Xanthi Theo - From Draft to Master Piece.
- Toronto Artists
- May 9
- 9 min read
Updated: May 13
"Toronto Artists Scene" writer James Mac Donald Interviews Xanthi Theo, taking a glimpse into her writing style as an author of poetry and short stories, which she has published in books. And also learn about her column, which she writes in BizFashion Magazine. Being an Author, as she would phrase it best, "From Draft to Master Piece."
Versatile storytelling is critical for any author. Crafting ghostly tales, thrillers, and narratives filled with surprising twists requires skill. The mix of horror and humor allows for a captivating experience that attracts a wide audience, "no matter what age the reader is."
Toronto Artists Scene: A look through the mirror into Xanthi Theo's Creativity.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of writers, one name to watch out for that has emerged as a significant voice is Xanthi Theo. Known for her poignant writing style, Xanthi has captivated readers with her beautifully crafted poetry and short stories, which have found a home in the hearts of many readers. Her works are characterized by a deep emotional resonance and a keen observation of the human experience, making her a notable figure in the literary landscape.
Insights into Xanthi Theo's Writing Style
Xanthi's writing is a delicate dance between the lyrical and the narrative, often weaving together elements of her personal experiences with broader themes. Her poetry reflects a nuanced understanding of language, employing vivid imagery and metaphor to evoke strong emotions in her readers. In her short stories, she demonstrates a remarkable ability to create compelling characters. During the interview, Xanthi shared her creative process, emphasizing the importance of revising and refining her work. She often describes her journey as an author with the phrase, "From Draft to Masterpiece," highlighting the transformative power of editing and the dedication required to bring her initial ideas to fruition. This mantra serves as a guiding principle in her writing, reminding her that every great piece of literature begins as a rough draft that can evolve into something extraordinary through hard work and perseverance.
Contributions to BizFashion Magazine
In addition to her literary pursuits, Xanthi Theo also contributes a column to BizFashion Magazine. Xanthi's unique perspective as both an author and a columnist enriches her contributions to the magazine, as she draws parallels between the worlds of literature and fashion. She believes that both fields share a common thread: the ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through carefully chosen words. Her work encourages readers to consider how the art of storytelling transcends mediums, inviting them to appreciate the artistry present in both written and visual forms.
Introduction to Xanthi Theo in her style of the Unique Fusion of Horror and Comedy
I had a wonderful chance to delve into Xanthi Theo's writing style through her poetry and some of her remarkable books, which she has written to date. Are you ready to engage with a fascinating amalgamation of horror and comedy? Today, we shall explore this distinctive genre that intertwines chilling specters with delightful humor. This post aims to unveil the eerie yet charming and entertaining experiences inspired by compelling literary works.
Unlocking the Enigmatic World of Horror-Comedy: A Journey Through Ghostly Twists and Literary Inspirations
1. You have authored many great books, including your most recent one, published in October of last year, titled "The Passionate Cats Hotel." Could you share more about the story, as it appears to have some intriguing twists of events, and runs from comedy to horror?
Yes, horror and comedy are balanced in a unique way. It goes from a lively Halloween party to an unnerving, haunted hotel experience. It is packed with bizarre twists - an angry orangutan, ghostly voices, living ceramic frogs, and phantom cars. It is suspenseful, and the final reveal about the abandoned hotel creates a chilling conclusion.
Upcoming Literature on the Horizon
*Are there any other books scheduled for publication in the upcoming months? What are they going to be about?
Yes, there are poetry books and short stories set to be published in the coming months. I'm currently working on a new project. It's a new short story called "The Mischievous Ghost Rider."
Poetry Books:
Your Twinkle's Impact Part 2
Their Unity is Such a Jingle
My Thoughts are Aurora Borealis
Short Stories:
The Barbers Shoot for the Stars
The Friendly Chiropractor
The Third Morning Hour
Blossom Whispers
The Angry Lawn Gnomes
Of Cloth and Atlas
Because I am Catherine
The Rat Lady's Wish
Your Twinkle's Impact Part 2
Part 2 of 'Your Twinkle's Impact builds upon my mission to inspire, empower, and spread positivity. The other two books explore the beauty and transformation of the seasons throughout the year.
As an author, I am versatile in my storytelling. I craft not only ghost stories, but also intriguing thrillers. Many of my stories have a touch of humor as well.
Reflections, Inspiration, and motivation for writing.
How did you discover or find your call for writing and creating poetry? What inspired you to get published?
When I was 12, my teacher taught me an important life lesson: always analyze and deduce any information given to me. Inspired by that wisdom, I wrote my first book, "The Shadowy Figure." Though it was later lost, I recreated it in October of last year.
My favorite author was R.L Stine, who wrote the “Goosebumps” series of children’s horror books, and my favorite short stories were of Sherlock Holmes. The combination of that teacher's guidance and those literary influences inspired my passion for writing.
Now, as an adult, I enjoy watching horror-comedy films. Unlike most movies, which often lack a narrator, my stories thoroughly explore the protagonist's mind, offering a different perspective.
As an adult, my writing began with poetry. Interestingly, my journey into poetry started in an unexpected way - while doing laundry. The phrase "fishing for lint" became a line in the rough draft of my first poem, "How I Feel About Dawn." I wrote it during the Covid-19 lockdown, a time when coyotes moved from the bushes of small towns into the backyards of big cities like Toronto. This surreal shift found its way into my poetry, including "How I Feel about Dawn."
