Striking the Right Balance

Author Interview
Konstantinos Gustad Padazopoulos Author Interview

Flush Royale follows a Greek-Norwegian marine investigator who is pulled into a quest to investigate the Hirondelle, where he uncovers a secret that could change history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The idea for the story hit me during my first trip to Switzerland in 2022, while I was writing my debut novel. I was hanging out in a terraced vineyard in Lavaux, watching those Belle Époque steamships cruise across Lac Léman. Right then and there, I knew I wanted to set my next book in Switzerland. After that, I started exploring the lake’s maritime history and how I could connect it to Greece, which felt like a cool premise to build the plot around.

Nick Diamantis is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?

It’s hard to single out just one scene, but I find myself really drawn to writing the quieter and more introspective moments with Nick. That’s where his personality comes alive on the page, not always through action or dialogue but through subtle observations and reactions. Those moments reveal who he is beneath the surface, and I think that’s when readers are most likely to connect with him on a personal level.

I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?

I think I’ve taken a lot from my own experience reading adventure novels, and I’ve always tried to keep that in mind when writing my own scenes. For me, it’s about striking the right balance. I want the scenes to be engaging and enjoyable to read, while still being clear enough for the reader to visualize without confusion.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

The next book I’m working on is the third novel in the Nick Diamantis series. It will feature all the classic elements people came to love in the first two. I can’t say too much about the plot or a release date, but this time, Nick’s next assignment will take him to Panama and South America.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

1862, Switzerland. The steamship Hirondelle sinks in Lac Leman, claiming the lives of most of its passengers. Louis Von Büren, the aide to one of the most prominent figures of the Greek Philhellenic community in Geneva, is traveling with the Hirondelle on that fateful night. He is on a mission that could forever change the fate of Greece’s first Royal Monarchy. Coming up on the anniversary of Hirondelle’s sinking, marine investigator Nick Diamantis is paired up with a Swiss maritime archaeologist. Their goal is to uncover any secrets this shipwreck could hide. What seems like a routine dive will end up taking Nick and his team on a globetrotting adventure through Europe, where he will be pitted against his biggest challenge yet. Soon, Nick will find himself wrapped up in a treacherous hunt as he races to find some long-lost Greek riches before they fall into the wrong hands. Flush Royale is an old-school action-adventure novel with glitzy action, high stakes, twists around every corner, and grandiose villains. Buckle up for a rollicking ride that will let you travel through the scenic vistas around Geneva, explore the picturesque canals of Venice, and take a plunge into the crystal-clear waters of Greece



Posted on July 26, 2025, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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