Angelika, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you here to share more about your journey and the inspiration behind your autobiography.

Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your autobiography?

Thank you, April, for this opportunity to share about my book and life with my Lord Jesus.
I am the first generation of a Greek Immigrant, with all my grandparents born in Greece. I was born in NYC and raised in the South Bronx. My autobiography is a testimony to my walk with God and how He continues to nurture me in His calling and in our relationship.

What inspired you to write your book?

I knew for many years I would someday be called by God to write an autobiography of my walk with Him. It was only a matter of God’s timing. So, my inspiration was led by God.

How has your faith influenced your decision to write and self-publish a book?

I trusted God in self-publishing my autobiography. His timing is perfect. As years before, self-publishing a book was not an option. Today, it’s a different story. I plan on writing and self-publishing another book in the near future.

How do you hope that your book will impact the lives of those who read it?

I want people to understand and know that the only true God is Sovereign, that He desires an intimate relationship with His children, and that He desires to be intimately involved in every aspect of the lives of those who have embraced Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

This intimacy with such a loving, just God can only be obtained through Jesus, the very incarnate God Almighty and only begotten Son of God. And once you embrace Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, God fills you with His Holy Spirit to help transform you to the image of Jesus.

How has writing and reflecting about your own life impacted you on a personal level?

I have relived my life through writing my autobiography, and have relied on God’s Holy Spirit for accuracy in what I have shared. I am relieved, apprehensive, yet excited that this book is finally done.

Writing an autobiography is a much more personal venture to an author than writing most other books. Did you ever have second thoughts about it as you got deeper into the project?

I often asked God, “What am I doing splattering my whole life for just anyone to read.” But I knew from the beginning that this was something God directed me to write, and for what purpose. So, I just pressed on, and for seven long years.

What were some of the most challenging parts about writing your book?

It was difficult sharing some of the most intimate dealings from my Lord Jesus, dealings that
prior to writing this book, no one knew about.

What were some of the most rewarding parts about getting your book finished and
published?

Knowing I persevered in accomplishing a humongous project that God had put on my heart for
years to do, and finally getting it out there. I went through the book in its entirety twenty-five
times.

Why did you decide to self-publish rather than go through a traditional publisher?

It was God’s timing and leading. And I knew that I didn’t want someone dissecting my book and controlling it. I also like being a do-it-yourself person. I wanted to be able to honestly say that I did every aspect of what the book is today. Another benefit of self-publishing is the option of Print-on-Demand. This means that you do not have to “buy” copies of your book to sell. When someone orders your book, that’s when it is printed and then shipped to the buyer. This is a huge savings for the self-publisher and small publishing companies, because you don’t have to buy inventory.

How did you find the self-publishing process? Easy, difficult?

It was difficult at times, especially the formatting part. But I attended the “Write His Answer” Christian Writer’s Conference that was very helpful. It was at this conference that I learned: editors edit per their own personal style. And I had my own style I wanted to use. I also did my own research on what self-publishing was all about, and what was involved.

I also opened a publishing business for the purpose of publishing my own book: Voice of Theos Publishing, LLC. Opening a publishing business is not a requirement for self-publishing, but again, it was something I felt led by the Lord to do.

Did you do all the formatting and design work yourself or did you hire outside help?

I looked into getting outside help, but decided in the end that I would do all the formatting, design, copyright, and bought the ISBN in my name, because I also learned: the one who owns the ISBN, also owns all the rights to the book. The formatting was the most difficult.

I know you did all the photography for your book; can you tell us a little about the journeys you took to get those beautiful images we see on the cover?

I wanted my own image used. I took a trip to a state park purposely to get an image of cascading water for the front cover. The idea behind that was based on Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John 7:38-39. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

What are some ways you have used to get the word out about your book?

I have accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and use word of mouth. I also designed bookmarks that I printed and passed out. I hope to have my own website soon to promote my book even more on a personal level.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about your book or your experience writing and publishing your book that we haven’t yet covered?

I would like people to know that Amazon is not the only “Print-on-Demand” option for self-publishers. Retailers do not buy books from Amazon, as they are in competition. In addition to publishing it on Amazon, I have also published it on Ingram Spark, which is a division of Lightning Source LLC. With using two different “Print-on-Demand” platforms, I have the best of both worlds. Through Ingram Spark, my book is now listed across the internet, and is even on the website of Barnes and Nobel.

What would be your advice to those wanting to write their own autobiography?

Writing any book can be very exciting and challenging, yet getting very discouraged at times is the norm. But in writing about your life, especially when you are sharing things that have not been shared before, or about relationships that have strongly impacted your life, it’s very important that you get the facts correct, and convey your story with transparency and honesty.

Changing the names of individuals and organizations is always a good idea for everyone’s protection. In my case, as I stated before, I relied on God’s Holy Spirit for accuracy in sharing my life and calling from such an awesome God.

How can readers find your book?

My book is available on Amazon for individuals, and on Ingram Spark/Lightning Source LLC for any interested retailers at a wholesale price.

Thank you April, again, for this opportunity to share about my autobiography and self-publishing adventure.

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You can check out Angelika’s book here: