February 2024 Newsletter      sophiakouidougiles.com

The start of a new year often brings with it a sense of anticipation and a yearning for fresh adventures. And what better way to kickstart the year than by immersing oneself in the pages of a travel writer's book? Travel writing is a gateway to exploring new horizons, capturing fleeting moments in the eloquence of words, and forming connections with the people and histories of other lands. It goes beyond snapshots, immersing in a destination's essence through transportation, food, the people and the vibrant tapestry of its history and culture. Greece, with its multifaceted diversity, offers the perfect canvas for this immersive journey.

In my homeland, one can embark on a voyage that spans from the bustling streets of Athens to the ancient wonders of the Peloponnese, the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, or the idyllic islands of Santorini and Rhodes. The very mention of these destinations, as described in the book's contents, can evoke a sense of pride and homesickness for me, a native of Greece, for places I have seen and those yet to be explored.

Speaking of destinations, in the coming months, I'm excited to bring my latest work, "An Unexpected Ally," to life in two special locations. First, I'll be heading to Kansas City for the Association of Writing Programs (AWP) Conference, where I'll have the privilege of joining other authors to read excerpts from our books. Shortly after, you can catch me in Woodinville, nestled near the city of Seattle. For more information and event schedules, click here and be a part of these exciting book journeys. 

Featured Guest

I am about to introduce to you Sally Jane Smith, a talented Australian author who weaves together vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and profound insights into the Greek landscape, inviting readers to accompany her on a literary odyssey through this enchanting Mediterranean paradise. It is a trip her mother had taken in her time. To my question, “What is the one memory that stands out from your travels in Greece? Something that is typical about the people you encountered,” she answered:

“I’ve had the enormous privilege of exploring twenty-five iconic Greek destinations, but it is the memory of a morning spent wandering Paleochora, on Aegina, that most warms my heart.

Paleochora is an abandoned hilltop settlement, once a refuge from slave-trading pirates who raided the coast. All that’s left, now, are the remains of dozens of churches, some still in use today. It is a site of poignant beauty, and I had it all to myself.

If it hadn’t been for the landlady at my budget accommodation, I would never have had this unforgettable experience. It was Stavroula of Kalokenti Studios who told me about Paleochora and encouraged me to catch the dawn bus to get there. The philoxenia that motivated her to share this gem with me, together with her enthusiasm and pride in her motherland, was typical of the spirit that characterized the people I met in Greece.”

Unpacking for Greece is available to pick up on Amazon and I hope you will. It is written by an author who has lived on five continents and visited thirty-three countries, but credits Greece for turning her into a writer.

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

Live long and prosper! 

Sophia 

In Case You Missed It

Get the latest author updates at sophiakouidougiles.com. Click here to visit the Publications page for recently published articles, books, and to see first to know previews of upcoming work. See video interviews, podcasts and features by clicking here. Find archive newsletters visit the News page.