Inky Interview Special: Sofia Kioroglou

Describe your journey towards becoming an author.

It sure has been quite an adventure, but I feel blessed to have got this far! It is generally very difficult to hit the ground running, but once a door opens, it can lead to a whole new slew of opportunities. The truth is that at first I was baffled as to how my writing would reach as many people as possible and make an impact. There were people out there who have been along for the ride and supported my every effort. I am really grateful to Fire Feinberg from Verse-Virtual who saw that little spark in me and goaded me into writing. Another influencer has been Nancy K. Wagner from Page and Spine Fiction Showcase and Mark Antony Rossi from Ariel Chart. But my first book entitled Literary Journeys to the Holy Land was my editor’s idea, Aristomenis Flourakis, who is also an author and publisher. I am eternally grateful to him for everything.

What kind of poetry do you write?

I love religious and philosophical poetry! For me, poetry is a form of catharsis, a path to a better cognizance of myself and my weaknesses.

Please tell us about Literary Journeys To The Holy Land.

It is a fusion of poetry and narrative with a rich collection of pictures I have taken during my travels to the Holy Land and Egypt. It is a truly compelling book in that you get to trace the life of Jesus through beautiful poetry and text.

You live in Athens. What is the literary scene like?

There’s lots of interesting things going on! There are a slew of good writers out there but there also voices that go unheard or are not given half the chance to go any further. I count myself blessed to have been given the opportunity to get my writing out there without producing anything that is commercialized and cliched.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I am an English teacher and translator and have a heavy workload. My only solace is writing and travelling to the Holy Land and Egypt. I am also involved in missionary work, which I find most fulfilling and enriching!

Who inspires you and why?

I get my inspiration from my travels to the Holy places and from real life events. I don’t like poetry that glosses over facts or that is far removed from the needs of people.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Not to get things too seriously.

Tell us a story in five words.

Never criticize and always forgive.

Have you been on a literary pilgrimage?

My whole life has been a literary pilgrimage.

Why do you think poetry is important?

Because it stirs people into action when they are lulled into a state of complacency.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write from the heart and do not to pander to the demands of publishing houses. If you do that, your work will soon melt into oblivion.

What are you reading at the moment?

I have just finished a biography and I am planning to get my hands on a newly released book by Nontas Skopeteas.

What is next for you? What plans have you got?

I have two projects coming down the pike. The first one is a children’s book, and the other one is a behemoth of a book based on testimonies regarding miraculous events that happened to ordinary people. It is truly fascinating and I got to meet some really interesting fellows during my interviews.

Sofia Kioroglou on Facebook

Sofia’s Blog

Poetry Drawer: No tertium quid by Sofia Kioroglou

Inky Articles: A Spotlight on Miltos Sachtouris: by Sofia Kioroglou

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