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Tradition, Family, and Identity
In The Price of Passion, a married restaurant owner faces difficult truths as he struggles to decide between his duty to his family and his feelings for a young waitress. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
My father, Artemios John Korkidis’ idea for The Price of Passion came from a deep interest in exploring the intricate and often tumultuous nature of human relationships, particularly within the context of a vibrant cultural community. He was inspired by the emotional and moral complexities that arise when personal desires conflict with familial responsibilities. Observing the dynamics of close-knit communities, especially within the Greek-American diaspora, provided a rich tapestry of experiences and interactions that he wanted to capture in a narrative.
The setting of Astoria, with its blend of old-world traditions and modern challenges, offered a compelling backdrop to examine these themes. The community’s strong cultural ties and familial bonds mirrored the internal struggles of the characters, making it an ideal environment to delve into issues of love, loyalty, and infidelity.
In particular, he wanted to create a story that does not shy away from the raw honesty of emotional turmoil and the consequences of one’s actions. The character of Peter, a restaurant owner torn between his love for a young waitress and his duties to his family, emerged as a central figure to explore these conflicts. His journey of self-discovery, regret, and the impact of his choices on those around him form the heart of the story.
Ultimately, The Price of Passion is a reflection of my father’s fascination with the human condition, the cultural richness of the Greek-American community, and the enduring questions of love and morality.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
When developing the characters in The Price of Passion, my father, Artemios John Korkidis, adhered to several emotional and moral guidelines to ensure they felt authentic and relatable. The primary guideline was to portray the characters’ inner conflicts with honesty and depth. Peter’s struggle between his love for Alkmini and his duty to his family was crafted to reflect the raw, often painful reality of such situations. My father aimed to show Peter’s vulnerability, flaws, and the emotional toll of his decisions on both himself and his loved ones.
Another key guideline was to highlight the moral complexity of infidelity. Rather than painting characters in black and white, my father sought to explore the gray areas where human emotions and ethical dilemmas intersect. This approach allowed him to create multifaceted characters who evoke empathy and understanding, even when their actions might not be morally justifiable. The emotional journeys of Helen and Alkmini were also given significant attention, illustrating the far-reaching impact of Peter’s choices on their lives and mental well-being.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
Astoria, with its vibrant Greek-American community, was chosen by my father as the backdrop for the story because of its rich cultural heritage and the unique dynamics it offers. The close-knit community in Astoria provided a compelling setting to explore themes of tradition, family, and identity. The cultural elements woven into the narrative, such as the restaurant scenes, familial gatherings, and community interactions, added depth and authenticity to the characters’ experiences.
Astoria’s blend of old-world values and modern challenges mirrored the internal conflicts faced by the characters, making it an ideal location for the story. Additionally, the familiarity and warmth of the community contrasted sharply with the personal turmoil of the characters, enhancing the emotional impact of their journeys.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My father’s last book before his passing was titled Captain Nicholas Remembers. This deeply personal and poignant novel captures the reflections of an aging Greek sea captain looking back on his life, filled with adventures, loves, and losses. Captain Nicholas Remembers is a testament to my father’s enduring talent for storytelling and his ability to touch readers’ hearts with his richly drawn characters and evocative prose. The book stands as a beautiful legacy, reflecting his passion for exploring the human spirit and the complexities of life.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Katherine Korkidis | Website | Amazon
The Price of Passion is the story of two people in what should be a trusting and meaningful relationship. However, this is a tragedy in every sense of the word. A dysfunctional marriage leads to the destruction of a family. Jealousy and an excessive need for control lead to both madness and murder. The story is told from the perspectives of both spouses to help the reader understand human weaknesses and behaviors. Both protagonists suffer greatly but are ultimately unable to change their tragic character flaws.
About the Author
Artemios John Korkidis grew up on the island of Crete, Greece. As a young man, he migrated to New York City where he wrote for the National Herald and raised his family. Surrounded by his cherished family members, Artemios lived his life doing what he loved: painting, writing, and inspiring others. The Price of Passion is his third book. It has been translated from the original Greek version with additional content by his daughter, Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis. Dr. Korkidis has a Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry and is also a writer like her father. Through her love and respect for her father, she has helped preserve his life’s writings for generations to come.
