Sunday 4 August 2013

Author Interview – Eleni Papanou

Tell us a bit about your family. 
I’m married to a supportive man who is also an awesome beta reader. He’s not working now due to multiple sclerosis, but he’s a fighter and truly inspirational. One of my characters in my next release, Beyond Omega’s Sunrise,” is loosely modeled after him. I also have two daughters that I homeschool. I’m teaching them how to write and publish. We’re working on a book together and have already completed our first draft.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
Good question. I tend to hyper-focus a lot, and I easily get locked into my thoughts—which is great when I’m plotting, but not when it comes to criticizing myself. When I have a setback, my mind tends to loop around the problem, bringing with it every previous setback I’ve ever had.  Luckily, I understand what’s happening to me psychologically, and I’m able to ignore the voices of defeat. To clear my mind, I’ll go for a walk or hit the gym.
What scares you the most?
That the world we’re creating for our children is more limiting than the one I grew up in. Children are being labelled with varying mental illnesses, drugged and set apart if they’re different. It’s one of the reasons I chose to homeschool. I nurture my children’s individuality. I only hope they’ll have the freedom to express themselves by the time reach adulthood.
What makes you happiest?
Seeing my children happy an engaged in a creative project. I love the look of accomplishment on their faces.
What’s your greatest character strength?
I have an iron will. If I set my mind to something, I won’t stop until I achieve my goal. It’s making the goal that proves to be a challenge to me.
What’s your weakest character trait?
Impatience. I’m brutally honest with my shortcomings and am working hard to eradicate them. My main goal is to master myself. Developing patience has proven to be the most difficult aspect of my personality to tame. I think my impatience has to do with the fact that I’m very high-strung and complete projects quickly when I have a solid goal. That makes most people around me seem slower.
Why do you write?
It keeps me sane. Writing is a form of meditation for me and a way for me to grow internally. I was just joking on my Facebook page how I feel like John the Savage from a Brave New World. At times, I feel as though I was born in the wrong age.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
No. I have to be honest here.  I used to hate the isolation that came with it, but I now find it comforting.  What I enjoy most about the craft is conceiving and putting together a story idea. So outlining and plotting is my favorite part of the process, writing the first draft comes next.
What motivates you to write?
Building a story from a concept and seeing what happens in the end.
Jessie's Song
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Paranormal Mystery
Rating – PG13
More details about the author & the book
 Connect with Eleni Papanou on Facebook & Twitter & LinkedIn

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