Sophie Cook, an attorney and mediator, was born in Budapest, Hungary, and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1951. She has a Master’s Degree in fiction writing from Johns Hopkins University. In 2009 the Hungarian-language edition of Anna & Elizabeth was published in Budapest. Cook divides her time between Washington, DC and New York City and two sets of grandchildren.
Sophie CookSince most of my writing is historical fiction, doing research on topics that seem resistant to my progress is very helpful -- even if the research is…moreSince most of my writing is historical fiction, doing research on topics that seem resistant to my progress is very helpful -- even if the research is on peripheral matters. It puts me back in the period and suggests ways of continuing the story. (less)
Sophie CookUnlike most aspects of life, writing puts you in the driver's seat! You decide what your characters do or say, until they become real enough to dictat…moreUnlike most aspects of life, writing puts you in the driver's seat! You decide what your characters do or say, until they become real enough to dictate to you, which is fun. I once had an argument with a character and she won. The best thing is to reread your own stuff and see a character jump off the page or even make you weep. It takes a lot of rewriting to get to that point.(less)