The Artifact
David Rogers’ The Artifact is a captivating young adult novel brimming with unexpected twists and turns. This fast-paced, mysterious thriller offers ominous settings and intricate plots, all while weaving an inclusive love story between teenagers discovering themselves amidst life’s challenges. The writing is enigmatic and enchanting, drawing readers into the rapidly unfolding events. The protagonist’s direct engagement with the reader makes readers feel like a part of the story, experiencing his ordeals firsthand. This book is not just a thrilling read but also a catalyst for important discussions about identity, acceptance, and the power of love.
The story centers on Linc, a seventeen-year-old with a passion for Egyptology and classic movies. Through a mysterious series of events, he acquires an unknown artifact that grants him the ability to see the future—but at a significant cost. Linc soon realizes he is entangled in a much larger conflict, with powerful individuals and agencies vying for control of the artifact. As the plot thickens, Linc is kidnapped and subjected to experiments designed to exploit his newfound abilities. These powerful forces aim to control not only him but the future of the world.
The Artifact stands out for its exceptional inclusivity and LGBTQ+ friendliness, sparking meaningful discussions about sexuality and acceptance among young people and their families. Rogers skillfully initiates deep, thought-provoking conversations about the philosophy of life through his young characters. The author balances the mystery and thrill with a generous dose of humor, often eliciting laughter through Linc’s witty puns.
The Artifact‘s tone perfectly suits its teenage audience, blending humor, mystery, and engagement. Whether you’re fascinated by Egyptology or simply looking for a gripping narrative, David Rogers’ novel offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0C7DR1WQX
The Price of Passion
The Price of Passion, by Artemios John Korkidis, is a deeply emotional and gripping tale that navigates the tumultuous seas of love, infidelity, and the complex web of human relationships. Set primarily in the vibrant Greek community of Astoria, the story follows Peter, a restaurant owner who finds himself entangled in a web of romantic and familial obligations. As he grapples with his illicit love for a young waitress and his duties towards his wife and children, Peter’s journey is one of self-discovery, regret, and the inevitable consequences of his choices.
One of the most compelling aspects of Korkidis’ writing is his ability to vividly depict the inner turmoil of his characters. Peter’s struggle between his passionate feelings for his young employee, Alkmini, and his loyalty to his family is portrayed with a raw honesty that makes him both relatable and deeply flawed. This is especially evident when Peter, overwhelmed by his emotions, decides to drive Alkmini home every night, rationalizing his actions as protective while ignoring the emotional damage he is causing his wife and children. The portrayal of Peter’s wife, Helen, as she succumbs to jealousy and depression, paints a rather bleak picture of marital discord. Her descent into madness and subsequent departure to Cyprus highlights the devastating impact of Peter’s actions. While her storyline is poignant, its dramatic intensity adds a compelling layer that highlights the depth and complexity of her character. Korkidis excels in creating a rich, immersive setting that brings the Greek-American experience to life.
The community in Astoria, with its cultural traditions and close-knit relationships, serves as a vibrant backdrop to the unfolding drama. The descriptions of the restaurant, the familial gatherings, and the emotional farewells all add depth to the story, making the reader feel a part of Peter’s world. The author’s ability to weave cultural elements into the narrative enhances the authenticity of the characters’ experiences.
The Price of Passion is a heartfelt and evocative exploration of love, loyalty, and the human condition. Korkidis’ storytelling is rich with emotion and cultural authenticity, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives. This book is particularly suited for readers who appreciate family sagas and complex emotional journeys.
Pages: 173 | ASIN : B0C54L8QKX
Little Ships: A Novel
Little Ships, by Sandra J. Scofield, offers a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the delicate process of rediscovering joy in life. This novel is artfully composed, treating its characters with a tender yet determined touch that echoes Lynne Bryant’s The Mother Gene. Set in Oregon, the narrative centers on the Beckers and the Sunderssons, two families linked by the marriage of Nick Becker and Karin Sundersson. Nick, Karin, and their daughters, Juni and Tilde, form a close-knit unit. However, Karin’s sudden death uproots them to the Becker household—home to Nick’s parents, Eleanor and Walter, his sister Alison, and her daughter Fiona.
