MEET GREEK AUTHOR, LIANA METAL

I'd like to introduce Greek author, Liana Metal to my blog audience. Join me while I ask the author some interesting questions.

Q: Tell us about yourself!

A: I am a Language teacher (MA in Ed.), artist, reviewer and writer living in Greece. As a mother of two, I have spent most of my time raising a family and working full time at my own Language School, while painting and writing in my free time. When my kids grew up I decided it was high time I followed my dream to become a writer. I have self published several e books and several print books for my students, and a great number of my articles have been published both in print and online magazines. I started my career by writing children’s stories and educational material, and then created e books of both fiction and non fiction. My articles, reviews and books can be found at http://lianametal.tripod.com, at http://liamet.tripod.com,
and at my blogs http://lianastories.blogspot.com and http://lianaskerkyra.blogspot.com.

I am a member of the authors’ group at OU University, UK, and many writers’ groups online. You can contact me at lianametal@yahoo.com .

Q: When did your passion for writing begin?

A: It dates back to school time, primary school actually, when I was writing the lyrics for my own songs. I even created illustrated short stories for the English class I was attending, a sort of a diary. I was also fascinated by comics and tried to write my own stories then.

Q: What was your first book?

A: The White Snail, a kids’ story, which is still my favorite little baby. I self published it at a local printer and distributed free copies to my students. I even transformed it into an activity story book so as to use it in class. That was the first story that made me find a way to create an e book, so that more people can have access to it online. Thus, the Bedtime Stories (no longer available) e book was created. Then more e books followed.

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Snails…I love watching little creatures sliding along the grass. I’ve written stories about ants, birds, crabs, mice etc. In my stories, these little animals behave like humans, and that is the essential part of each storyline. Also, there is a morale at the end of each story. Besides, I love sketching, and a story book for kids gives me the opportunity to draw and paint which I love very much.

Q: How long does it take you to write a story like this?

A: The idea and the sketches come instantly, but it takes me some time, a month or longer to create a proper copy.

Q: How do you come up with ideas for your writings and why do you feel you choose some over others?

A: Ideas come at any time, usually by observing things and people around, but sometimes come when I relax or I am ready to sleep. This is most annoying as I have to write down a couple of notes to make sure I remember them the next morning. I usually choose the ones that seem feasible for me to realize, after some thought, but I always pick up those that will make me feel good and happy with!

Q: What about the other e books on your site? There are some non fiction ones.

A: Yes, the first one is Writing Basics, a how-to book for new writers. It includes articles that will help new writers come to grips with the internet and shows them how to get published fast. It is a mini guide that contains a market research as well. Currently it is off line but I intend to revise it and republish it via a new online publisher. The second one is Flowers for Women, an anthology of true stories dedicated to women worldwide. The contributors’ stories are inspiring and positive and will entertain all readers, not only women. This one is also off line for the time being due to the publisher’s problems.

Q: Tell us about your book for young adults.

A: The Hostel is a novel set in London, UK, in the early 70s. Apart from the social issues the story seeks to highlight, such as the age difference between a couple and prejudice and discrimination of other cultures, it is an old fashioned subtle romance that includes historical elements of that time and shows the lifestyle of a part of the residents as well. The main character is Nina, a girl in her late teenage years, who fights against odds to keep her first love alive. Readers can read an excerpt of the story at http://lianametal.tripod.com/thehostel

I am a member of the authors’ group at OU University, UK, and many writers’ groups online. You can contact me at lianametal@yahoo.com .


Q: Who is it aimed for?

A: I would suggest that the Young Adults category is appropriate, but I think that adults can find it entertaining as well, especially those who remember the 70s, or those who can identify themselves with the characters of the story. The Hostel is being revised and will soon be available online.

Q: Have you any suggestions for the new writers?

A: Never give up! I was very discouraged every time I got a rejection, but I went on writing and then I got published. If writing makes you happy, you will find a way to do it, no matter how busy you are. Writing is an addiction for life.

Kathy stemke's websites:
http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
http://kathystemke.weebly.com