also a way to come closer to your fans as they get to know you better. Plus it feels comfortable not pretending to be someone else.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My whole life I had very little support in my decision to become a writer. Very little support in anything I did. That didn’t help much with my low self-esteem. Since I was a kid, I struggled to accept my flaws and love myself. I’ve wasted so much energy apologizing for who I am and thanking the people I love for being in my life as if I was a burden they had to put up with.
The best advice anyone ever gave me was “Love yourself”. Only then did I realize I had trouble accepting everything that I was. Being aware of it helped me accept my uniqueness, love my imperfections and feel comfortable in my skin. It might sound silly, but the phrase “Love yourself” shook me a little and changed my life.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “The invisible man from Salem” by Christoffer Carlsson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
By autumn I’m aiming to publish my sci-fi novella, in both e-book and print. I wish to publish my first novel within the next couple of years.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This is a difficult one. I guess I’d have my friends choose among books I haven’t read.
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