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Interview with blogger Effrosyni Moschoudi

Posted on Mar 15, 2018

Hello folks! Today I’m honored to have on my blog the talented children’s author and illustrator, Marina Gioti. Those who follow my blog may remember I mentioned her during my recent interview with her husband, fabulous author (and actor of The Durrells) Kostas Krommydas.
Marina enjoys tremendous success in Greece. The photos from her book tours that she brought to show us today attest to that fact. Her books have recently been translated into English and made available on Amazon so readers around the world can sample her exquisite stories and illustrations too. It’s a thrill for me to introduce Marina’s work to you today. Check this out:

Hello Marina and welcome to my blog!
Thank you for inviting me, Fros! Thrilled to be here.

What has inspired you to write the “Twice Upon a Time” children’s book series?It was a phrase that my daughter, Vaia, used to describe a fox when she was just five years old. She said: “Mummy, a cunning fox!” and I thought, “Why cunning?” Are all foxes cunning and all wolves bad? Why so much discrimination in children’s fairytales? That’s how the idea of “Twice Upon a Time: Little Red Riding Hood” was born. In the book series, we start with the classic fairytale for younger children, and we continue after “happily ever after” when the child is ready to question the original story.

Oh how fresh! I love this concept…
Thank you, Fros. And what’s more, each book has a theme: “Twice Upon a Time: Little Red Riding Hood” is about racism and bulling, “Twice Upon a Time: Cinderella” questions the idea of the perfect prince and shows children that the magic we need to make a difference is within us. “Twice Upon a Time: Little Thumb” helps children face their fears. All three books teach children to question what they hear or take for granted and to think critically.

Wonderful! What other writing have you done? Anything else published?I have authored six picture books in Greek, three of which have been translated into English and are now available on Amazon. A book I am very proud of is called “One Heart”. It is a picture book for mothers and daughters of all ages, which explores that never-ending love we have for our children. It was traditionally published in Greece last year and is due to be released in English through Amazon very soon. I have received more feedback for that book in Greece than any other book I have ever authored, and I am eagerly anticipating its release on Amazon to see how it will be received by English-speaking readers.

Any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your spare time?

I’ve been an avid tennis player since the age of nine. I also ski; either on the mountains or on water depending on the season, and I love to ride my bicycle too. I also read a lot and go to the theater very often.

Wow, where do you find the time? I am astounded!
Yes, finding time for fun is always a problem but I manage somehow! *giggles*
Who are your favorite authors, and what do you love about them?
Difficult question, I have so many! Children’s book authors: I love the work of Kobi Yamada and Oliver Jeffers. Novels I have enjoyed include the “Tea Rose” trilogy by Jennifer Donnely and the “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.

What genres do you read mostly, and what are you reading now?
I read and collect children’s books for all age groups. I am a big fan of Harry Potter. I also read crime fiction, mystery romance novels, and biographies.

My readers (and I) love pets! Do you have any? Tell us their names, and share any photos please!
Ever since I remember myself I’ve had pets, mostly dogs; I’ve also adopted a couple of cats in the past. I prefer to adopt rather than buy a pet. I believe that the right dog finds you in a karmic kind of way, when it is time.

Oh that’s so true. And do you have any pets at the moment?Yes, I have Cora – a female beagle, and I adore her… She is my buddy and we usually work together. I tend to talk to her a lot sharing my ideas. She looks at me in a way that often suggests I am crazy, but that’s okay. She doesn’t share that information with anybody, though…

Good girl, Cora! *chortles* Are there any sites or writing tools that you find useful and wish to recommend?I studied illustration and communication design in a prominent art school in New York. When I returned to Greece, I worked for fifteen years in advertising, where I rarely used my illustration skills. When a well-known traditional publishing house in Greece approved my first book for publication, I asked them to collect some samples before hiring an illustrator, while I submitted my own work for consideration too. The site that helped me the most to do that was what later became SVS (Society of Visual Storytelling) by Will Terry and his team. The site is filled with amazing tips and videos! They helped me update my skills in digital media and to improve my craft so I could become the illustrator of my own published books. I am very, very grateful!
I am so glad you could do that, Marina. It benefits the children too, I believe, to be able to see how the characters actually look in the author’s mind. And thank you for this precious resource for illustrators!

If you could have one superpower what would it be?
To be able to manipulate time. I always think its not enough!

Oh, I feel you! What are the things in your life that you’re most grateful for?
My family, my wild imagination and my strong empathy.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a storyteller that helped children dream without restrictions so they could make their dreams come true as adults.

And that would be a wonderful legacy… I wish it for you, Marina. Thank you so much for being here with us today!
Thank you too, Fros, for introducing me to your readers. I enjoyed our chat immensely!

Source: effrosyniwrites.com

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