The Book

30 posters around the island announce
the book signing

What a fantastic experience I had writing, photographing, designing, self-publishing and promoting my first book Sifnos Houses  |  Myrto Kostika, Architect !  Having survived the experience, I feel greater admiration for those who have written, photographed, published, and promoted their own works.  The contributions and enthusiastic support from so many people has been incredibly heart-warming.

For a book description and to order go to  tinyurl.com/mkgbooks .  The book is also available for 20 Euros in the two bookstores on Sifnos, in Kamares and Apollonia.

Despite significant obstacles, the July 16^th book signing event was a success.  Myrto felt rightfully honored –she beamed all evening-- and we all had good fun.  For me, it was our farewell party, and, as such, I could not have expected better.  It was the hottest evening of the summer (30C+).  I learned only the evening before that the last 8 pages of the book were not included during the binding process.  Thus, we had no books to sell and sign.   No books for a Book Signing event!  Can you believe it?  Speechless was I upon receiving the news.  Everyone's reaction was, "That's Greece for you."   In honesty, such a challenge could have happened anywhere.  The local printer is mortified by the situation and strives to make amends.  At his cost, he sent someone (Mary, the psychologist who teaches children's Greek theater) to take orders, and, he has offered to provide courier delivery of signed books to everyone who so ordered it, no matter where they live.


I did have on hand book samples (less the last 8 pages) so that those who overcame the heat to join us could see the book.  About 50 of our friends participated and 77 books were sold.  Even though I publicized to the full community, including tacking 30 posters around the island, only one 'stranger' was amongst us.  He kept to himself, sitting on the veranda reading the book page by page. but didn't place an order.  All others in attendance were our friends or acquaintances.  The venue and hostess (Elli Lehou on her veranda in Artemonas) were absolutely perfect.  She even opened her home so that people could tour it.  Karoline was our business manager for the evening, collecting sales and giving receipts.  Gerhard photographed the event and was the "go-for" guy.  Two of Karoline's friends kept wine and water glasses full while also serving finger sandwiches.  This freed me to roam the group, playing the 'author' role.   Everyone brought their festive outlook, and, since we were all friends, we had a joyful time.  What a lovely grand finale to send us off on the ferry in only two days time!

Book signing party