Hello and welcome to A Cup of Conversation with sci-fi author Marios Eracleous. I have actually known Marios for a long time, since before we both became published authors and it was just by chance that we crossed paths again and it’s been great reconnecting and of course having someone else to talk to about writing and books! In this interview Marios reveals his writing process and his experience of being published in a short story sci-fi anthology. So thank you for joining us and let’s find out more about the writer behind the fantasy tales.
1. When did you start writing creatively?
I was sixteen and at school, to help me with my written work my English teacher back then told me to write. I asked her what do I write? She told me anything. I was really hooked on soaps back then, you know come back from school and then there was Home and Away and Neighbours and you got the American ones too from abroad, The Bold and The Beautiful. Therefore, I wrote my own soap opera and wrote every day.
Since then I have written scripts sent them off to the BBC for feedback and have carried on. I still have ideas flowing in my head around soap operas, as I loved cheesy ones such as Howards’ Way and the ill-fated Eldorado, lol.
Then sci-fi came along, took over, and I still enjoy both, making up worlds and scenarios.
2. What did you enjoy reading as a child?
I used to love reading when I was younger and I read every CS Lewis book from the Magician’s Nephew to The Last Battle, Helen Cresswell’s Moondial, Five Children and It and many others… all those classic children’s books.
3. You’re a huge Dr Who fan. How has Dr Who influenced your writing?
Ahh, my love for Doctor Who stemmed from the 80s and I am huge Seventh Doctor and Ace fan. I have been writing many fan fiction on my own in my spare time with these two pairings. I think it is because the worlds, aliens and story arcs over the years have made me realise I love writing sci-fi. You can do anything.
4. You have recently had one of your short stories published in a sci-fi fantasy short story anthology. Congratulations Marios. How did this come about and what made your story a winner?
I have been going to sci-fi conventions for the past few years and have been talking and getting to know some extraordinary people.
The person who I need to thank for my writing opportunity is Gillie Hatton and 6e publishing. I have been lucky enough to meet Gillie a few times and as I am a frequent visitor to their conventions, she asked me to write for them. I was shocked and could not believe this was happening, but I have not looked back since as I am now part of their project called Harvey Duckman presents. I feel that they have given me the boost in my writing and they are amazing and talented people. Harvey Duckman is on its second volume and a third is due out at Christmas and I’m hoping to be part of it. However, they have been giving me guidance and support in every way possible.
5. Can you share an extract of one of your short stories with us?
“Max paused for a moment until the rapid beat of his heart calmed. There were no lights to guide him to his whereabouts and he was out of breath. The local woodland area was silent, an eerie silence prevailing as if something was waiting in the dark, holding its breath. Max ventured deeper into the forest.”
6. What has most surprised you about the writing community?
I think the writing community is amazing. They are so supportive I enjoy reading other peoples experiences, communicating with them and taking on their advice and being able to give any advice I can.
7. What has been most challenging in writing your stories and why?
I think for me it is the editing part of it but there are many ways to do this. I know what I want to say if you know what I mean. I am dyslexic to but I think that being a writer helps me to improve every step of the writing process.
8. Which three aspects of the writing journey have you improved on since you first begun your writing career?
The first is I have improved in my showing and not telling, second in developing my characters and showing more aspects of them beyond the physical and thirdly in spending time looking over, re-reading and checking my work.
9. What advice would you give a new writer?
One person told me if you want to be a writer just write and read and another thing is read and read.
10. Are you a planner or a pantser?
I think I am both in a way. I tend to write down any ideas quickly somewhere if I have a story or an idea in me so that I don’t forget it.
11. What three things are on your current to-do list?
- Bring out my own anthology this time next year
- Go to more conventions
- Develop my own website
Thank you for joining us Marios and I wish you all the best as you continue writing and working on your new anthology. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, or would just like to link up with Marios you can do so on his links listed below.
Until next week, Happy Reading, Happy Writing, Happy You.
Big hug, Soulla xxx
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