The story unfolds through their adjustments and accommodations, from reallocating space in the house to managing personal keepsakes like Karin’s jewelry and planning the girls’ weekends with their grandmother Helve. Eleanor, at 59, anticipates retirement but instead finds herself at the center of her family’s needs, embodying a quiet determination to nurture her granddaughters and support her son. Her efforts to reconcile with past resentments and cope with emerging family secrets add depth to her character and the family dynamics. Scofield’s narrative style combines clarity with evocative brevity, effectively painting vivid scenes and emotions without overwrought descriptions. The early chapters, laden with pathos, gradually transition to reveal the complex relationships within the family, offering insights into how everyday life can both challenge and heal those in mourning.
Little Ships stands out for its balanced portrayal of tragedy and the essential role of a supportive family network in fostering hope and resilience. This novel skillfully captures the myriad ways life’s everyday flow can both erode and soothe the sharp edges of grief.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0CT47B3K1
Restorative Justice and Alternative Sentencing
Two Over Easy All Day Long follows the president of a toy company who is found guilty of negligence and sentenced to a year working for minimum wage in a remote diner in Oregon. What inspired the setup of your story?
My personal history had a significant influence on the story. I practiced bankruptcy law for a year, and employment law for sixteen years, including a stint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries enforcing civil rights laws in the workplace; I was on the board of a Head Start organization serving primarily the children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers; I was part of an organization partnering with the Oregon Food Bank; and I served as an arbitrator for court-ordered arbitration (which usually involved debt-collection from a defendant who had little or no ability to pay). In other words, I had a bird’s-eye view of both the power and the impotence of our legal system, and some of the consequences of income inequality.
When I started writing this book, about ten years ago, there was a lot of talk about restorative justice, and alternative sentencing, and I heard that some judges, given any leeway at all, were exploring these ideas in their sentencing. Interestingly (to me, at least!), there was recently an example of a situation very similar to the story in Two Over Easy All Day Long. Maybe you remember the December 2023 sentencing of a woman who threw her food at a server in a Chipotle restaurant—because she was unhappy with the food. The (marvelously named) Judge Gilligan sentenced her to jail but offered to waive some of the time “if she agreed to work at least 20 hours per week at a fast-food restaurant for two months.” When the defendant tried to justify her actions by pointing out the food “was disgusting looking,” the judge said, “I bet you won’t be happy with the food you are going to get in the jail.” (Source: “Woman Who Assaulted Chipotle Worker Sentenced to Fast Food Job for Two Months,” BBC, December 6, 2023. Accessed April 22, 2024).
The other more “mystical” explanation (for lack of a better word) is that often characters seem to present themselves to me with a stern, “Take this down, scribe,” and that is what happened with Tony, Walt, Nancy, Leesa, and Nareen. There are moments when they seem more real to me than the actual humans in my life. I can’t decide if that’s the workings of a mystical muse or if I’m teetering on the edge of sanity. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.
Your characters are diverse and well-developed, giving readers someone to relate to. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I find it fascinating that we have to keep re-learning the same basic life lessons. We learn we shouldn’t act in haste, we learn we should seek help when life gets overwhelming . . . and then we screw up, and have to start all over re-discovering basic truths about ourselves. When I think how often I’ve cried “Eureka!,” joyously declaring I’ve escaped my past, my unhealthy patterns, and then realize I’ve ended up in the same old mess, it’s distressing. And it’s an endless source of writing material. A related idea is the possibility of redemption. Even after diving off a cliff, (metaphorically) crashing and burning in the ravine below, it’s possible to emerge from the flames, phoenix-like, a new creature.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme for me is not alternative justice or income inequality – though both are important to the story – it is the healing power of friendship and community, and the idea that so many of our bitter divisions can be bridged by sharing our lives and our stories with each other. The old maxim instructing us to “walk a mile in another man’s shoes” (which I, of course, would change to “another person’s shoes”) holds deep truth.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
So many works-in-progress!
