Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 27 years old, a health economist working in the pharmaceutical industry. I love writing books that help people, especially books concerning people’s health. I’ve written two books ( I am about to publish the second one) in the series ‘Healthy Workforce’.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is called ‘Talent Unlocked: Use Your Power to Change Careers and Find Your Calling’. Many years now, I had a hard time to find something that I really like doing for a living. I told myself: “Do people really have some kind of innate passion that guides them to do a job they love?” Then, this book was born. I made a lot of research on the issue, to complete this book. The main problem is, that if working people do not really enjoy what they doing, and do not find fullfilment in that, they will end up depressed, as they will always think they do not work in a job destined to them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, no. I have spare time in the weekends, to write in a small cozy cafe, at the historical center of Athens. This cafe is inspiring to me, as it is book-friendly, with many people reading from newspapers to Dostoevsky.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dale Carnegie. This author not only influenced me to write self-help and self-improvement, but he was the reason why I started writing in the first place! The first ever Carnegie’s book I read was ‘How to win friends and influence people’. I found this book really motivating and touching.
What are you working on now?
I just completed my second book, I need a couple of months to rest and make a plan of my third book of the series. I am not pretty sure about the exact topic, I am still working on that.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are many different ways and methods for authors to promote their books. However, the most crucial part, is the Launch Team. The Launch Team is absolutely necessary for the book to achieve success.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I told you, the Launch Team is crucial, in the publishing process, to get more reviews and feedback. Before publishing, an author must make sure that his work is professional, edited, proofreaded and formatted. Not cheap stuff here. You need to be professional.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The author can’t innovate, in terms of a new idea, when writing a non-fiction book. However, one can innovate in the manner his or her ideas are presented in his/her books.
What are you reading now?
The “book of Joy”, by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write many many books that help and inspire people.
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?
That’s really difficult haha. I think I wouldn’t have the patience to read books in such a case. But, I would take Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to stop worrying and start living’, Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist” and “39 steps” by John Buchan!
Author Websites and Profiles
Giannis Athanasiou Website
Giannis Athanasiou Amazon Profile