Philhellene Karen Martin ‘dancing’ her way to international success

·

Dancing the Labyrinth author Karen Martin woke up on Tuesday, December 31, to a tag on Facebook. She clicked on the Eyeland Book Awards page to the news that she had won in her category.

“If it’s on Facebook then it must be true,” she joked during an interview with The Greek Herald, adding that she “had a flush of happiness” after realising that she had won the prestigious international prize.

“Being a finalist was fantastic, and it felt good just to be shortlisted. More importantly, I am so pleased to have been acknowledged by the Greek community because that is my inspiration.”

Karen was just 14 years old when she found out that you could actually live on a Greek island, and she did this 40 years later. She picked Crete after sampling raki at a Greek taverna in Echuca while cycling through rural Victoria. Later she met Cretan restaurateur John Rerakis, and her fate was sealed. 

“I am a true Philhellene,” she said.

As a self-published author, she says the award vindicates her. 

“Initially, I was stuck on the traditional perspective that it would not be good enough unless traditionally published,” she said. 

After a meeting with English-born, Greek-inspired bestselling author Kathryn Gauci, she saw the benefits of independent publishing and self-published Dancing the Labyrinth. She has followed the same route with its recently-published sequel, Delphi. 

“I invest in myself and answer to myself. I employ editors, proofreaders, and cover designers and follow the direction I want. Also, my projects take two to three years to complete. I don’t need to push myself and can enjoy the process,” she said, adding that she views herself as an “indy author.”

While self-publishing has changed, Karen says that government funding has yet to catch up with what is happening on the street and is discriminatory for self-published authors.

“I hope self-published authors winning international awards such as this one can help turn that around,” she said, looking forward to a hopeful and abundant 2025.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Public outcry as Yarra Council upholds order to remove gate at Alphington Grammar

People have united in strong opposition to a controversial decision by Yarra City Council to remove a front gate at Alphington Grammar School

Kyrgios and Osaka join forces for US Open mixed doubles shake-up

Nick Kyrgios is set to return to the court at this year’s US Open in a high-profile mixed doubles pairing with Naomi Osaka.

Kastellorizian spirit, Australian heart: Eleni Millios-Hullick’s mission to cure brain cancer

Eleni Millios-Hullick is a passionate Greek Australian from Townsville, Queensland, and the current CEO of The Cure Starts Now Australia.

Arthur Sinodinos AO shares strategic global insights at Business Sydney briefing

Former Australian Ambassador to the United States, the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, delivered a timely and insightful address.

Victoria Floratos crafts beauty from fragile shells and migrant histories

In a Richmond studio, surrounded by tubs of meticulously washed eggshells, Victoria Floratos is piecing together more than just artworks.

You May Also Like

Anastasia Moragiannis opens up on stigma around Type 1 diabetes in Greek community

Melbourne local, Anastasia Moragiannis, 50, was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was six years old.

FIFA work with Heartbeat of Football to promote heart health at Women’s World Cup

FIFA teamed with ‘Heartbeat of Football’ to promote heart health to fans attending FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

‘I’ve self-harmed’: Nick Kyrgios opens up about mental health struggles on tennis tour

Nick Kyrgios has opened up on his mental health struggles during the tennis tour in the hopes he can break stigmas around the issue.