We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Effie Kammenou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Effie , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful writing project was my first full-length novel. It wasn’t something I thought I’d ever accomplish or have the discipline to write. But expressing myself creatively got me through one of the most difficult times in my life. My mother passed away from pancreatic cancer after her brave two-and-a-half-year battle. She was the guiding force in our family, not only for me and my sisters but also for her six grandchildren. I wanted to stay strong to help my father through his grief and my children who were utterly devastated. She’s had such a great influence on their lives. It wasn’t until six months later that I realized I needed an outlet for my grief. One evening, I sat down in front of my computer and started writing a story – one that would honor my mother’s loving character, grace, and heritage. Though it was a work of fiction, my mother was recognizable in the character of Ana.

At that point, it was simply an exercise to channel my sorrow. But it became so much more. I never dreamed it would become the first book in a multigenerational trilogy that would honor so many people and events from the past. From freedom from the Ottoman Occupation and the horrific genocide of the Greek Jews by the Nazis to more beautiful moments and traditions, this book still remains the one dearest to my heart.

What makes this book even more special is the reaction from readers of all ages. The book is split into two parts, Ana’s story and that of her daughter, Sophia’s, years later as she enters young adulthood. They both live through their own triumphs and trials. Readers of all ages wrote to let me know they related to one circumstance or another. Others wrote about historical events they were unaware of. Surprisingly, many wrote they were unaware there was a Jewish community in Greece. Though the population is predominantly Greek Orthodox, there are citizens of other religious persuasions. This particular element of historical fiction came to me inspired by two people. The best friend and neighbor my mother grew up with as a young girl in Athens. It was told to me that my grandfather did what he could to protect her family. The other influence was a dear doctor I worked with in the optical industry years ago. He was a Greek Jew from Thessaloniki, which is where that section of my story takes place.

This book, Evanthia’s Gift, took on a life of its own as I wrote. It was an experience like no other.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I had never intentionally set out to be a writer. My goal from a young age was to become an actress. But when I think back now, I remember writing plays with a neighborhood friend and later, for my church and children’s school. Analyzing scenes line by line and writing ones of my own was part of the curriculum at Hofstra University’s Theater Department. However, I discovered playwriting was not my favorite writing medium. I far more enjoyed writing backstories, internal dialogue, and in-depth descriptions of places and situations.

I did not pursue an acting career nor did I begin my path to writing my first novel until later in life. Instead, I worked in the optical industry for over forty years, taking the safe route to a steady paycheck. Now, I’m proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. I recently began working as a background actor in films and television. I’ve been away from performing for a long time so this is one way to slowly get reacquainted with the industry. One step at a time. And naturally, I’ll continue to write. I’ve just completed my seventh novel, which, at the time of this interview, has not been published.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first began writing my first book, I knew little about the industry. What I did know was that the ability to self-publish brought opportunities for more writers. Finding an agent to champion your work and for them to find a publishing house to publish it was about as likely as winning the lottery. But I tried. Without learning everything I needed to, I tried. I wrote query letters and sent them out. I received one rejection after another until I had a glimmer of hope when I was asked by one publisher to send a full manuscript. Unfortunately, it was then rejected.

The lesson I learned was that I had sent my queries too soon. The book was not ready. It needed professional editing and revision. I found a writing critique partner, and we exchanged chapters. I revised and revised. I found beta readers and joined a writing group. After a dozen revisions, the core story was the same only creatively richer. Just as important, the technical structure had improved. I was ready to hand it over to a professional editor. and much to my surprise, there was still so much more work needed to be done. Once I finished working with the editor, I finally felt like the book was ready for publication. This time, I decided to self-publish. I was three years into the process of writing and revising, and at that point, my goal had changed. I wanted the book in print for my children and the rest of my family to see what I had accomplished. This was for me, and it didn’t matter if a traditional publishing house wanted it or not.

The lesson I had to unlearn was never to rush and to take the time to learn all I can to reach my goals. This is the advice I’d give any first-time writer. Get a professional editor, cover designer, and formatter. Don’t cut corners. I hadn’t been trying to. I was just naive.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There are so many rewarding aspects to being in a creative field. First and foremost is the way it makes me feel. Sometimes, I still can’t believe I’ve written seven novels. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment. And when readers write to tell me how much they loved one of my books or how the story impacted them, there is no better feeling. Meeting readers at book events or signings is wonderful too, although I have a harder time taking those compliments in person. I’m always touched but a little self-conscious about it. Still, I enjoy meeting readers and chatting.

Four of my books have received awards for contemporary women’s romance. Most recently, Love is Worth Fighting For won second place in The Readers Favorite Book Awards. This of course is a wonderful feeling and validates my work. Yet the messages I receive on social media and the emails that come through from readers are far more rewarding. I am blessed to have a nice group of loyal, supportive readers.

Aside from all of that is the work itself. I find it extremely rewarding to get lost in a story. Many times I’ll look up at the time on my computer to find it is three in the morning! When I’m in the zone, the world can fall away. I’ve drifted into my own fictional world.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://effiekammenou.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effiekammenou_author/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/effie-kameno-speyer-961682107
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5uABrTEI3DFfaIOUpeUJw?view_as

Image Credits
Candid shots by Alexa Speyer.