We love a great historical novel and just found out one of the newest releases by Quest Publications is an intriguing tale in the times of the Crusades. Read on to find out more about this great Greek author!
Tell us
where you are from and a little bit about your background.
I was
born in Rethymno, Crete (Greece). My family adored everything related to music,
art, and books. My parents were teachers of math and biology, so I learned to
love studying from an early age. Our neighbors were both history professors in
the University of Crete. My elementary teacher and these neighbors were the
ones who taught me to love history.
You were
born in a country that has so much history, too. When did you realize you
wanted to write and when did you start writing?
The
truth is that when I was a young student, I wanted to become an author, but as
I grew up, music took over as my future occupation. So I forgot my “childhood
dream”. Then I studied history, along with music, and read many historical
books. When I was twenty six years old, a book about the crusades inspired me
to try to write my first historical novel, but when I started it, I didn’t know
that this would become a published historical novel and that I could write more
novels, history articles, book for children etc.
So your
childhood dream came true! Although you already mentioned above, can you tell
us more about the book that inspired you to write your first novel?
It was
Steven Runciman’s history book “A history of the crusades”. I found this part
of history and the author’s narration very amazing, so I thought this part of
the history with the battles, the sieges and the rivalry between the Templars
and the Knights of Saint John could become a fascinating historical novel. That
was how “Hamsin, wind of the east” was born.
How much
research did you do to ensure there’s historical accuracy in your novel?
A
historical novel that follows faithfully the historical accuracy demands a lot
of research and studying. I attempt, in my novels, not to write anything that goes
against proven historical facts, and this makes the whole process even more
difficult. If it is necessary to make a change in a particular historical fact,
I always mention it in a footnote, but I try to avoid it and follow the row of
history in my plot. I intend to make the plot from history and adapt the plot to
it, not the opposite.
I’m sure
that requires a lot of research but it’s worth it. What is your favorite quote
and who wrote it?
Unquestionably
“Carpe diem”! I try hard, every day, to live by this motto, which means I live
and enjoy every moment of the day! This quote comes from the Roman poet
Horatius who lived between 65-8 BC.
That’s a
great quote! Do you have a favorite author? Who? Has this author or their books
influenced your writing in any way?
Many
authors are beloved to me, Greeks and foreigners alike. But I think that the
way Ken Follett writes influenced my writing. Ken Follett has written many
fascinating historical novels that teach and amuse the readers about history.
Another thing I appreciate in Follett’s books, which I try hard to do also in
my writing, is the fast, cinematic plot. Furthermore, in Ken’s work, you will
not find unreal facts that are part of his plot and that’s something you will
not find in my work either.
Wonderful
influence and advice. If you could be a character from any book, who would you
like to be and why?
Definitely
Scarlet O’Hara from the novel “Gone with the wind”, written by Margaret
Mitchell. I admire the courage, the independent spirit she had and her dynamic
character, all these I don’t possess, so I admire it a lot when I see them in
other people!
What a great character indeed! What are
you working on now?
I have
just finished the second part of “Hamsin wind of the east” which concerns the
two sieges of Rhodes when it was under the rule of the Knights of Saint John,
from the Ottomans in 1480 and 1522 AC. Simultaneously, I write Greek mythology
and ancient Greek history for children.
That’s fabulous.
I love Greek mythology and history. Your new book sounds exciting! Where can we
find more about you and your writing?
At the
homepage of Historical Quest and Quest Publications, my publishing house.
Is there
anything else you ’d like to share with our readers?
I think
that all the people must study History, so they can understand the present
global events. I advise them to read, first of all, history of course, and
books that can leave a stamp, in any way, on their souls! Reading, art, and
music make us better persons and spice up our lives, so we ought to keep
ourselves busy with these things as much as we can!
Excellent advice! Thank you so much for your time and we wish you a lot of success in your writing career!
To purchase this great novel, click on one of the links below:
