The Indie Corner: Interview with Georgina Guthrie & E-Book Contest!

Hey Everyone,

It has been a while since I have updated this column. A very talented lady is going to be the very first guest of 2014. Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present you Georgina Guthrie the author of  the Words trilogy!

The Weight of Words is her first book and it is currently out! 
I do hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did! 

Hey Georgina, welcome to my blog. Can you please tell us a few things about yourself?

First of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to chat about my books and writing. Thanks for inviting me!

As for me…well, I’m a wife and a mother and somehow amid all the writing I manage to hold down a full-time job. I have a terrible sweet tooth. Chocolate and wine gums are my go-to snacks. I also have a weakness for pasta—I could eat it every day—which poses problems because as I get older, I see, to be becoming quite sensitive to gluten. *sad face*

Tell us a few things about your trilogy.

It’s romantic, but also sexy. I enjoy building sexual tension between characters. While there are a few dramatic moments, the books are also witty. The characters are clever, so their banter is fun to write. I subscribe to Shakespeare’s philosophy that comic relief is a good thing.

How did you feel when you got your hands on your first book?

I had a few tears. I was out for brunch with some girlfriends, and one of them had bought The Weight of Words and wanted me to sign it. That was my first time seeing it up close. I don’t think what I wrote in her book was terribly brilliant. I was so overwhelmed by seeing the paperback for the first time.

Can you share a favorite quote from “The Weight of Words?”

An easy one is:  “The wheel may be turning, but the hamster is dead.” That’s such a great way to sum up the dead air between a certain character’s ears.

Also, I pretty much adore all of the sexual innuendos and banter between Aubrey and Daniel.

Do you have a favorite character? If you can decide, tell us why.

Penny has always been a favourite. She just says whatever comes into her head and it’s usually ridiculous, inappropriate or self-deprecating. Also, as a Brit myself, I enjoy having the opportunity to purge my inner voice through her. 

In the second and third books of the series, Patty wins, hands down. She’s Daniel’s grandmother, and she embraces the tenet that with age comes the right to say and do whatever the hell she likes. She’s wise and irreverent in equal measure and doesn’t miss a beat. 

Are you in the process for a new story or is it too soon yet?

I’m always writing. I’ve written a YA novel which I’d like to publish, but I do have a few other “grown up” stories simmering. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. *sigh*

What are you enjoying the most when you are writing?

I enjoy the way that writing teaches me about myself. I often don’t know how I truly feel about something until I start exploring the concept in my writing.

1    Tell us a nicest that happened with one of your readers.

Readers have done some incredible things over the years, from creating mixed media paintings, to making me jewelry based on my books. Someone even wrote a song inspired by one of the characters’ actions. I’m always amazed by people’s creativity and their willingness to share their art with me.

2       What book did you read this past month?

I finally finished Allegiant I had to keep putting it down because I knew what was coming. 
I’m currently reading Purple Hibiscus, but it’s slow going as I’m editing my face off. LOL.

3   If you were to write a story that required a journey, what country would you like to visit?

      There are a few countries in Europe that I’d love to visit and ultimately write about.  Italy, Spain, Greece…

I’d also love to visit Cyprus. That’s where my parents met. I hope I’ll make it there one day. I’m sure there’s a story or two I could cook up. J

Thanks for your time! :)

Thank you for having me!

Useful Links
Georgina Guthrie's Website
Georgina on Twitter 
Georgina on Goodreads

The Weight Of Words Synopsis

Aubrey Price is in the final months of her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. Bright, witty, and fiercely independent, Aubrey works part-time for the college dean and has her sights set on graduating with distinction. When she meets Dean Grant's son, Daniel, the TA in her senior Shakespearean studies course, a shared love of the Bard's works and an instant mutual attraction draw Aubrey and Daniel together. 

Unfortunately, a strict anti-fraternizing policy--made more perilous by a black mark on Daniel's record--keeps them apart. Against this academic backdrop, Aubrey and Daniel navigate their way through a steamy courtship, their forbidden romance aided, abetted, and sometimes thwarted by a colorful cast of friends, family, and classmates.

Now, CONTEST Time...

Georgina is really kind and one lucky person from Greece or Cyprus will win a "Weight Of Words" Ebook! Are you excited? I am... Just leave a comment with your email or twitter account in the comment section below!

The contest will be on until Wednesday 29/01/2014  23:59 Greece Time! Good Luck!

I am thinking...

Happy New Year! Kinda late I know but, I haven't planned this entry. Still, here it is. Some intangible ideas or maybe not. As some say, there are days and days...

DB18.com | Sad | Forward this Picture

There are days that I am thinking that I am quiet and maybe, just maybe some feel that I have gone far away. 

There are days that I am thinking that I have to do so many things, and although I am doing them. I am leaving a part, someone behind. It is not easy to stay focused.

I used to be more extrovert, but now I am more focused and introvert. I communicate yes, but I do talk only when I have something to say.

So many people express their opinions, the noise is so much sometimes. 

Sometimes, we don't even realize that we produce noise and not sound. 

If you had quality time for yourself what would you do? Do you have any idea how hard is to lock everything outside and just be yourself? 

If you had a chance to change anything. What that would it be?

I am thinking that there are times that Life is happening when we are too focused somewhere else. 

I am thinking that Change is inevitable and we don't realize it until it is too late.

I am thinking many things at the moment and my consciousness is flooded by sounds, images and words.

Too many words. 

I am thinking. Do you?

Απολογισμός του 2013...

Καλησπέρα, 

Ήρθε ο καιρός για έναν ακόμα απολογισμό. Το να βάζεις μια τελεία στα πράγματα καμιά φορά είναι θεμιτό. Έτσι και εγώ θα γράψω μερικά λόγια για την χρονιά που πέρασε. 

Όταν ξεκίνησε αυτό το έτος το μόνο που ζήτησα είναι το κάτωθι: 

Photo Credit: Me (Instagram)

Και τα κατάφερα. Αρκετά καλά για να μην πω ότι τα κατάφερα στο μάξιμουμ. Σε όλες τις εκφάνσεις αυτού του έτους ήμουν αληθινή στον εαυτό μου. Αρκετά αληθινή για να δω τα πρώτα σημάδια της κόπωσης και της αμφιβολίας. 

Φέτος αποφάσισα να ξεκινήσω ένα δεύτερο πτυχίο. Κάποια πράγματα με έχουν κουράσει αρκετά και ήθελα κάτι νέο. Μια νέα πρόκληση. Και σε αυτές τις περιπτώσεις, επειδή ξέρω καλά τον εαυτό μου αλλά εσείς όχι, όταν βάζω κάτι στο μυαλό μου αυτό και γίνεται. Και έγινε. 

Παρακολουθώ ένα μάθημα Ιστορίας φέτος και μπορώ να πω ότι η ύλη είναι πολλή μεγάλη. Πάρα πολλή μεγάλη. Και όχι ότι δεν έχω συνηθίσει το διάβασμα. Το έχω συνηθίσει. Καμιά φορά όμως οι άλλες μεταβλητές της εξίσωσης δεν είναι ίδιες. Υπάρχει πάρα πολύ τρέξιμο στα γραφεία. Πολλή δουλειά, λίγος χρόνος και κόπωση. Πολλή κόπωση. 

Θα μπορούσα να πω ότι έχω μπουχτίσει τα ίδια και τα ίδια, γιατί τα έχω μπουχτίσει. Και ενώ φαινομενικά τίποτε δε συμβαίνει, τα πάντα έχουν συμβεί! Απλά δεν εστιάζω εκεί την δεδομένη στιγμή για να τα αντιληφθώ όλα. 

Η αμφιβολία ήρθε λοιπόν και μου χτύπησε την πόρτα. Where did I let myself into? Γιατί τώρα; 

Γιατί πάντα όταν παίρνεις μια απόφαση που αλλάζει ή θα αλλάξει την ζωή σου, υπάρχουν δυνάμεις που αντιστέκονται. Το παλιό, το σύνηθες, το δεδομένο. 

Φέτος ήταν ο πρώτος χρόνος που δεν έχω γράψει όσο θα ήθελα. Έχω διαβάσει πολύ ναι, αλλά δεν έχω γράψει. Όμως, για ότι έχω γράψει είμαι περήφανη. Υπάρχει μια διαφοροποίηση, από τα πρωτόλεια κείμενα μου. Μια διαφοροποίηση που σχηματίζεται αργά αλλά σταθερά και αυτό είναι μεγάλη επιτυχία σε ένα χρόνο που η ζωή απαίτησε από μένα να είμαι συγκεντρωμένη, τυπική και up to the point στον εργασιακό μου χώρο. 

