April 2023 Newsletter      sophiakouidougiles.com

During the past couple of years, I have been reading novels that are based on ancient stories, mostly those based on ancient Greek mythology. Contemporary titles like Madeline Miller’s Circe, Pat Barker’s Women of Troy and Natalie Haynes A Thousand Ships, have delighted me and kept me company.

I learned that retelling myths is another way to honor time tested stories and an opportunity to give new meaning to aged plots, shifting away from traditionally held interpretations. I was encouraged as a writer to delve into a world I learned about in my childhood. In fact, these were chief attractions for me to this way of writing.

It took a couple of years to complete my first novel, An Unexpected Ally, drilling deeper into each story to untangle a new plot. The Covid years turned productive and purposeful while I kept safe indoors. Although such novels are often regarded as historical fiction, I consider them as a group all its own, for they deliver archetypal characters in relevant ways to contemporary readers. I find it amazing to think that the stories have endured for thousands of years and yet their messages are still relevant and fresh today.

In An Unexpected Ally, besides Circe the protagonist, you will meet Skylla (of Skylla and Charybdis) and Glafkos, a fisherman turns into an immortal god; it is an adventure with unexpected turns, much of it unfolding on the sacred island of Delos. But enough about my forthcoming novel which is available for presale. 

Featured Guest

It is time to introduce a good friend and her debut memoir, Nora Kazazi, my compatriot from Thessaloniki, just published Τα Χρώματα της Ψυχής Μου / The Colours of My Soul. It is well written in Greek and touched me deeply for the genuine and honest telling, a confidential retrospective of childhood and adult years. Hearty congratulations for a page turner that I could not put down until the last line.

To my question, why did you write this book? Nora answered:

“The original idea came from my eldest daughter, who lives with her family in America. “Mom, write your story for your granddaughters.” I dedicated it to my grandchildren, but I wrote it for myself. I am not chatty by nature, nor do I share my personal information easily. Some might even perceive me as unapproachable and, at times, snobbish. By writing this memoir, I expressed all that I have been keeping inside. I asserted myself and exposed my inner dialogue. I spoke to my soul. I neutralized the fear of exposure, and that I view as essential freedom. It freed me from my past and my memories. For me, this book is the unfolding of my psychotherapy.”

Τα Χρώματα της Ψυχής Μου is available to pick up or order at your favorite Greek bookstore. I hope we might have a chance to read it an English translation soon. Καλοτάξιδο!!!

In the Sun and in the Rain aspires to bring you creative work from many corners of the world and introduce many new and old friends. From the Salish Sea of Seattle, I wish you a creative year and many journeys, by train, bus, air, or sea, and through books.

Feel free to share this Newsletter with your reading and writing community and friends who can also subscribe.

Live long and prosper!

Best,

Sophia 

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