AN INTERVIEW WITH EVA PETROPOULOU-LIANOU

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH EVA PETROPOULOU-LIANOU

a noted Greek poet, writer, and campaigner

A well-known literary luminary, Eva Petropoulou-Lianou, needs no introduction. Her selfless service to literature has won her accolades at home and abroad. Born in Xylokastro, Greece, Petropoulou-Lianou began her career as a journalist for the French newspaper “Le Libre Journal” in 1994. In 2002, Eva returned to Greece and began writing even more seriously. 

She has published books and eBooks: "Me and my other self, my shadow" Saita publications, "Geraldine and the Lake elf" in English - French, as well as "The Daughter of the Moon", in the 4th edition, in Greek - English, Oselotos publications. Her work has been included in the Greek Encyclopedia Haris Patsis, p. 300. 

Her books have been approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus, for the Student and Teacher library. Her new books, “The Fairy of the Amazon Myrtia "dedicated to Myrto with a disability, and" Lefkadios Hearn, Myths and Stories of the Far East ", illustrated by Sumi-e painter Dina Anastasiadou, are released in 2019.

She recently published her book," The Adventures of Samurai Nogas san "in English by the publishing house OntimeBooks, based in England. Collaborates with the electronic literary magazine The poet magazine. She is a member of the International Literary Union based in America. Collaborates for the promotion of literature and promotes the work of Greek poets. 

Eva is a member of the "Association Alia Mundi Serbia", the "International Society of Writers and Artists of Greece" and the "Piraeus Society of Letters and Arts" as well as the Corinthian Writers Society.

Eva is the president of the Greek association Mille Minds of Mexico. She is also an international Ambassador of the electronic magazine Namaste India, Advisor and editor-in-chief of the web magazine Hubei, China, Advisor and member of the editorial board - Las Ollas del Arte Magazine, Belgium, President Representative of Global UHE Peru Greece, World Ambassador of International Academy of Ethics India, and the Editor in chief - Greece Vietnam Magazine Acheron. 

The other day, LBThapa, the editor and publisher of The Hemingway Post, a literary magazine, interviewed Petropoulou-Lianou and talked about her experience as a creative writer and editor. Eva is a dedicated writer of par excellence. Her interview will inspire readers in general and aspiring writers in particular.

THP: How was your early childhood?

EPL: My childhood was very happy, and we often traveled to my grandparents who lived in the mountains. It was a very beautiful village, where I used to spend most of my time playing with my friends and cousins. I read books, and sometimes my mother reads to us during the afternoon. I liked the serenity and the peaceful countryside where we could smell the roses and the basilica. 

THP: When did you take poetry seriously?

EPL: I always write poems since the day I remember myself, but I did not feel ready to share them with others. It was a secret garden for me where I could just forget myself. After I traveled to France around 1994, I started writing stories, and I became more confident as a writer. During 2015 and 2019, I managed to publish two books of poetry.  

In addition, I participated in several literary programs in Greece and abroad, and I established a project named POETRY UNITES PEOPLE. The purpose of this project is to support poets and share their thoughts. Until now, I have supported almost 1500 poets from 200 countries by publishing their poems and articles. 

THP: You studied journalism and worked as a journalist in France. How was the experience?

EPL: France made me what I am now. I had the chance to work with a very important journalist, and he mentored me in every step. He was always telling me to write and read different languages so that I could reach deeper into the truth. 

I worked as a journalist, and I learned so many things about this beautiful and amazing job. I met with many interesting people from the literary and political fields. I read and wrote extensively but never threw my opinion at anyone. A true journalist must be objective and present the reality of the facts or events without giving his opinion. Nowadays, many journalists are guided by their vested interests, and this is a bitter reality. 

THP: You were born and educated in Greece, but you chose to work for a French newspaper in France. But why did you suddenly give up journalism in France and return to Greece?

EPL: Traveling, working, and experiencing are part of life. While living in France as a student, I was attracted to journalism. Luckily, I got an opportunity to work as a journalist in a popular newspaper in France. This was a turning point in my life. I left France abruptly when my boss and my mentor suddenly died from cancer. 