Δε ξέρω τι θα φέρει το 2014. Σίγουρα αλλαγές. Αλλαγές προς το καλύτερο ή το χειρότερο δε γνωρίζω ακόμα. Σίγουρα όμως, θα με φέρει κοντά σε όλα εκείνα που αγαπώ. Γιατί το παν στην ζωή είναι να αγαπάς και να αγαπιέσαι. 

Καλή χρονιά να έχουμε με ότι, όσους, όσα αγαπάμε...

Υ.Γ. Ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στον Σπύρο. Ξέρει αυτός...

Υ.Γ. 2 Δεν έχω ξεχάσει τους υπόλοιπους. Τα ευχαριστώ μου και σε εσάς... (για να μην παραπονιέστε)

Αόρατη κλωστή

Αυτό το βράδυ κάπου ταξιδεύεις. Θα με πάρεις μαζί σου;

Photo Credit

Whoever knows who the artist is please inform me to add their name. Thank you.

Beautiful music for the soul...

Κάνεις υπομονή. Μέρες, μήνες, χρόνια. Χρόνια ολόκληρα και περιμένεις κάτι να αλλάξει.  Όμως το μόνο πρόσωπο που αλλάζει είναι το δικό σου στο καθρέφτη. Τα γύρω σου είναι ίδια, ή ακριβώς όμοια, εσύ όμως όχι. 

Κάπως έτσι συμβαίνει η ζωή γύρω μου. Εγώ να τρέχω να την προλάβω και εκείνη να μου διαφεύγει. Θαρρείς πως ζήτησα κάτι τέτοιο; Το μόνο που ζήτησα είναι πάθος, και να είμαι αληθινή ως προς τον εαυτό μου.

Αν είμαι; Είμαι. Δεν μπορώ να ζήσω αλλιώς. Ο κόσμος γύρω μου καταρρέει. Κρατιέμαι ακόμα, μα γνωρίζω ότι η υπομονή μου δε θα κρατήσει για πολύ. Έχω συρράψει τα χείλη μου με αόρατη κλωστή. Δε βγαίνει κάτι άγριο, παρά μόνο σιωπή.

Κοιτώ έξω από το παράθυρο ηλιαχτίδες που χορεύουν, μα ο ήλιος είναι άφαντος από το οπτικό μου πεδίο. Φυλακισμένη σε ένα άσπρο δωμάτιο με παράθυρα που βλέπουν σε ακάλυπτο. Να θέλω να βγω στο δρόμο και να μην μπορώ. 

Ο ενήλικος εαυτός μου με κρατά σε πειθαρχία, ενώ το παιδί μέσα μου θέλει την αταξία. Θέλει ταξίδια, να περπατήσει δίπλα στο πράσινο. Να μυρίσει λουλούδια, να ακούσει να κελαηδούν τα πουλιά. Θέλει, θέλει, θέλει…

Με ρώτησε μια μέρα γιατί κάθομαι και υποφέρω. Δεν ήξερα πως να του απαντήσω. Πως να πείσεις ότι το να είσαι υπεύθυνος άνθρωπος καμιά φορά σε σκοτώνει σιγά σιγά; 

Με κοίταξε λυπημένο και μου χάιδεψε το χέρι. Το σοκ ήταν μεγάλο, μα είχα ανάγκη την επαφή. Την αποζητούσα. Μα το σκληρό περίβλημα του ενήλικα τράβηξε το χέρι. Δεν έπρεπε να ραγίσω, όχι εδώ, όχι τώρα. 

Πάντα να έχεις τον έλεγχο. Πάντα. Μα ποιον έλεγχο ήθελα να ήξερα. Ποιον έλεγχο όταν εσύ ο ίδιος υπακούεις σε κανόνες που αυτοί που τους εφηύραν είναι δυστυχισμένοι ή τουλάχιστον θέλουν όλους τους άλλους να είναι δυστυχισμένοι, ενώ όλοι προσποιούνται ότι έχουν φτάσει στην προσωπική τους αυτοπραγμάτωση;

Κάνεις υπομονή. Κάνω υπομονή. Κάνουμε υπομονή.

Τα βράδια που όλοι γυρνάμε σπίτια μας, ουρλιάζουμε χωρίς λαλιά καθισμένοι μπροστά στην οθόνη. Διαλέξαμε όλοι μας το θάνατο. Διαλέξαμε όλοι την συνενοχή. Κάνω υπομονή. Όπως και εσύ. Μη με ρωτάς αν ξέρω κάτι άλλο. Δε ξέρω τίποτε.

