What inspired you to write your memoir?
When I first visited Greece in 1977, I kept a diary of the three months or so I was away. I had always intended to write the diary up in a more formerly way, but never did. When I came across it in a box of old papers last year, I decided to write an account, for myself, my travelling companions and friends, but then decided to self-publish, as I had also done with my first novel, The Agnatum.
About your Book:
‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Greece 1977 is a witty, autobiographical account of three young men’s backpacking adventures around some of the islands to the east of mainland Greece in the Aegean Sea.
In the late 1970’s, Greece was still relatively untouched by commercial tourism and was a magical place to visit … even on a shoestring budget. Many young people hitchhiked to Greece in search of excitement and to experience a way of life and a climate that was a world apart from where they lived in Northern Europe. They got drunk, partied and generally had a good time.
The story begins with the arrival of the author and two good friends in London, where they catch the ‘Magic Bus’ to Athens. The journey across Europe is both exhausting and comical. Once in Athens, they head for the islands and three months of adventure and fun.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Greece 1977 is amusingly written and gives an entertaining glimpse of what it was like to travel in the Greek islands thirty five years ago. Anyone who had the good fortune to make a similar trip will undoubtedly be able to relate to many of the experiences encountered during this eventful and colourful journey.’
How did you decide how to publish your book and where is it published through:
It seemed a natural thing to do after it was written, especially as I had already been through the self-publishing process previously. The Hitchhiker’s Guide To Greece 1977 is available to download from Amazon, for Kindle.
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hitchhikers-Guide-Greece-ebook/dp/B00E9POFVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375875489&sr=8-1&keywords=guide+to+greece+1977
US http://www.amazon.com/The-Hitchhikers-Guide-Greece-ebook/dp/B00E9POFVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375875535&sr=8-1&keywords=guide+to+greece+1977
How do you see writing a Memoir as different from writing other genres of books?
Fiction writing is wonderful, as one can let one’s imagination go anywhere, within reason. Factual writing can be intense and laborious due to the research that is required. Writing a memoir requires nothing more than a good memory, or my case a reasonably extensive diary and a desire to share your experiences with others. I found it fun and great to relive some of the experiences of over thirty years ago.
Author Bio:
Until recently I worked in the National Health Service as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Over a thirty year career, I held a variety of clinical and management roles, the last of which was developing and managing a Primary Care Psychological Therapies Service, based in South Wiltshire. I was able to retire from the NHS early and am therefore now able to concentrate on writing.
I have always had a passion for history and reading and have eclectic tastes, ranging from the Classics to modern Action and Adventure Thrillers. Over the years, I have written numerous essays and short stories, as well as work related papers, medico-legal reports, clinical articles and guidelines, operational manuals, job specifications and professional letters.
I am a passionate researcher and pay great attention to detail; qualities that were important in my previous working life, but which now aid me in ensuring the factual elements of my fiction writing are correct and credible. Much of my previous, professional writing was constrained by the nature of its content, but now I am free to explore my imagination, I find the challenges of creative writing and researching both enjoyable and rewarding.
Besides my more recent excursion into writing, I am also a keen musician and have played the guitar since my late teens. I enjoy cooking, am partial to a glass of good wine and, very occasionally, a small dram of Single Malt. I also enjoy travelling and have had the good fortune of visiting many European countries over the years, as well as undertaking several business and social trips to North America.
I live in Wiltshire, in the South of England, with my wife and I have three grown up children.
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Book On Amazon
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