An Interview with Metaxia Tzimouli

Metaxia Tzimouli is a reader, storyteller, creative writer, and music lover. When she’s not writing fiction on Reedsy, she writes essays (which she also loves) on Substack. Winner of some accolades, mainly in poetry & short story fiction. Because she doesn’t like public speaking that much, she appreciates when her work speaks on her behalf.

Learn more here!

What inspired you to start writing this book?

My feelings toward my crush inspired me to start working on this book. However, it’s not sugary fan fiction. It’s better. If you do not mind me tooting my own horn.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title Wildheart has a double meaning. It narrates the story of a guy, Johnny Wildheart, and his family, the Wildhearts. But it also speaks about someone having a ‘wild heart.’ The title popped into my head immediately.

Describe your dream book cover.

Something to do with fantasy. With the waves crashing against a wave breaker against the backdrop of an orange sunset. I am not sure yet. It’s still forming in my head.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I am not. I am, however, watching a lot of pirate & gothic ambiance videos. I am also listening to classical music for writing.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have worked as a freelance translator for an in-flight magazine.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

It was Stephen King. Then I read several books (not all at once) by Carlos Ruis Zafon. It’s not one specific author. It’s a collection of words, settings, and ideas of several authors. Like a “setlist” that I draw influence from.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Wherever there is a notebook, a pen, and/or a laptop.

Do you have any writing rituals?

Nope. I do not wake up at five in the morning or anything like that.

However, if I have a first sentence, I keep it. Then I add to it.

I never throw anything away word-wise.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

My perfect readers are the ones who like adventure (adventure is timeless), they are in love or have fallen in love, they like the sea, ghosts, and pirates!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.