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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 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
We Are All Just People
In Shooting Stars, readers follow a woman whose life has been filled with bitter disappointments as she finds new meaning in her life on a solo trip to Hawaii. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The real inspiration behind the story stems from a fantasy I’ve had ever since I was a teenager of a Hollywood superstar falling in love with me. I wanted the fairy tale romance to someone rich and famous as a kind of revenge against all the bullies who called me ugly and boring in school.
That daydream was the core of my idea, but the Hollywood star meeting the average woman has become clichéd, so I decided to use that very stereotype to explore how stereotypes are always prejudiced and rarely right. Things are never as they seem, and if you look below the surface, people from different backgrounds can have a lot in common.
It’s something I learnt from having pen pals and travelling – I got to meet a wide range of people from those scraping together a living to millionaires – we are all just people in the end with the same hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
Anyone who knows me can immediately recognise that Catherine is me. She’s so heavily based on me that it’s almost autobiographical. Her self-deprecating humour, clumsiness and introspective yearnings are all me. I based much of her day-to-day life on jobs and colleagues, and dating disasters I’ve had. However, unlike Catherine, I’ve never had the happily-ever-after part. I’ve also never been to Hawaii, which might come as a surprise. I’m a stickler for detail so I did a lot of research and also drew from my visits to tropical areas like Singapore and parts of Brazil.
Shooting Stars has so many wonderful moments between Catherine and Jake. What was your favorite scene in this story?
I loved writing the scenes between Catherine and Jake. My favourite is the moment she first meets him – the way she recognises he’s familiar but can’t place him, and then in true Skye Bothma fashion, the moment the penny drops, she does something that would send most men running for the hills. But, Jake’s not most men and I love the way he never criticises or mocks her lack of elegance. The part with the runaway pickle is another favourite – I’m always dropping food down my front.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve actually had the idea for my next book since I was 18 – that’s over thirty years ago now! It’s a huge project – a mystery with two timelines one set in the past, one set in the present. I’ve been so intimidated by it that when I began pursuing writing fulltime I decided to choose a simple story to start with to see if I would be able to write a full-length book. Now that I know I can do it, the project is a little less imposing, but considering my first book took six years to write, it’s going to be years before I get to the finish line. I wish I was one of those writers who can knock out a book every few months, but perfectionism takes a lot of time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Catherine Marshall is used to being invisible. Although she’s intelligent and talented, she’s an underachiever and lives her life in other people’s shadows. She has a job she hates and dreams she’s too afraid of pursuing. When she wins a writing competition and her long-term boyfriend persuades her to spend the prize money on air tickets to Hawaii, she’s convinced he’s about to propose at last. Instead, he betrays her and unable to change the tickets, Catherine goes to Hawaii alone to mend her broken heart.
Jake Donovan can’t hide from being in the spotlight. A Hollywood superstar and one of America’s most eligible bachelors, he’s in Hawaii taking some time to decompress after the filming of his latest hit show wraps. Surrounded by paradise he should feel like he has it all, but he’s feeling jaded and aware of a growing dissatisfaction with his world.
When a chance encounter brings their two lives together Catherine and Jake discover they have more in common than expected. Together, they escape their everyday lives and develop a fragile intimacy. But as reality closes in, it becomes clear that the fairy tale is not likely to survive in the real world and they begin to question whether their meeting was meant to inspire personal change or if it really was fated in the stars.
Shooting Stars
In Skye Bothma’s heartfelt novel, Shooting Stars, readers are drawn into a tumultuous world of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The protagonist, Cathy, navigates through the complexities of her job, ex-partner, and unexpected encounters that force her to reassess her life and dreams. Bothma’s emotionally resonant story captures a quintessential struggle between personal aspirations and societal expectations, making it an engaging and relatable read.
Bothma’s writing is sharp and evocative and pulled me into Cathy’s emotional rollercoaster. Her ability to craft vivid scenes is evident as she intricately details every emotion, from the palpable tension in office confrontations to the crushing disappointment of personal betrayal. The dialogue is particularly strong, offering authenticity to each character’s voice and enhancing the unfolding drama. The thoughtful pacing of the narrative allows for deeper introspective moments that enrich the understanding of the protagonist’s inner journey, even though I felt it occasionally tempers the story’s momentum.
The novel’s exploration of personal growth and resilience is not just a personal journey for Cathy, but a poignant commentary on societal expectations. Bothma excels in depicting Cathy’s evolution from a passive observer in her life to an empowered individual who confronts her realities and takes charge. This transformation is not only inspiring but also a critical commentary on the often-overlooked emotional labor that women endure in both professional and personal arenas.
The story challenges readers to think about the importance of authenticity and self-value in a world that frequently demands compromise and conformity. The book’s setting, a bustling corporate office where interpersonal dynamics come into play, serves as a microcosm to explore these themes. At times, the motivations of the secondary characters appear somewhat superficial, but they effectively serve their roles in propelling Cathy’s journey forward.
Shooting Stars is a fun and uplifting story that will resonate with readers who enjoy women’s fiction stories of personal struggle and triumph. It’s ideal for readers who are navigating their own crossroads in life or anyone who appreciates a story that combines emotional depth with the complexities of everyday life.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0C1HXD7GW
Running As Fast As I Can
Running as Fast as I Can by John David Graham is an evocative novel set in the Midwest during the turbulent 1960s. The story follows the protagonist, Daniel Robinson, through a difficult childhood marked by an abusive father and a mother grappling with mental illness. Seeking an escape from this oppressive environment, Daniel leaves home at 16, initially finding refuge with a sympathetic pastor. This sanctuary is short-lived, however, as a betrayal by the pastor sets Daniel on a challenging path of self-discovery and belonging.
Graham paints a vivid picture of Daniel’s disillusionment with the religious institution he once turned to for solace. The narrative is enriched by the array of characters Daniel meets — some offering wisdom and support, others struggling themselves, yet all contributing to his growth. The central theme of constructing a chosen family comes to fruition when Daniel meets Kate Fitzgerald, with whom he endeavors to build the nurturing home he always longed for. Yet, a lingering question persists for the reader: Can Daniel truly free himself from the shadows of his past?
John David Graham’s writing is impressive, characterized by meticulous planning and skillful character development. His attention to detail creates immersive scenes, bringing the characters’ emotional journeys to life. The reader is drawn into Daniel’s world, sharing his pain, understanding the complexities of overcoming trauma, and witnessing his efforts to find love and acceptance. The novel is not without its familiar tropes. One particular instance where Daniel confides in his mentor, Doc, echoes a memorable scene from the film “Good Will Hunting.” While this similarity may detract from the novel’s originality, it does not significantly diminish the overall impact of Graham’s storytelling.
John David Graham has written an emotionally charged story that delves into the themes of resilience, belonging, and the importance of human connection. The story follows Daniel through personal struggles and challenges, discovering the true power of perseverance and human relationships. This story is a poignant reminder of the importance of finding one’s place in the world. Overall, Running as Fast as I Can is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and inspiring tale of triumph over adversity.
Pages: 466 | ASIN : B0CKK418FB
LITERARY TITAN 