Always be original when you write. That’s how you will shine bright in the end. After all, you can’t write a good book when you’re trying to imitate someone else’s writing.
Konstantina Kalliontzi – 11 April 2021
The Back Flap
Angela, a Columbia professor of Greek ancestry and Fotis, a professor of University of Athens, have always had a dream: writing a book about the life of Andreas Chrysovergis, the mythical leader of Greece who was murdered. Thirty years after his death, with his assassination still an unsolved mystery, they manage to sign a dream-contract with a New York publishing house and set out for their big dream.
Everything seems good until Angela travels to Athens where they work and meet the dead Leader’s family. Day after day the project gets harder and trickier. Angela and Fotis try to balance the publisher’s greedy curiosity on the one side and their own curiosity on Chrysovergis family’s stranger and stranger behavior on the other side. Does the family have a secret agenda? And why?
Everyone’s carried away in a strange treasure-hunt style game; wrapped-up in almost eerie vibes. Is the great leader’s spirit all around? Why does it feel like investigating a crime? And, after all, who the hell killed “The One”, the mighty Andreas Chrysovergis?
About the book
What is the book about?
The One is about two university professors (one from Athens and one from New York) writing about the life, the work and death of a great political figure in Greece, murdered long ago. The deceased was a man known and admired internationally, but his murder remains an unsolved mystery until 2017, which is the time the plot is taking place at. The professors are more than excited to undertake this project, but they soon realize the people close to the dead leader are hiding something. So, it is about both a mystery trying to be solved and the relations between some people bound by love, loss and secrets.
When did you start writing the book?
It all started back in early 2017.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me more than three years, but it wasn’t a continuous process. I first did some work before I went on with my manuscript. Then I began with it, but there were a couple of long breaks I was forced to take and changes during this time.
Where did you get the idea from?
I’ll be completely honest with you: I know it might sound crazy, but I’m not sure! I can tell for sure the idea came after extensive thinking, but there has been a storm of ideas on new books since then. So, crazy as it may sound, I can’t remember what triggered the idea for The One! I think it was a Greek theatrical play of the 1970’s however, back in 2013.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
To be honest, yes! I don’t wish to make any spoiler on the plot, but it was a part close to the end.
What came easily?
The main characteristics of the plot, as well as the main characteristics of all the characters in the book.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Both the plot and the characters are fictitious. I don’t usually borrow from real world people; maybe from real events some times.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Well… I can’t say there are some specific authors who have influenced how I write. Maybe I owe part of the way I write to everything I’ve read so far; I mean, everything I’ve read so far has shaped part of my writing. Even if I can’t determine how exactly they have shaped my writing so far, yet still it is important to always be open to evolving and learning from the others.
Do you have a target reader?
This is one of the hardest questions as far as my writing in general is concerned… Although my target readers are the people open to change, self-improvement and understanding the people around them, it would be my dream to actually soften the hearts of the people who are not at all like this.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
First comes the idea, of course! Then I write down my plot in details. It is really important to me to be specific as far as time and space are concerned, so there are no mistakes, gaps or confusions in my text. I have specified what kind of people all of my characters are and usually take some notes on this before I start with my manuscript. My stories are always narrated on the characters’ perspectives, so this is quite important.
After I’ve completed these tasks, I go on with my manuscript. As I’ve done all these things before, it’s all smooth when I do so.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I outline quite extensively. Actually, I can’t write without having outlined in advance.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I always edit after I’ve finished. Otherwise, I feel like I interrupt my plot.
Did you hire a professional editor? (May skip if being published by a small press rather than self-publishing)
I’ve trusted a friend, who’s experienced in editing among other things, to do the editing.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Well, It doesn’t really matter to me! I’ve been writing for almost seven years. So, throughout this time, I’m used to writing with any music playing, people talking or the TV on around me. When I want to write or I’m in the mood for doing so, I just do it.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No. To be honest, it has never crossed my mind.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
As a new author living in Greece and wanting to be published internationally, I think this was the best option to begin with. So, it was just common sense and awareness of the circumstances that made me decide so.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I did it myself.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Well… I have a plan in mind, but I’m constantly looking for fresh ideas to improve it by. Book marketing is a constantly changing area, so I need to stay informed.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
First of all, I would like to tell them to trust themselves and believe in their books. They should be open to adapting to the newest trends as far as publishing and marketing are concerned, but don’t try to comply with the latest trends in big book hits. Always be original when you write. That’s how you will shine bright in the end. After all, you can’t write a good book when you’re trying to imitate someone else’s writing.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Evia Island, Greece.
Where do you live now?
I live in Athens right now, but I’m considering moving to a new place soon enough; maybe Barcelona, Lisbon or Syros island, in Greece.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Well… I want to keep writing for the rest of my life! I love travelling to new places and I’m looking forward to going on like this after this whole pandemic thing is over! Except for that, I value very highly freedom, by every means.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new mystery, which takes place in a quite different way though. It’s going to blend humor, core issues and morals troubling humanity and a quite odd, “unearthly” help for the main character. Following that, I’m planning to write the sequel of The One.
End of Interview:
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