Poem: That's Not The Point..

Kalimera,
It's been a while. Too many words are dancing in front of me. I have to write them down...

Photo Credit

That's Not The Point

Leaves are falling, feeling blue.
I look at the sky, I see nothing but you.

You said you will come and find me
That's not the point
You said when you see me you always smile
That's not the point

I know when your eyes are lying
I can see brown snowflakes dance
I know when your smile is genuine
I can read you like an open book

Leaves are falling, feeling blue
I look at the sky, all I can see is you.

You said come with me
We will be good together
You said let me take you far away
Trouble makes your eyes gray

Leaves are falling, feeling blue.
You are not here, yet I am with you.

The air is talking, we just move.
We walk away, yet here we stay.
That's not the point.
That's not the point.

My friend Kristina Foulias is singing this amazing song...

The Indie Corner: Interview with Debra Anastasia

Hello Everyone,
After a while, I finally managed to start again a new series of Interviews. This part of my blog is called 'The Indie Corner.". For this time, I am really happy to have around Debra Anastasia. I know her for several years and all I can tell is that she has a heart of gold. Just don't be afraid from her potty mouth, she is an amazing lady and a very good author.

Q: Tell us a few things about yourself.

I’m a mom, a wife a nimrod and an author!

Q: Which book you read lately that made you laugh? 

I actually listened to Brian Regan, a comedian and he always makes me laugh. My recent books have been serious. 

Q: Poughkeepsie was your first novel. How do you feel that in almost two months its sequel “Return to Poughkeepsie” will come out? 

I feel super nervous. It is Beckett and Eve’s story so it’s almost an anti-romance. They are so volatile and deadly. 

Q: Was it easy to “visit” again those characters?

It was awesome. I missed them all and it was great to see the depth and growth they have had. 

Q: Did any of the characters surprise you? How?

Βeckett surprises me in that he always does things the wrong way. He is tough to plot with because I think he is going one way and he totally doesn’t. 

Q: Do you want to share with us a scene or a quote?

Sure!

He wrapped her ponytail around his fist, leaning close to her ear. “I’m never opposed to sexual favors as payment.” “I’m too exhausted to kick your ass. Drop my hair. You know better.”

Q:  Your stories have a strong usage of the dipole good or bad, whether is a Seraph and a devil, a team of good people vs gangsters. What draws you in those stories?

I think the characters draw me in, finding what makes them tick and shaking up their world. And yes, there are a few that curse their faces off. 

Q: Do you have a favorite character? If you can decide and why.

I think Satan Jack from the Bittersweet Series is my favorite. He was supposed to be a villain and I just fell for him. He burned up the scenes he was in and I was forced to get to know him better. 

Q: Through the years you have supported numerous causes. This month you are trying to raise awareness to breast cancer and for that reason you wrote a novella “A night with Andres.” All the proceeds will go to charity. Do you think that authors can inspire their readers to become more active in several causes?

My hope is that readers have a reason to indulge in something they enjoy and contribute to a cause. Cancer is an incredible, merciless bully and I’d like to see it cured someday. If my readers and I can help, then I love that. 

That was Debra Anastasia! I do hope you enjoyed the interview as I did. 

Links:
Debra's Website
Debra on Twitter
Debra on Goodreads

Αγαπημένε μου...

Καλημέρα και καλό μήνα,

Καμιά φορά οι μελωδίες σου αποκαλύπτουν κρυμμένα λόγια. Λόγια αγάπης, καημού και σιωπής.

Μένει μόνο να ακούσεις το ψίθυρο τους...

Photo Credit

Το συγκεκριμένο ποίημα, γράφτηκε υπό τον ήχο του Ombre του Ludovico Einaudi. Απολαύστε τα μαζί...

Αγαπημένε μου...

Αγαπημένε μου λείπεις...

Πάει καιρός που σε είδα.

Αγαπημένε μου,

πως να ξεχάσω το χάδι σου

Αγαπημένε μου,

το βλέμμα μου έχασε την σπιρτάδα του.

Αγαπημένε μου,

Οι μέρες κυλούν, μα εγώ μένω στάσιμη

Αγαπημένε μου,

αλλάζω στον καθρέφτη μου, μα δε με γνωρίζω

Αγαπημένε μου,

πότε θα έρθεις πίσω;

Αγαπημένε μου, μου λείπεις

Πάει καιρός που σε είδα

Αγαπημένε μου, σε περιμένω

Γύρνα...