Saturday, October 8, 2011

2 ebooks to WIN - Interview with Author - Maria Papadopoulou - Short Story: Press Delete)


2 Free ebooks to giveaway - first 2 people to comment below will win!!  Leave your email address so we can send you your free ebook.

Short bio: A freelance writer at helium.com and an author of the poetry book ‘’From Hell With Love’’ as well as the short story book ‘’Press Delete’’.  My short story ‘’Goodbye’’ has been published on the online magazine ‘’Eschatology’’.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

My most recent book is a short story called ‘’Press Delete’’, published at Smashwords.com.  It is a love story about a victim and  victimizer. Only you don’t really know who is who until the end!

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

  Don’t trust me so easily! You don’t know me as well as you think!’’

Do you have plans for a new book?  

I am currently working on a collection of short stories.

What or who inspired you to write? 

I would have to say it is a combination of overheard dialog, personal experiences, books, movies and plays. It is a little bit of everything, beautifully blended in my mind and soul.

 And how long have you been writing?

I think I started at some point in high school. I remember keeping a diary, writing about things that had impressed me during the day. It could be a test, the words of a teacher, a conversation with a classmate. I remember I used to use each event to develop a whole story in my mind and then I absolutely had to write that story in my diary.

Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?

Yes! I would like to give 2  free copies of my book to two lucky readers of this blog. I am letting you Patti choose how that will happen. 

How did you come up with the title?

Sometimes, things happen in life that force us to take a totally different path all of the sudden, even though we might not be prepared for it, even though we don’t understand it, even though we are not really ready for it. We just have to move forward whether we like it or not and forget all about the past. ‘’Press Delete’’ seemed like the totally appropriate title for the story I wanted to write.


Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
My story is not real. However, the characters are not total strangers to me. We haven’t met but I believe I know them well enough.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

That’s a tough one, there are so many.  If I had to choose just one, I would have to go with ‘’ A tree grows in Brooklyn’’. by Betty Smith. I adored the character of Francie. I love underdogs, character that triumph in their own special way without even realizing it themselves.


Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I don’t mind. As long as the story is good, I am fine with ebooks, paperbacks and hardcovers.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
Yes. I didn’t  follow the traditional route because I didn’t want to wait for too long to see my stories published.

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Many times. And every time, I discover something different, something that I didn’t notice the previous time. Experience and wisdom can give you  a different perspective on things and the way they are developed.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
All the Harry Potter movies. The  books were good, but the movies were more than good. They were awesome.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Let the characters drive the stories. Show but not tell. Keep the suspence till the last minute.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
Find what you really want to write about. Never force yourself to write about something you know nothing about just because it may sell more. Stay true to yourself.


What are your pet peeves?

Traffic. Bad drivers. Pests.  Delicious Not necessarily in that order.

Cats or dogs?

Young cats and old dogs.

White wine or red? Only white.

Coffee or tea? Both.

Favorite food? Anything with pasta.

Vanilla or chocolate icecream? Right now, vanilla.


What are 4 things you never leave home without?

My purse, my keys, my cell phone and at least 1 book to read on the way.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop. I want to write at the comfort of my own bed, couch or coffee table.


One of your favorite quotes –’What matters is the journey, not the destination’’.


What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

I love CSI. I love to try and understand how criminals think and how they can get caught.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Twitter:@sunsetsunrise1

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
It is an ebook.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Maria, very beautiful interview. Your story sounds very interesting. I am from Greece and I sure of your name that you have greek descent.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. i want it too ^^ thanks for the giveaway.

    witchvela at web dot de

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are both winners and your ebooks are on their way to you now! Patti

    ReplyDelete

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