Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Athens, although I love the idea of moving to different places. Generally, traveling is my other passion – except for writing!
I first started writing about seven years ago. I wasn’t sure what I would like to do with my writing when I began. But when I finished my first story, I knew this is my dream! I have written six books and two scripts since then, but the first three books were like… training!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, just coming out, is “The One – Chronicle of a Crime”. It’s the first part of “The One” trilogy.
I started writing “Chronicle of a Crime” about four years ago. You know, when I was first asked about the inspiration, about four months ago, my answer was “I don’t remember”. An embarrassing moment! Now I can see I was led to the idea after extensive thinking, mostly about what it feels like, what it means to live next to a charismatic person.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual habits… Well, I can say I’m a little… traditional when it comes to writing! A Word document is enough to me. I know there are a lot of great ways to write a book with, very helpful, but I hate changes in my writing tools!
For example, I always take extensive notes in hand on a writing pad before starting my manuscript. This writing pad is always next to my computer. I remember everything I’ve written in there by heart. But if you take my writing pad from me… I go hysteric! Of course, No one’s allowed to touch it!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is the first book that really had an impact on my mind and my heart. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! It’s like… this book awakens human beneath.
Fyodor Dostoevsky has had a great influence on me too. I believe Dostoevsky was a pioneer in examining and understanding the mentality of people and I really admire him for that. Reading his work made me want to look deep inside my characters’ soul and mind.
What are you working on now?
“The One – Filming a Crime”. It’s the second part of “The One” trilogy, just released.
It’s the first time I write a book series and it feels great working on how the characters and the action evolve.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, I’m still working on this. It’s less than a year I’m a self-published author. So, I study a lot about self-publishing and promoting. I try several things, trying to see what really works.
The only conclusion I’ve come to, is that we, authors, should interract with and support each other. It’s amazing how supportive authors, especially self-published authors, can be with each other – even if they are complete strangers!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You will not write a masterpiece at once. And that’s fine! That’s what happens to everyone. I read my first draft ever about two years ago. And I was like… “oh my God! Did I really write like this?”
So, don’t let a bad first draft disappoint you and never give up.
We hear a lot about inspiration, but let’s be honest: it’s only hard, constant work that makes everyone a better author. Let me tell you, it’s a wonderful journey!
I once read one of the very first books of Nikos Kazantzakis, an amazing author I truly admire. And it was a disappointment! What I mean, is that authors need to believe in themselves and keep working. Even your idol author could have started with a bad first draft!
Of course, not everyone’s going to like your books. There will always be people who don’t like your work. But this doesn’t mean your work isn’t good. We are just people, with different tastes and opinions.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Embrace your obscurity!” I’m grateful I’ve heard this phrase.
There were moments I was heartbroken because of my obscurity. And this blocked me. I couldn’t think or write. But then I heard this phrase. I thought about it and I said: “why not”. I stopped caring about it. And then everything became easier.
What are you reading now?
“Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories” by Oscar Wilde. And then I’m starting “Stormy Weather” by Ranaildo H. Timms. It sounds very promising!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well… After concluding “The One” trilogy, I’m going to write a thriller I’m thinking about.
It’s going to take place in the Amazon rainforest.
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?
“The Little Prince” for sure! Then I would choose a poems anthology of Konstantinos Kavafis and “The Idiot” by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Author Websites and Profiles
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