In those uncertain times, poetry became a medium for reflection and mental clarity. The messages we tell ourselves are powerful, and poetry acts as fuel for the mind. Just as my teacher's lesson at 12 inspired my writing journey, "How I Feel about Dawn" became a gateway for my creative beginnings.
BizFashion Magazine Columnist
Congratulations on your new column this year in BizFashion Magazine, titled "Xanthi's Poetry Corner." What inspires you to craft motivational poetry and stories that resonate with readers?
I have four poetry books, and although I'm not currently writing any new ones. I have a rich collection of poems to choose from. Each month and season has their own distinct themes, and when selecting poetry for my column, I carefully ensure that each one fits in with that theme.
How do you define your poetic style?
My writing prose is one that is medium in length content, allowing me to tell a story through my poems. By adding depth into each poem, it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your articles?
Each poem carries a thoughtful message, offering wisdom like New Year's resolutions that come with the start of a new year. Through my columns, I strive to inspire readers with meaningful reflections and motivation for personal growth and goal setting throughout the months.
Xanthi's Future career path.
Where do you see your writing talent taking you next in your career?
As I continue writing and publishing new books, I take it one step at a time, steadily building my work. My goal is to keep sharing my poetry and, one day, establish myself as a well-known author.
Things you experience in life affect your writing.
How do your surroundings or the things you witnessed and experiences you've had in life affect your work or influence your perception of creativity in writing?
A lot of my stories have been inspired by the people and situations I’ve encountered in my personal life. These real-world influences have added authenticity to important aspects of stories I’ve written. Also, I enjoy coming up with ideas based on ordinary and sometimes peculiar surroundings.
As for poetry, my inspiration comes from my ability to see the good in everything and in people. This perspective allows me to capture beauty, hope, and positivity in my writing.
The Writing Process.
When it comes to short stories, my writing process usually involves crafting one chapter per day. My storytelling style is consistent across all my works. I write in the first-person perspective, narrating events as if they happened in the past while telling the story to the reader in the present. Each book begins with a chapter that provides background on the protagonist, establishing their life before the main events unfold. To keep readers engaged, I build suspense at the end of each chapter, which makes them eager to continue reading.
For poetry, I first jot down my ideas about a subject on paper, then I structure each pair of lines to ensure they rhyme. The poems capture meaningful insights based on life's wisdom and personal experiences.
As I approached writing the end of each story, I thought it would be my last story. Then, a new idea for another story came to mind. The writing process itself was an adventure because I felt immersed in my stories. Similarly, crafting ideas for my column in line with the themes of the months and seasons has been an equally exciting and rewarding experience.
The Influence of a great teacher...
(Every writer has a source of inspiration.)
Who are your biggest influences in the world of poetry?
My greatest influences in poetry are singer Ozzy Osbourne, whose lyrical songwriting has inspired me, and poet Robert Haight. Among my favorite works, "Autumn, Departures" holds a special place as my favorite poem, while "Dreamer" remains my most liked song by Ozzy Osbourne
Travel and Adventure
Where would you like to travel to if you could be anywhere in the world? And what would you like to write about from your travels?
I’ve already written a poem in my book "Their Unity is Such a Jingle", subtly expressing my longing to visit Cuba. The inspiration came from a fountain I once admired in Toronto. Its presence and movement evoked memories of a place I wish to experience.
In the poem called "Relaxing by the Fountain."
Also, in my poem "Make Love Widespread", I evoke the image of butterflies that came from Niagara Falls - a place I cherished in my younger years. My favorite attraction was the butterfly-conservatory.
How do we find your books and other pieces of literature that you have published?
My first poetry book, "Your Twinkle's Impact", was a big success! All printed copies have sold out, but the electronic version is still available. All my books feature artwork, bringing the words to life. You can find my literary works by reaching out to me on Instagram at xt3blue.
The Balance of Horror and Comedy
Horror-comedy shines because it makes you laugh while keeping you on edge. You have this exciting blend that allows laughter and chills to coexist, capturing our attention and ensuring we remain glued to our seats.
Her writing and style of genre mix a combination of comedy-horror. Thus, bringing a new life into storytelling.
The stories and poetry that Xanthi Theo has created have an incredible magic to them. Which tends to manage to weave humor into a spooky atmosphere, making the stories stand out. The goal is not just to frighten but to provoke laughter, creating a balance where you can chuckle and feel chills at the same time. Imagine laughing heartily before encountering a classic ghost just around the corner—only in horror-comedy can this happen!
The Impact of Xanthi Theo goes beyond words.
The "Toronto-artists.com" web portal for the "Toronto Artists Scene "collectively takes in the Toronto Artists and neighbouring cities and people who visit Toronto. The city is a melting pot of creativity, where diverse voices come together to inspire and challenge one another. Xanthi Theo's presence within this community of Toronto exemplifies the rich tapestry of talent that the city has to offer. Through her writing, she not only contributes to the literary landscape but also fosters connections among fellow artists, creating a supportive environment for collaboration and growth. As she continues to evolve as a writer and an artist, Xanthi's journey serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of sharing one's voice. Her work resonates with many, encouraging aspiring writers and artists to embrace their unique perspectives and to pursue their passions with dedication and enthusiasm. In conclusion, the "Toronto artists scene" is fortunate to have an interview with Xanthi Theo as a prominent figure, whose contributions to both worlds of literature and fashion reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of creativity in the city of Toronto and the rest of North America. Through her poetry, short stories, and insightful columns, she inspires others to embark on their own artistic journeys, reminding us all that every masterpiece begins with a single draft. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
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