Writers find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. There are times when the most difficult situations inspire a writer to create works that can be helpful to those struggling through similar situations.

Erotevtite Katalilous kai Oxi Akatalilous (“Fall in Love with the Right One and Not the Wrong”) is a diary by relationship blogger and author Tina A. Michaelidou who asks: “What would your life be like if in a Diary you saw and read various quotes about exes and divorces and you recorded your feelings? How would you feel every time you wake up to hold the Diary in your hands and find the strength to smile, even in your most difficult moments?”

Michaelidou, whose books are available online, spoke with The National Herald about her life and work.

TNH: Tell us a bit about your background, where did you grow up and study?

Tina A. Michaelidou: I am from Nicosia, Cyprus. I grew up in Athens and studied at the Kapodistrian University of Athens in the Department of Social Theology and Assistant Nursing in the Specialty of Neurology-Psychiatry at the School of the General Hospital of Athens G. Gennimatas. I was raised with a lot of love, especially from my dad who was an Associate Professor of Cardiology at the Hippocratic Hospital of Athens and taught me to love people.

TNH: Were you always interested in pursuing a career as a writer?

TM: From a young age, I wrote very nice reports and my teachers told my dad that I should become a writer. During the first quarantine my first book Kai mi Heirotira (And not worse) from 24 Grammata Publications was released and my Diary- Erotevtite Katalilous kai Oxi Akatalilous (“Fall in Love with the Right One and Not the Wrong”) from Ydroplano Publications was also published.

ΤΝΗ: What inspires you the most in your writing career?

TM: I am inspired by divorces, after all, I started writing from my own divorce. I want to help all those people who are divorcing and in pain to overcome their divorce with real smiles and move on in their lives.

TNH: What inspired your latest book?

TM: My Diary from Hydroplano Publications Erotevtite Katalilous kai Oxi Akatalilous (“Fall in Love with the Right One and Not the Wrong”) was again inspired by divorce, from my various quotes and I wanted in this Diary a divorced woman to record her own feelings.

TNH: How long did the writing process take from idea to publication?

TM: It took me many years to realize all this, I believe for all things it takes the right time to make it happen. The emotional factor also played [a major role] in the beginning, but after I philosophized it, I realized what I had in mind and I still have a lot more I want to do.

TNH: What are you working on next?

TM: Now, I’m working on the next books that I cannot talk about yet, as well as my collection where part of the proceeds will go to charity for organizations helping abused women.

More information is available online:

https://www.tinamichaelidou.gr/

https://www.instagram.com/michaelidou_tina/

https://www.instagram.com/exsghostbytinamichaelidou/

https://www.facebook.com/ItsMyLifeByTinaMichaelidou/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1513009972129927/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/193874551994960/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DYwCSK2dACqjJeBLfGv-g

https://twitter.com/TTinoula