Corfu – a love story!
So many of my novels are set on the gorgeous Greek island of Corfu where I have a home. From my very first holiday to the village of Kassiopi, through years of visiting the Mareblue Beach Hotel in Agios Spyridon, to finally buying my own house, the inspiration for my books has been overwhelming!
Authors write about many locations and it’s not always possible to visit in person, so often we must rely on the internet and other people’s travelogues on YouTube to capture a scene. Therefore, being able to literally embed myself in Greek life is the biggest plus when it comes to making my stories authentic. Basically, I live a lot of my characters’ scenes! Many of the situations that happen in my Greek novels have happened to me or someone I know. I feature real places, tavernas, bars and beaches you can visit! Many of my readers use my rom coms as travel guides, ticking off the places each chapter is set.
So, what is it about Corfu that has me featuring it in most of my stories and putting down roots there? The answer is simply everything. Everyone knows about the beautiful scenery, the greenery and mountains, the cute little coves, the azure seas, and the amazing Greek food. But what really makes me feel at home and inspires my writing the most is the people. And what helps the words flow is the easy pace of life. Every time I get back to the island my tense shoulders are already loosening off the second I step from the plane and, by the time I’m in one of the many little villages, I’ve probably been served some octopus and ouzo and breathed in the mountain air and any stress feels just a tiny bit less frenetic. I’m not saying all your worries miraculously melt away, but the Greek life is a simple life, and it allows me to focus on what really matters and hold at a distance those issues that seem so important in my fast-paced UK life but very often aren’t that crucial at all.
For me, Corfu is all about slowing things down, taking stock, embracing nature, and making the most of every single day. And this is what Corfu usually gives to my characters, many of whom are experiencing the Greek island for the first time. I also hope it’s that uplifting, life-affirming journey that my readers are enjoying too! A great number of readers tell me that my books have them looking up holidays to Corfu because I’ve made it sound so idyllic. That really is my gift to the island that has given me so much. It’s my aim to bring in more visitors to enjoy its beauty, visit the local tavernas, relish that slower pace and make new friends! Páme! Let’s go!
You can get a taste of the idyllic Corfu in Mandy’s brand new book Under A Greek Sun — pick up your copy here: https://mybook.to/UnderAGreekSunsocial