After the death of my boss, I had to choose whether I should stay in France or return to my homeland. I chose later and came to Greece to follow my dream of writing and publishing my books. Working as a journalist in Greece was a great experience, but my income was not enough to meet my expenses. So, I started teaching French lessons and arranged workshops for creative writing for adults and children. 

THP: After quitting your job as a journalist in France in 2002, you produced many literary books in Greece. What made you so prolific?

EPL:  I am a creative writer and, at the same time, a voracious reader. I wrote most of my stories from 2009 to 2013. I set a goal for myself, and it was to publish one book every year. I kept my word until 2017, when suddenly my father died. My father’s death came as a blow to me, and I turned to social media to find solace. I regularly share my creative writing on social media, where I receive feedback and comments from my readers and well-wishers. 

Let me add here that during the COVID time, I became highly prolific. I wrote extensively, and my poems were published in print and online magazines. Now I see my poems have been translated into 25 languages. I have also developed a society of poets and writers. I call them poet brothers and sisters because we have created a very important bond through poetry. We believe in peace, and we communicate to write and respect each other. 

THP: One of your popular poetry books is “Me and my other self, my shadow.” What is the message you want to deliver to society through this book?

EPL: I really enjoyed it when I was writing this book. The story is about a man who returns to his village and wants to sell the house of his parents. But everything changed once he went into the house, where his memories overwhelmed him and made him nostalgic. The story is about love, care, and compassion in our everyday lives. 

THP: Your literary work has been included in the Greek Encyclopedia. How big is the achievement for you as a poet and writer?

EPL: I feel very proud and grateful for every achievement I completed in life. The Greek Encyclopedia Harry Patsi is going to all schools and universities, and I am grateful to the committee that chose my literary work. I am very proud of this achievement.  

THP: The Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus has approved your books for the student and teacher libraries. This is a big honor for a foreign writer. What do you think?

EPL: Cyprus has given due importance to my books. I am very happy to see that the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus has included my books without further delay. However, this is not the case in my own country, Greece, where bureaucracy takes its course. In brief, I am proud as a writer whose books have been included in the teacher and student libraries. 

THP: Your recent book is ‘The Adventures of Samurai Nogasika San’. The subject you chose for the book sounds a bit bizarre for a poet and writer like you. What made you pick up a Japanese theme?

EPL: I love Japan. I always admired Japan for several reasons. Right now, I am reading Kazantzaki’s novel, and traveling to Japan, where I discovered that Japan and Greece have similar costumes and traditions. We respect the religion and the nature. From art, culture, and literature, there are many things that Japan and Greece share. 

Nogasika San existed during the time of the Shogun and Samurais. I was inspired by a great author who started his journey from Greece and arrived in Japan, where he became a great national author. 

Briefly, though, I followed the method of Japanese story writing, and my Nogasika san is a very nice story that combines the pieces of Eastern and Western traditions. The story highlights the importance of a true friendship. 

THP: You are involved in various literary and non-literary organizations at home and abroad. Don’t you think so much involvement in various organizations will deplete your strength and energy for literary work?

EPL: I am an active author. I write for peace and support different nonliterary organizations through my poetry. It is my strong conviction that my poetry spreads the message of peace in the world. My poetry does help people find peace and a meaningful way to live in this world. Thus, my creative writing is my daily prayer, and I am never exhausted from doing it. 

THP: Since 2002, you have been living in Greece. Have you made up your mind to make Greece your base for literary work?

EPL: I am Greek, and I love Greece. I write in Greek, but I am not confined to the periphery of Greece, as my literary work has been translated into several languages. Thus, I need to visit regularly to meet the translators and the publishers in different countries. 

THP: Can you tell us a bit about your popular TV show in Mexico?

EPL: My TV show is about promoting the Greek authors and the work of foreign poets. It is a part of my project, Poetry Unites People (PUP). The program is aired every Sunday morning on the Cabina 11 Mexico channel. 

THP: Over the years, you have been writing both prose and poetry. In which genera do you find yourself much more comfortable?

EPL: I find myself more comfortable writing poetry. We can explain our thoughts and express our feelings with a few words, but the message spreads quickly.  

THP: As a poet and writer, what is the message that you would like to deliver to the world?  

EPL: My message is straightforward. This is ‘POETRY UNITES PEOPLE’. Poetry is for peace, and I strongly believe that poetry has such power that can bring people together under one roof.

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