I am working on a sequel to Two Over Easy All Day Long, working title: Redemption at Sunnyside Up.
I am seeking representation for Jaysus, MooMoo, and the Immortal Woos (which was recently longlisted in the 2024 international Stockholm Writers Festival First Five Pages contest).
In 2022 I self-published an online serialized novel called What the Dogs Know. I took the novel down from the website in anticipation of publication of a physical copy of the entire work, but the first chapter is still available at www.alaughingdog.com. I am working on the prequel (Who Laughs Last) and the sequel (What You Need), both loosely based on life in the San Juan Islands in Northwestern Washington (where I live). One or both of those should be out in the next year or so.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Giles Anthony Maurice Gibson, Manhattanite and president of ABC Toys, floats through life on a cloud of wealth and privilege. Until now. When his company’s negligence results in tragedy, the judge, weary of a world where justice is rarely served, sentences Giles to a year of community service in rural Oregon, and supervised work at Sunnyside Up, a local diner. Renamed “Tony,” and fitted with an ankle monitor to keep him in his place, he must find a way to make amends for the consequences of always choosing the easy way.
Shortly after Giles-learning-to-be-Tony arrives, the curmudgeonly cook finds a dead body in the dumpster behind the restaurant. Tony and the other misfits at the diner are soon suspects, but—though they will eventually work together to figure out “whodunnit”—Two Over Easy All Day Long isn’t a murder mystery, it’s a human mystery, asking how far a person can bend before breaking, and whether breaking isn’t the point, after all.
Aspirations and Realizations
Confessions of an Aspiring Pornographer follows a man from Brooklyn in the 1970s who aspires to make his mark in the publishing industry. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two disparate directions come to mind that somehow merge to inspire the story contained in Confessions.
First is my life partner, my wife, desiring to know more about my past in the publishing industry of the 1960s & ’70s. She had heard tidbits and wanted to know more. Flesh it out, so to speak. We were in Florida caring for her mom, who I loved, and one ordinary work morning, Ellen said to me: “I’m going to tell you once: “I want a book from you titled: Confessions of an Aspiring Pornographer. ” It was scary. I had no alternative than to do as she wished. Love was at the root of it, for her and her mother. So I went ahead and wrote the book. It’s dedicated to her.
The second direction is the frightening truth of street life in Lower Manhattan in the middle of the night, where the Aspiring Pornographer finds himself at the beginning of his life free of the conventions of home, marriage, children, mortgage, and insurance. He is homeless, broke, and a fledgling writer. These are the conditions in which he must make himself into a published writer. But then, slowly, he gets lucky. A few angels find him a place with a roof. He finds a job in a paperback publishing company with a talented copy editor who is willing to teach him. The material Wally works on is soft-core pornography. One job is for a priest who wants and pays for a book about women with gargantuan breasts. Wally Gregory is on his way.
Wally is an inspiring writer who will take fame in whatever form he can get. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
If keeping a roof over his head and one square meal a day are ideals, then those are Wally Gregory’s ideals. At the same time, he came up with a background and education in what was called “Literature.”
He was educated in an Ivy League college with a major in the literatures of French, Russian, and Italian. On his job, however, a practical, learning enterprise for him, he gladly will write books to order under assumed names. One is Memoirs of a Whore by Anonymous. At the same time, Wally begins to write for himself in the middle of the night, before going to work.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The high-wire act between the themes of Aspirations and Realizations. Realizations, most often racy, appear in Italics. Also explored are different forms of love. The love between Wally and his Ma, for example. She is a Mute, they communicate through sign language and their hearts, which was fun and a challenge to write. Overall, the love I felt in my heart throughout the writing transformed into a desire, in the end, to make things turn out in a positive, uplifting way. I.E., Wally’s Ma gets her greeting card business, and Father returns home.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Volume Two of Aspirations of an Aspiring Pornographer. Early stages. A year or two. It’s still fun. Thanks for asking,
Thank you, everyone. God speed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Call him Wally. Walter Michael Gregory is a literary rogue peddling his prose and amours around 1970s Manhattan. He talks like Frank Sinatra sings, he writes truly, he is a lover par excellence, and he will charm you with his bawdy confessions.
