Interview: Gregory Kontaxis Author of The Dance of Light Series
Hey Greg, thank you very much for doing this interview with me and SFF Insiders!
Hello! I'm really excited to be here, and I wish you a fantastic start to your new blog!
You write books in Greek and then translate them to English, something I’ve never seen before. What’s the biggest challenge of doing that?
Actually, there are many challenges! First of all, I utilize multiple editors to work on both Greek and English text. Once my beta readers finish reading (which is conducted in Greek), I work with a Greek editor to refine the Greek version. Then, I proceed with the translation of my books. Following the translation, I undergo two rounds of editing in English, making the entire process quite time-consuming.
Translating a story poses various difficulties, particularly in terminology. Some words may lose their contextual essence when translated, which can affect the immersive experience, especially in a medieval setting. To address this, I review the translation and have compiled a list of terminology for my series.
Additionally, adapting to the preferred writing style of the English market presented a challenge. Greek authors often employ a god narrator style, whereas the English market favors third-person point of view (PoV).
Who’s your Mount Rushmore for your four favorite authors? Do you think these four had the biggest impact on your works?
They are many but I will say: There are many authors I admire, but if I had to choose, I would say: J.K. Rowling, Tolkien, Sanderson, and GRRM. They have all undoubtedly influenced my work, especially J.K. Rowling, as 'Harry Potter' was the first fantasy book I ever read.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since the release of your debut, The Return of the Knights?
The biggest thing I've learned since the release of my debut is the importance of patience and resilience in the face of negative reviews. Books take time to reach their audience, so it's crucial for authors to remain patient. Additionally, I've come to understand that everyone has a unique perspective on a story. Unless there is a consistent pattern of negative feedback, it's good for authors to develop a thick skin and not be discouraged by criticism.
Who do you think would enjoy your books?
I’d think fans of classic, epic fantasy with an emphasis on military strategy and logistics, but I want to hear who you think would like them. People who enjoy epic fantasy, extensive worldbuilding, Greek mythology, and military fantasy are my main audience.
Do you listen to music while you write? What kind?
No. When I write, I need to be really focused. However, I do listen to music frequently, and often, inspiration strikes while I'm listening, leading to some really cool ideas for my books.
What do you think is the greatest movie series of all time?
Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.
The Fall of the Giants (which has an amazing cover by the way) comes out soon, how are you feeling? Excited? Nervous?
I'm incredibly excited! I feel that I've grown as an author, and I'm eager to see how readers react to my new novel.
In your interview with The Fantasy Review you mentioned that Mark Lawrence helped out with your book after reading a sample of the initial translation, what was that process like?
Basically, Mark was the first person I emailed once I finalized my translation for The Return of the Knights. To my surprise, he responded, and I subsequently joined his Patreon. From there, I asked for his opinion on my first chapters, and he generously provided valuable insights into how the English market operates, including writing styles and contemporary story construction. It was one of the most helpful lessons I've received so far.
What are you reading right now?
I just returned from a long holiday, and I didn’t read that much. I will soon start the second novel by Philip Chase, The Prophet of Edan.
You’ve said that you’re favorite character to write is either Elliot or John, has writing the sequel changed this stance?
Hmm, a bit. While I still find writing Elliot and John enjoyable, in 'The Fall of the Giants,' I found myself thoroughly enjoying writing about other characters, such as Reynald Karford.
Thanks for doing this interview! Readers of epic fantasy, keep an eye out for The Fall of the Giants! Greg, anything you want to leave the readers of this with? A general thanks for reading? A specific insult to anyone who hasn’t read Return of the Knights yet? A cryptic warning about a pending apocalypse?
I just want to thank everybody who has given my series a shot, and I want to warn my readers that the future of my characters will become darker and darker!
Gregory Kontaxis is a Greek epic fantasy author who writes about medieval wars, mythology, politics, and epic adventures.
The Return of the Knights is the first part of his planned pentalogy, The Dance of Light.
Gregory was born on 17th December 1989 in Athens. He studied Informatics and Finance in Greece and the United Kingdom and he has worked as a Financial Analyst in Vienna and London. He currently resides in London, where he is occupied with investment risk management and writing.
