I realized there was more to Greek myths than the rudimentary knowledge I had and began reading original sources, such as Homer and Xenophon, Apollonius and Ovid to learn more about my own heritage. 

Sophia Kouidou-Giles – 5 October 2023

The Back Flap

Powerful Circe, daughter of the sun-god Helios, is sad to see Odysseus, King of Ithaca, depart from her island, Aeaea—but her heartbreak is eased after dolphins take her to Delos, where she explores a new love relationship.

Circe has a strained relationship with her mother, Perse, but when she finally listens to Perse’s encouragement to seek out the amphibian god Glaucus, she’s glad she’s heeded her advice. Together, the two embark on underwater adventures, and Circe shares with Glaucus her knowledge about the healing and harmful power of herbs. While in Delos, she also meets and befriends Skylla, a local beauty with whom Glaucus is enthralled, although the girl is indifferent.

Circe eventually returns to Aeaea, but one day she learns, upon consulting her scrying mirror, that there is trouble in Delos that requires her immediate action. In the turbulent world of gods mingling with mortals, our heroine shifts shapes, flies, and uses her superpowers to reverse the course of evil.

In a tangle of love, hate, vengeance, and the final righting of wrongs, a cast of irresistible characters weaves an adventure laced with beauty and terror in An Unexpected Ally—a newly woven set of tales that brings to life ancient Greek myths and revives issues familiar to contemporary readers.

About the book

What is the book about?

An Unexpected Ally is a tale set in the ancient world of Greek mythology. The story follows Circe, the powerful daughter of the sun-god Helios. When Odysseus, King of Ithaca departs from her island, Aeaea, Circe’s heartbreak leads her on a journey of self discovery and search for a new love.

Guided by her strained relationship with her mother, Circe seeks out the amphibian god Glaucus, on the island of Delos, and together, they embark on underwater adventures. Circe shares her knowledge of healing and harmful herbs with Glaucus hoping to forge a connection between them. While in Delos, Circe befriends Skylla, a local beauty who captivates Glaucus but remains indifferent to him.

As Circe returns to Aeaea, resigned that she has no future relationship with Glaucus, she soon learns from her scrying mirror that trouble in Delos demands her return. In a world where gods and mortals mingle, Circe harnesses her shape-shifting abilities and superpowers to return to Delos and learn what the trouble is.

Amidst a tangle of love, hate, vengeance, and the pursuit of justice, an array of irresistible characters takes the stage, weaving an adventure filled with beauty and terror. The story revives ancient Greek mythology and delves into issues that resonate with today’s readers, making it a tale of timeless alure and excitement.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book in the Fall of 2020

How long did it take you to write it? I

It took me approximately two years to complete the final manuscript.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea for the book originated from reading a series of historical fiction books, (Madeline Miller, Ellen Barker, Natalie Haynes) many based on mythology. I realized there was more to Greek myths than the rudimentary knowledge I had and began reading original sources, such as Homer and Xenophon, Apollonius and Ovid to learn more about my own heritage.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes, there were some parts in the book where I faced challenges, mainly in selecting what myth and which variation I would link, to develop the plot.

This next myth has two versions. Either Theseus abandons Ariadne on Naxos island or he leaves her there on the orders of Dionysus, the god of wine and theater who has fallen in love with her. The choice influences what the story is about. (This example is from work on my forthcoming book, not Circe).

What came easily?

I enjoy describing settings, clothing, and daily life details. I also enjoy the process of research that helps me build a world that I hope is closer to the ancient one. Character development is another aspect of writing I work hard on.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real-world people you know?

In myths, I find that the characters have already been formed in two-dimensional ways (Zeus=father of all, mighty, lover of women, Circe=enchantress, sorceress, Odysseus lover, etc. Beyond these basic elements, I get to elaborate on who they are by adding complexity. Their interactions with other characters color their persona, their strengths, flaws, and struggles. I thoroughly enjoy detailing the dynamics of these interactions. Eventually, the characters in the story, to some extent, are composites of people and situations I have experienced.

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?

Please see my response above to the question about where I got the idea for this book. Also, I love classics about the Middle Ages, such as the Mists of Avalon, and movies with dragons, fairies, and superheroes. I watched Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and I enjoy adventures.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, my target readers for this book are women of all ages who enjoy fast-paced historical fiction but don’t gravitate toward longer, denser reads. An Unexpected Ally is the first novel in a series. The second book will be published in November 2025 and I am thinking about a third.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?

