An Interview with Maria Giakoumatos
Maria Giakoumatos has been interested in all things spooky since she was too small to ride the fun roller coasters in amusement parks. She probably would have become a paranormal investigator if she wasn’t afraid of the dark, so she settled for just writing about spirits. Her family often took her to church as a child, so that may explain some things.
When she isn’t writing her wacky stories, Maria spends her free time playing piano, video games, watching horror movies, and exploring spooky locations. She currently lives in Renton, Washington, with her partner and little parrot named Rowley.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
At first it honestly was just a fun project of cumulative ideas I had – granted, this was in middle school when I started the book. Of course, I edited it over time and the story kept evolving, and eventually it found its purpose. I was younger than the main cast when I started, and then I was older by the time the book was in its final stages. It’s interesting because a lot of the story revolves around coming of age and family conflicts; at one point, I related to my teenage characters and felt the same frustrations. By the end, I was at the point where I was healing and able to understand the adults in my family and was able to apply that to my characters.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It actually came really quickly! Music plays a big theme in the series. The main character Emily and her brother both play piano, I play piano, so all the books have music in the titles. Midnight plays a big role in the book; waltzing does as well. So, it made sense literally, but also a waltz takes two people, and the book often revolves around (toxic) co-dependency.
Describe your dream book cover.
This is tricky, I don’t know! I have a lot of say in my book covers already. I guess the main thing I’d want to happen is to actually have models that look exactly like how I see my characters on the cover.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Bring Me to Life by Evanescence, Helena by My Chemical Romance, Right on Frankenstein by Death from Above 1979, and of course a handful of piano pieces from the romantic era.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Lately I’ve been reading books from other local horror writers to support them! Right now, I’m reading The Divine Flesh by Dru Huff. Trippy cosmic body horror!
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’m actually the assistant director of a pediatrics clinic! I studied a lot about psychology and behaviorism, so I think that helps me understand a lot about people’s struggles and I can apply it to my characters.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
It kind of was just always a hobby. Ever since I was in preschool, I was making picture books. I have a strong imagination and always had a drive for telling stories. I guess I just never stopped! But I do take inspiration from art around me. I mentioned piano already; I often use the feelings of certain pieces to help write emotions in scenes. I’m also really into anime; I’ve been told my books would make a good anime.
Where is your favorite place to write?
On my couch with my bird and my boyfriend. My bird is very distracting though. I don’t really bring my laptop with me to write, like in coffee shops, but I probably would get less distracted if I did.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Look into advanced reader copies to give people for early reviews and publicity! I didn’t know about that until recently, and I know some authors who find great success in it.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
Everyone goes through hard times and it’s okay to not be okay. Your friends are here to support you.
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