Raised in Brooklyn by mobsters and his doting mother, Wally recounts his idyllic childhood and how he came to be such an amorous soul. Now stepping into life as a young man about town, he establishes himself in the Greenwich Village literary scene and sets out to find work, any work, in the publishing industry. What he finds is the heady rush of hobknobbing with the greats and the tough truths of working for a living. Forced to live off his literary wits, Wally finds interesting work as a copy editor, encyclopedia writer, and literary pornographer. If he can dodge lovers, hunger, meteors, and a lurking bengal tiger of his own imagining, he might realize his dream–cashing in with his prose and feeling like a writer.
From his boyhood in Brooklyn to the pastimes and pitfalls of a bachelor’s life, join Wally on this jaunt through his consciousness and a bygone big city, big book era.
Finding Your Way
Disrupted follows a group of high school drama students who, after an earthquake shut down their school, set out to perform their production anyway and raise money for the repairs. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many years ago, in a previous century, I was a high school drama teacher. I’ve never forgotten many of my students. I was a high school teacher during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and I like to imagine all kinds of scenarios and “what-ifs” in my mind. I already had imagined Sandee Mason who appeared in a series of articles for Dramatics Magazine as well as an earlier novel of mine, Talent, and I imagined what would happen if she finally got the recognition she wanted and she worried that it would disappear after something catastrophic happened to the school.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
You never know what you might do when faced with circumstances beyond your control like the loss of a brother, a best buddy moving away, a new boy in town who makes your heart throb, or the strange way parents sometimes act. People’s motives aren’t always what they seem to be and as Atticus Finch said in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really know a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Loss of life, of home, of family
Courage to rise above things beyond your control
Overcoming obstacles like alcohol addiction, homelessness, and situations beyond your control
Finding your way when you feel different
Figuring out who you are
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve thought about another book about Sandee Mason’s Senior Year, but right now I have an inspirational memoir on the back burner and am working on some flash pieces, plus author interviews, book reviews, and more for Writer Advice. I’m also doing a lot of thinking about a brand new story I’m not ready to share at all—but it’s a doozy, and will either be women’s fiction or memoir. Sometimes there’s a fine line between the two. Obviously, I am not on a linear track, and I can’t tell you when my next piece will be out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Beneath the Smiling Moon
Beneath the Smiling Moon by Devon Jeffers Valdes is an engaging narrative that interweaves the complexities of adulthood, mental health, and personal growth. The novel follows Izzie, a 29-year-old art history major and barista grappling with depression and bipolar disorder, and her childhood best friend, Annie, who seems outwardly successful in her tech career. As Izzie endeavors to improve her mental health and mend strained family relationships, she faces a poignant setback as a result of an accident.
Valdes, in her debut novel, skillfully explores a spectrum of weighty themes such as mental health, domestic abuse, and body image. She does so with a deft touch, blending raw emotional depth with nuanced storytelling that captures the reader from the first page. Each character is crafted with care, allowing readers to resonate deeply with their journeys and struggles. The portrayal of Izzie’s mental health challenges stands out, particularly in its authentic depiction of manic episodes and the fluctuating intensities of her condition. This honest representation extends to the ensemble of characters, each of whom is given space to evolve beyond their central roles. Valdes also approaches the depiction of intimacy with sensitivity, focusing on emotional connections rather than graphic details, which enriches the narrative.
Beneath the Smiling Moon is a commendable work that offers a fresh perspective on the intricacies of human connections and the little moments that shape our lives. It is a novel that promises to resonate with those who are interested in profound, character-driven stories about overcoming life’s hurdles. Devon Jeffers Valdes is certainly an author to watch, and I look forward to her future contributions to literature.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0CNZL8GCL
LITERARY TITAN 