Staring with Chapter One and proceeding with stops and starts is my current process. It is not altogether a tidy process, though; most of the time I write in the morning, but it could be afternoon or evening when I want to grasp a thought that seems worthwhile.  I am a nomad in my house using several ‘workstations.’ There is a very tidy, organized space that I use during the day, but I most often start on a messy kitchen table, where notes, books, and sources about what I am working on at the moment are spread out. There is also the comfortable chair in the living room, and the computer on my lap. I move in between, depending on what I need to do, focus in the tidy space, ‘study’ material in the kitchen or free write, mostly in the living room.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do not outline my work and draft the chapters sequentially. I like to review source notes, and previous chapters as I begin to work on another one, to make sure I stay within the parameters of the given myth, the time, plot and character arc. I usually return to previous chapters to add details that foreshadow what is to come, move sections around and delete what seems irrelevant after all.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go and re-edit the completed draft several times. Early on I focus on the plot, ensuring the story’s structure and narrative flow are solid, before turning to the language. I prefer to shorten sentences and choose better suited words as I go. I find that spreading the editing over multiple revisions makes the task less overwhelming.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I hired a professional editor once I had finished the draft to evaluate and suggest improvements, places to expand, clarify and reword. They provided objective feedback pointing to areas that needed improvement. They gave me good advice about the structure of the book, and helped me to increase consistency, offering concrete suggestions.

Do you listen to music while you write?

No, I don’t listen to music while writing. I focus on writing in a quiet space; I listen to music when I take breaks and need creative time/space. I like to take walks and listen to music and sometimes ideas crop up when I am in that space.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to agents?

The publishing industry can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon to face multiple rejections before finding the right publishing home for my work. There is value in exploring different publishing options, such as hybrid publishing, to find the best fit for your books.

I submitted my first book, a memoir, (Sophia’s Return: Uncovering My Mother’s Past) to several agents at conferences, was invited to submit it several times and received only rejections. I had already published my memoir with a small publisher in Greece and in Greek before submitting it in English to US publishing houses. Once She Writes Press, a hybrid publisher accepted and published my memoir, I submitted An Unexpected Ally to them and I am thrilled that they accepted it.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Faster publishing process: Indie publishing typically allows for a faster timeline from manuscript completion to book release compared to traditional publishing.

Direct royalties: Indie authors often receive higher royalties per book sale compared to traditional publishing contracts, allowing you to earn more from your work.

Niche focus: Indie authors can explore niche topics and genres that might not be as appealing to traditional publishers but have a dedicated and passionate audience.

Transparency in publishing: Reputable indie publishing companies, like She Writes Press, provide clear explanations of the services they offer and the associated fees, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting.

My experience with She Writes Press has been excellent. They offer support and explain what they will deliver clearly. As long as I can afford the publishing and marketing fees I will keep working in the indie world.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My book cover was professionally designed. It is one of the services my publisher provides.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book, or are you just winging it?

I have a marketing plan that with the services of a publicist includes: a Press Release, podcasts, blogs, media, radio, journal article placement, publishing excerpts, reviews and events in bookstores.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Write the best book and keep upgrading your skills: Quality writing is essential for any author, and continuous improvement of writing skills is vital. Strive to refine their craft through reading, writing regularly, and seeking feedback to grow and improve.

Find good teachers and mentors: Learning from experienced writers and mentors can be incredibly beneficial. They can offer valuable insights, critique, and guidance that can help us indie authors to improve and succeed in our writing endeavors.

Join writer’s groups for support and encouragement: Being part of a writing community provides a sense of camaraderie, motivation, and accountability. Writer’s groups allow us to share experiences, offer feedback, and receive encouragement, making the writing journey less lonely and more fulfilling.

Persistence and patience in publishing: Publishing a book can be a lengthy and challenging process. Rejections are inevitable, but they shouldn’t deter an aspiring author. Perseverance and patience are key traits that can ultimately lead to finding the right match for publishing our work.

Never give up: This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice. Writing and publishing can be tough, but a resilient and determined mindset can make all the difference. Even in the face of rejection, staying committed to your passion and goals will increase your chances of success.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Thessaloniki, Greece and came to the US for college studies. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest and return and stay in Greece for extended periods of time now that I am retired.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Seattle, Washington.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I would like readers to know that I am a bicultural, bilingual immigrant to this country that has given me great opportunities and am delighted to share my native land’s heritage through my novels. My grandsons’ love of myths was a great motivation for me to work in this genre.

What are you working on now?

Currently, I am working on the third book in this trilogy of Greek Tales The second book is complete and I anticipate it will be published in November 2023. The working title is Tides of Change: A Greek Tale of Grief and Immortal Hope. I am just beginning to think about what the next one might be about, although I know it will be based on Greek mythology.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of An Unexpected Ally from Amazon US or Amazon UK.