Ask the Author: Anthea Syrokou
Answered Questions (6)
Anthea Syrokou
The best thing about being a writer is that I can write the stories I always wanted to read, and if the reader enjoys them as well, then that's an added bonus. Actually, it's a lot more than an added bonus; I feel like I've shared a piece of who I am with readers who understand where I'm coming from, who understand why my characters did what they did. It's such an intense feeling to know that a reader has stepped into a world I've actually created, and that he or she wants to stay in that world for as long as they can. I write to express many aspects of who I am. I think you have to delve deep and find the courage to write. Writing is so difficult and time-consuming but it is so worth it if you love doing it.
Anthea Syrokou
The idea for my novel, Eventually Julie, was triggered by my counselling studies; the fact that many of us make choices without challenging our automatic negative thoughts - the voice that tells us we "should" or "ought" to do things a certain way. Many of us listen to this advice which can debilitate our self growth as individuals. Eventually Julie delves into how many of us forget to trust our instincts and how we place obstacles in our own paths.
My latest novel also explores our choices in life; why we react or behave a certain way. For example, one of the main characters is always waiting for something to happen but realises that she doesn't even know what she is waiting for anymore. She wonders why she has allowed herself to be in such a vulnerable situation and watch others pursue their dreams while she continues to watch from behind the scenes.
I was so inspired by many counselling theories that liberate the individual and allow him or her to see that in most everyday situations, they have choices. I wanted to empower the leading females in my novels through awareness.
Of course, this is all done with a touch of humour, a dash of romance, and in beautiful settings around the world.
My latest novel also explores our choices in life; why we react or behave a certain way. For example, one of the main characters is always waiting for something to happen but realises that she doesn't even know what she is waiting for anymore. She wonders why she has allowed herself to be in such a vulnerable situation and watch others pursue their dreams while she continues to watch from behind the scenes.
I was so inspired by many counselling theories that liberate the individual and allow him or her to see that in most everyday situations, they have choices. I wanted to empower the leading females in my novels through awareness.
Of course, this is all done with a touch of humour, a dash of romance, and in beautiful settings around the world.
Anthea Syrokou
I am currently working on editing my second novel which is set in Sydney and different parts of Greece. It's a contemporary romance that deals with three childhood friends and how their lives branch out in different directions. It explores the complexities of human relationships, and how life doesn't always turn out as we plan.
Through each character, we are invited to look into their personal relationships, their family life, and their career life. We see their dreams and learn about their expectations.
The story also emphasises that despite their differences, they are all so similar as they crave the same thing - to belong. The fact that the characters can all bring their own beauty to something - and turn it into something magical as a whole is also highlighted. This is done in a light-hearted way throughout, although there are some heavy, heartfelt moments.
I am very excited about editing the novel, as I get to revisit some of the places in Greece that I had visited as a child and that I also visited later as an adult. It's interesting to evaluate how a child sees different environments, and how an adult sees things - to explore the different perspectives.
We all have different memories, and we choose to remember different things based on what meaning and value we place on them at certain points in our lives. We all grow and evolve, and what we bring to our environment and what we see is ever-changing.
These are the questions and thoughts I had on my mind while writing this novel.
Through each character, we are invited to look into their personal relationships, their family life, and their career life. We see their dreams and learn about their expectations.
The story also emphasises that despite their differences, they are all so similar as they crave the same thing - to belong. The fact that the characters can all bring their own beauty to something - and turn it into something magical as a whole is also highlighted. This is done in a light-hearted way throughout, although there are some heavy, heartfelt moments.
I am very excited about editing the novel, as I get to revisit some of the places in Greece that I had visited as a child and that I also visited later as an adult. It's interesting to evaluate how a child sees different environments, and how an adult sees things - to explore the different perspectives.
We all have different memories, and we choose to remember different things based on what meaning and value we place on them at certain points in our lives. We all grow and evolve, and what we bring to our environment and what we see is ever-changing.
These are the questions and thoughts I had on my mind while writing this novel.
Anthea Syrokou
My advice to aspiring writers is to sit down and write. When you write, you are no longer an aspiring writer; you are a writer. Thinking about it only leads to uncertainty and procrastination. Improving as you write is part of the writing process. When you begin to write, be fearless because it is the first draft so there is so much room for making mistakes. The more you write, the more you will surprise yourself, and each word will produce another and another...
