A Fevers of the Mind Quick-9 Interview with Akis Parodis

with Akis Parodis:

Q1: When did you start writing and first influences?

Akis: I started writing prose and lyrics during high-school. Around that time I formed my first band. Growing up in a bohemian area in Athens, Greece, I was surrounded by artists of all forms and some of the most prominent personalities that shaped the underground scene in Greece. Constantine Cavafy was my first influence and of course the nobel prize poets Georgios Seferis and Odysseas Elytis.

I started writing prose and lyrics during high-school. Around that time I formed my first band. Growing up in a bohemian area in Athens, Greece, I was surrounded by artists of all forms and some of the most prominent personalities that shaped the underground scene in Greece. Constantine Cavafy was my first influence and of course the nobel prize poets Georgios Seferis and Odysseas Elytis. 

Q2: Who are your biggest influences today?

Akis: I would easily say Sylvia Plath and her poetic revolution. I also associate with her in many ways. 

Q3: Where did you grow up and how did that influence your writing?

Akis: I grew up in Exarcheia which is a unique area in the center of Athens. Exarcheia for me was a city in the city with a uniqueness and artistic flame. Underground nights during the 80s with bohemian characters flying around disturbed neighborhoods. This was for me a ‘black and white’ period of time literally and metaphorically which injected me with smells, sounds and images of all sorts.

Q4: Have any travels away from home influence your work?

Nicholas: My trip to Peru and Machu Picchu was an unforgettable experience that influences me. I remember the faces of people and the generosity they offered. This was pure light for me that haven’t seen many times in my life.

Q5: Any pivotal moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

Akis: It was a strange feeling that I remember until today. My mum used to take me to the cinema from an early age. I was 8 when I saw ‘Victor Victoria’ at the cinema and although my mum put her hands in front of my eyes a few times, I was captured by the cabaret atmosphere and the glam. This is when I realised that there is a different dimension towards which I could escape as many times as I wished.

Q6: Favorite activities to relax?

Akis: Mostly movies, series and reading. Music, meditation, nice company wine and interesting discussions with friends also help me relax.

Q7: Any recent or forthcoming projects that you’d like to promote?

Akis: I have just finished my first chapbook ‘Solitary Retreats’. Childhood is the first element of life. When it is lost, all that is left is an empty snow globe that we shake every now and then, when we feel lost. Solitary Retreats is a collection of poetry journeying through childhood and escape. 4 poems will figure in erbacce no.69, so stay tuned… 

Q8: What is a favorite line/stanza from a poem of yours or others?

Akis:

In my neighborhood
the rainbow is thirsty for colours.

Q9: Who has helped you most with writing?

Akis: My wife is with me in this journey. She is the first to read and challenge my writing. I am also very happy to collaborate with, be inspired by and mentored by Jami Macarty.