Welcome to my interview with novelist Effrosyni Moschoudi, author of The Lady of the Pier trilogy.
The first part, The Ebb, is only 99c on Amazon US at the moment and until May 31st. This is an ABNA Q-Finalist, a sweet romance with a paranormal twist that will enthuse romantic souls out there. Hurry and download a copy while the offer lasts!
Hello, Effrosyni,
I’m glad you’re here! First some fun trivia – give me some juicy details…! What is your favorite junk food vice?
A – Greek souvlaki of course, preferably chicken with pita bread – yum!
Q- Do you have a favorite book or film?
A – I have many favorites so I’ll choose one at random from each:
Favorite book: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Film: Dead Poets Society by Peter Weir
Q – Any movies that you really want to see?
A – That’s easy. The next one starring Robert Pattinson. He is the only actor that I will watch in any movie, no matter what it is, as I am such a huge fan. He has done two really bad movies in my opinion, both by Cronenberg, but some gems too, like Bel Ami and Remember Me. Luckily the next one out is bound to be wonderful: Queen of the Desert with co-stars Nicole Kidman and James Franco. Can’t wait!
Q – What’s on your reading list right now?
A – A bunch of awesome reads by indie authors, most of them co-members of the writer’s group eNovel Authors at Work. I also have a couple of non-indie books lined up, like the latest from Kate Morton and Victoria Hislop.
Q – Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
A – Swim and sunbathe. I love the sea. Even in the winter, I need to feel near it, so whenever I have time, I’ll walk along the shore or in our local marina.
Q – Now for some general questions about your current writing. Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?
A – The Lady of the Pier – The Ebb is dedicated to my grandparents and I wrote the book as a tribute to them. Although the plot is a work of fiction, it is peppered with autobiographical elements. Like my character Sofia, I used to spend my summers in Corfu with my grandparents. I was an overprotected daughter and yearned for freedom, just like her. I have a myriad of blissful memories from my summers in Corfu. My readers tell me the descriptions are so vivid it feels like you’re there too. It pleases me immensely to hear that.
Q – What else do you have in the pipeline?
A – I am currently working on the sequels of The Lady of the Pier trilogy. The Flow (book 2) is in the last edits stage and will be published this summer. I am nearly done writing The Storm (book 3) as well and this will be published later this year. Once The Storm is written, I’ll start working on a chick lit story and a children’s story too. Last, I’ll be translating The Necklace of Goddess Athena into Greek as to try and sell it in this country, also to allow my family members to read it; my teenage nieces especially, who keep asking!
Q – Tell us a little bit about your approach to the writing craft. What books have most influenced your life? 
A – Books of esoteric philosophy and self-help. I have been working with myself for the past thirty years, trying to shape my thinking and my character in a way I choose as to find peace and happiness. The greatest achievement for man, I believe, is to master one’s mind, i.e. to learn to control your own thinking. So many people are victimized by the chatterbox of negativity inside their heads. I used mind control methods and meditation to get rid of it and my life has improved dramatically ever since. I’ve also learned to forgive through these practices and to practice gratitude every day. To name the three books that have helped me live a happy life the most, I’ll mention The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel, The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder and Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping.
Q – What are your tips and tricks for other independent authors to get the word out about their books?
A – Reviews don’t sell books, and neither do posts on Twitter and Facebook. From what I have seen, two things only can grant you sales: 1) writing more books: The more you have out there, the more you’re getting heard 2) Doing promotion and advertising. No matter how long you spend on social media and writing blog posts, that won’t get you anywhere. Actually, if I had to choose one, I’d say putting more books out there is #1. After a while, the books almost sell themselves, especially when the Phoenix Effect kicks in, i.e. when your fans start buying your older books because they loved your latest.
Q – Why do you write?
A – Why does the fish swim? Why does the bird fly? A writer can’t help writing any more than these creatures can help doing these things. I think a true writer is born and not made. They pick up a pen as soon as they learn the alphabet and start writing, just like that. They don’t choose it, and they don’t need a reason to write.
Where can people learn more about you and your work?
http://www.effrosyniwrites.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/effrosyni
http://www.twitter.com/frostiemoss
https://www.facebook.com/authoreffrosyni
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7362780.Effrosyni_Moschoudi
https://plus.google.com/+EffrosyniMoschoudi
http://www.pinterest.com/efrosinimoschou/