Penrose Kickstarts 'To Hellas and Back' Around the Globe

Dec. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Author Lana Penrose has today announced that her bestselling memoir 'To Hellas and Back' and sequel 'Kickstart My Heart' have been made available worldwide after the relinquishment of rights by Penguin/Viking.

Both humorous, modern-day tragedies are now available via all reading platforms – in paperback and electronic format - via Amazon.com and Smashwords.com, meaning global availability. These worldwide distribution arrangements are in direct contrast to territorial restrictions imposed by local publishing agreements and sees Penrose able to capitalize on the many benefits of contemporary self-publishing.

Set in Greece, 'To Hellas & Back' is a true tale of love and intrigue that involves dog attacks, gypsy curses and public gropings. There are tears, laughter, heartache and minor gynecological concerns. Yet the story weaves around the enormous impact that living abroad had on a young couple - one Greek, one not. Protagonist, Lana Penrose, is often reduced to a confused, shrugging mute and soon pays the price. She describes her debut as, "'Eat Pray Love' face-ploughing into a mound of steaming moussaka." The book has been optioned for screen adaptation.

Sequel 'Kickstart My Heart' details her "spectacular ability to deal with an agonizing break up like Bridget Jones with an axe through her head." This memoir chronicles the reality of separation and divorce en route to new love.

Both releases have received critical acclaim within Australia and have since been re-packaged in preparation for the world.

With publishing behemoths being slow to react to changes spearheaded by online networks, much like the music industry before it, the new direction in which literature is heading comes as no surprise to Penrose who is a former record company promotions manager, music journalist and MTV producer. She worked briefly with Simon Cowell and has been known for her affiliations with the pop elite.