Write with a positive question at the back of your mind such as: "What will I come up with?" A question such as this is non-restrictive. It can produce so many answers, therefore, the writer is free to delve into writing feeling unfettered.
Just like with everything in life, overthinking about something you want to pursue without taking the necessary steps to achieve it only leads to time passing, and regrets. Nobody wants a life with regrets. Writing can set you free. Ideas that have been encaged in a writer's mind and in their heart, can finally have an outlet as soon as the first word appears on the screen or in a writing plan. Every writer works differently. Follow your instincts and write!
Write with a positive question at the back of your mind such as: "What will I come up with?" A question such as this is non-restrictive. It can produce so many answers, therefore, the writer is free to delve into writing feeling unfettered.
Just like with everything in life, overthinking about something you want to pursue without taking the necessary steps to achieve it only leads to time passing, and regrets. Nobody wants a life with regrets. Writing can set you free. Ideas that have been encaged in a writer's mind and in their heart, can finally have an outlet as soon as the first word appears on the screen or in a writing plan. Every writer works differently. Follow your instincts and write!
Anthea Syrokou
I get inspired to write by the environment I find myself in at a specific moment in time. I could be staring out into the garden and notice something amazing happening such as leaves falling from a deciduous tree, or a plant thriving as it is tested against the elements. This will then trigger another thought about life, which then triggers an overall idea and a plan for a story. I am constantly thinking and observing. So many things in life can be inspiring. I could look at a painting for hours and think about how it impacts me and the world around me.
I was always an observer, and I have always believed that most people have something in them that can inspire another person. There is so much beauty in people and life; it's often hard not to be inspired. Beauty can be many things. It can be our strengths, our flaws, our desires, a cup of coffee, music, the strength we find within us when we're faced with adversity, and many more things.
In order to be inspired, I always try to have an open mind and see the world through different eyes, and search for beauty even if there doesn't appear to be any. In a world where there can be pain and suffering, witnessing endurance and empathy in people is always inspiring for writing. Laughter and humour can also inspire my writing.
Humour is part of life, and many of us use humour to make a difficult situation less painful. I bring that into my writing. People always need beauty and laughter in their day.
I was always an observer, and I have always believed that most people have something in them that can inspire another person. There is so much beauty in people and life; it's often hard not to be inspired. Beauty can be many things. It can be our strengths, our flaws, our desires, a cup of coffee, music, the strength we find within us when we're faced with adversity, and many more things.
In order to be inspired, I always try to have an open mind and see the world through different eyes, and search for beauty even if there doesn't appear to be any. In a world where there can be pain and suffering, witnessing endurance and empathy in people is always inspiring for writing. Laughter and humour can also inspire my writing.
Humour is part of life, and many of us use humour to make a difficult situation less painful. I bring that into my writing. People always need beauty and laughter in their day.
Anthea Syrokou
I deal with writer's block by reminding myself that I am choosing to write because "I want to" and that it is an outlet for creative expression. I think when we remind ourselves why we started something in many aspects of life, it can liberate us, and the inner anxiety and conflict can begin to dissipate very quickly. Positive language such as "I prefer to write" instead of "I have to write" is helpful and freeing, and can invite honest expression.
The first draft is treated as a chance to see where my mind will take me. There are no rules and I can try different ideas without fear.
Revisiting my writing plan can also help me to regain focus and direction. This can also alleviate anxiety, and re-introduce momentum and also introduce new ideas into my writing.
If that doesn't work, I change my environment or make my writing environment one that is nurturing and one that can facilitate creativity. Scented candles, ambient music, and herbal tea can be beneficial.
Writers need to nurture themselves so that they can nurture their writing and their characters. When nothing works, writers can give themselves permission to walk away from it for a while and do something else that ignites passion within them. A change of environment can definitely put things in perspective.
The first draft is treated as a chance to see where my mind will take me. There are no rules and I can try different ideas without fear.
Revisiting my writing plan can also help me to regain focus and direction. This can also alleviate anxiety, and re-introduce momentum and also introduce new ideas into my writing.
If that doesn't work, I change my environment or make my writing environment one that is nurturing and one that can facilitate creativity. Scented candles, ambient music, and herbal tea can be beneficial.
Writers need to nurture themselves so that they can nurture their writing and their characters. When nothing works, writers can give themselves permission to walk away from it for a while and do something else that ignites passion within them. A change of environment can definitely put things in perspective.
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