Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a multi-genre author and currently have 4 published books available with two more to be published before Christmas 2020.
My books are:
Mortal End – A Simmering Pit of Jiggery Pokery – an adult fairytale thriller/horror
Pocketful of Poesies – teen humour
Vocal Warm Ups & Exercises – a nonfiction vocal training book for actors/drama students/voice artists/performers/drama teachers – with a MASSIVE difference!
100% Simply Perfect Photographs – a coffee table book of travel photography
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is, “Vocal Warm Ups & Exercises.’
The book is a feast of fun and super cool illustrated vocal warm ups and voice exercises with an array of awesome alliterations for actors/drama students/voice artists etc.
James (aka Jimmy Messer) is an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator. He is also an actor and took part in the 2011 Sundance Grand Jury prize-winning film, ‘Like Crazy.’ James trained at various places including RADA in London and also in Hollywood…and even auditioned for Spielberg!
James designed and illustrated this book so that it’s more than just a vocal warm ups book, it is also an amazing addition to your book collection.
I wrote the alliterative stories; such as “Annie and Adam’s Adventure at Arthur’s Animal Aid Association,” “Betty Bets Billy ‘Bout Blowing Bigger Bubbles Better,” and “Colin Couldn’t Comprehend Chafing Cream.” As you can see, each word of every story starts with the same letter – no and, ifs or buts.
We were inspired to combine our talents to create something alternative to the ‘dry’ textbook style books that are currently available for the most creative amongst us: actors!
We wanted the book to be affordable, pocket-sized (it’s 6″ x 6″), hip and extremely entertaining – a book that you want to carry around with you all the time so that you can read or recite the alliterative stories to impress anyone within hearing distance – and it is all of the above and so much more!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write alliteration like other people doodle. Sometimes I am not even aware that I am doing it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many, if not everyone who has written a book, from What Katy Did by Sarah Chauncey Woolsey (as a very young girl – I started reading and writing at 2 years of age), through all of the classics (Bronte, Austen, Wilde etc) to authors like Stephen King, Carl Hiassen, James Herbert, Bill Bryson, Kate Morton, Tom Robbins and really recently, Kristin Hannah (who makes me ugly cry)…and so many others in between. One author who will always have a special place in my heart is Margaret Forster. There was so much honesty in her writing that never diminishes, however many times I reread her books.
What are you working on now?
We are just about to format our first self-improvement book – Attitude of Gratitude. It’s a 30-day workbook and is simply wonderful. It’s filled with real-life quotes from hundreds of people about gratitude and is totally uplifting. ‘Gratitude’ will be the next book we publish – around the end of October, 2020.
In the meantime, James is completing the illustrations for our very first children’s chapter book, “Itsa-Mouse’s Holiday Home – It’s good enough to eat!”
We are also updating and redesigning the covers for Mortal End and Pocketful of Poesies.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This one of course!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it; write it, publish it!
The only difference between a successful established author and a new author is time and experience – both of which are accessible to everyone.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never talk about your book ideas because the urge to write it will be gone. Keep everything to yourself until it is all down on paper!
What are you reading now?
I have a handful of books that I am reading at the moment but the one I will pick up tonight before falling asleep is ‘Night Road,’ by Kristin Hannah.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am already getting started on the second books in the series for ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ and ‘It’sa Mouse.’
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?
Hmm…I think I would bring:
1) Lady’s Maid by Margaret Forster – the fictionalised story of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning’s maid. It’s too special to even describe, so I suggest reading it yourself.
2) The Storyteller by Kate Morton – which has extra depth for me as the story centres around a daughter and her mother who suffers from dementia (as does my mother). It’s full of intrigue and drama and stays with you long after you have turned the last page.
3) Anything by Bill Bryson. He cannot go wrong.
4) What Katy Did or Anne of Green Gables, or Pollyannna – I love the messages in each of these books and I am who I am because of them.
Author Websites and Profiles
Toula Mavridou-Messer Website
Toula Mavridou-Messer Amazon Profile
Toula Mavridou-Messer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account