Greek-American author Theodore Pitsios chatted about his new book “Walking In The Light.”
How did your book ‘Walking In The Light’ come about?
The idea for Walking In The Light sprouted while working on my second book, Searching For Ithaka. In that story, a young man, Kostas, the son of Asian Minor refugees, works at an ouzeri in Volos, Greece.
Some of the customers are pensioners from the United States who spend their days narrating over-embellished success stories of America. They tell Kostas his cooking talents could make him rich over there. “They’re so rich over there, they tie the dogs with sausages, as the saying goes,” they claim.
After I finished that book, I wanted to write about the plight of those who believe in hyped success stories like these. Almost every country has a version of the joke about the immigrant walking off the boat who sees a fifty-dollar bill on the ground and reaches for it only to change his mind at the last moment, not wanting to start working from his first day in America.
What inspires you as an author each day?
I don’t consider myself a “card-carrying” author. I’m a retired businessman who likes to write stories as a hobby. I find it a therapeutic escape from reality. With a sharp pencil and a good eraser, I can create empires, death-defying heroes, and irresistible lovers.
The inspiration comes from recalling past events, from everyday conversations, and from observing other people going about their lives.
How does it feel to be an author in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
The digital age, for those who have mastered the use of electronic gadgetry, has made the gathering of information, knowledge, and the task of actually writing immensely easier.
What is your advice for young and aspiring authors?
Keep a journal, keep reading, keep writing—and develop a thick skin.
Were there any moments in your career that helped define you?
The defining moment in my career was the time I received a strong reprimand from a supervisor when he misinterpreted some information about my work performance that he received from a well-meaning but irresponsible individual. That incident was the amber that lit the fire in me to start my own business.
What do your plans for the future include?
At my age, (I’m 81 presently), I take life one day at a time. My immediate plans are to make it to 82, finish writing my memoirs, and to see a few more parts of the world.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success is perceived differently by each individual, depending on their environment and their field of vision. To me, success means the accomplishment of reasonable goals. Based on that interpretation, I call myself “successful”.
What would you like to tell our readers about ‘Walking In The Light’? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
“Walking In The Light” is my attempt to tell the reader that all people of the world have the same desires, goals, and aspirations, regardless of the color of their skin or the shape of their eyes.
To learn more about Theodore Pitsios, check out his official website.
