My initial publishing chat (where I outline the publishing process including the associated costs to produce a professional book) with first-time author Marios Michaelides had just just come to an end. Marios understandably needed some time to plan for the upcoming project. Little did I know that within a few weeks, he would be ready for us to begin with his book project. Marios had done something unusual, he had crowd-funded the publishing process almost fully using one of the various online platforms setup for this purpose.
Once the travel memoir had found it’s way to shelves of Amazon, Marios once again had rolled up his sleeves and designed his very own author website, found here www.mariosmichaelides.com. (Take a look…)
He is both determined & resourceful and I have no doubt that his book will keep you entertained.
Your author name
Your book title
Give us the elevator pitch for your book?
Travels with Meera Patni is a memoir of Marios (myself), who is conflicted with purposelessness as his girlfriend unwittingly launches them on a life-changing 30 000 km journey backpacking across the Asian continent.
It is a reminder of what can happen if we walk into the unknown, replacing fear with faith, and of the old truths still lurking in the remote corners of this world. And while travelling is not always as glamorous as it is sometimes made out to be. If we follow our hearts and allow ourselves to dream, we may find something so much more than money could ever buy. Let alone what we could even have imagined possible.
In addition, reading between the lines, this novel provides a blueprint for others who have always dreamt of going on their own adventures and, like me, had no idea where to start.
How long did it take for you to finish the final draft of your book?
Wow, way too long. Thanks to you guys it really got going. I would have still been busy with it if it was not for you bunch. But roughly 6 years of writing.
What makes this book different from others on the shelf?
It is a very personal story of my journey with my (now wife) through Asia. All the experiences and events, people we met, adventures we had are very unique to us. I think what really makes it different is how all these things fused into my own personal inward journey. But at the same time I think the person struggles are very relatable to many other people out there too and the lessons learnt are universally applicable.
What was the hardest part of the writing journey for you?
I never knew how to write a book at the beginning. I just picked up my pen and started piecing together diary entries. I had to rewrite the entire book around 4 times. I would say I did it the long and maybe silly way round, perhaps seeking some guidance on how to plot the entire thing out from the beginning would have really helped. It was also difficult taking a personal story and translating that into something that everyone would find interesting and exciting. However, persistence paid off.
Another challenge was keeping motivation to keep writing over the years. Even though I gave up many times I really wanted to finish what I started. That is what made it so special having all the guys at MyEbook help boost me over the finish line.
Your favourite place to write?
I have written this book in many places over the last 6 years. One of the most memorable was in the arctic circle in my cabin while it was -30 degrees outside. I was doing research out there and on some cold days had nothing else to do but write.
What kept you motivated to write during the times you felt stuck?
Finishing something that I started. It was important to me that I continue no matter what, as holding your word, especially with yourself, is what gives you pride in yourself. If anything I am proud that I published my first book.
Tell us something about yourself that readers would not be able to guess?
I think you will find many of those secrets in the novel. Find out there.
Have you written any other books?
Nope this was my first.
Assuming you may not write full time, what is your day job?
Currently conservation and impact investing.
How should someone get in touch with you?
Check out my website mariosmichaelides.com and send a message through there.
