Meet the Author -Stephanie Cook

Dear Readers,

After a long pause, I’m delighted to be back with another edition of Meet the Author. I’m so pleased to introduce this edition’s featured author, Stephanie Cook. A self-described double expat, Stephanie has a love for both writing and travelling. Alongside her writing, she also hosts a podcast and is the author of Transcontinental Overload. Please join me in welcoming Stephanie Cook.

Let’s dive in and meet the author.

Usha: Welcome, Stephanie. Tell us a little about yourself and share two fun facts.

Stephanie: Hi, I’m Stephanie. I think I was born with a nomadic gene. I still vividly remember how excited I was when I first discovered travelling, and how much I loved hearing my grandparents’ stories about life abroad. My maternal grandmother lived in Paris for a while, while my paternal grandfather studied in Edinburgh. Some of my earlier relatives even emigrated to the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries. My podcast features expat experiences and travel stories.

As for two fun facts about me… here you go.

I’m an astrology nerd; I’ve always been interested in the signs of the Zodiac, but took some classes over the last few years and love it even more now.
I love tattoos but didn’t get my first one until I was 43 years old! They all symbolise in different ways the places I’ve lived.

Usha: What genre do you most enjoy reading, and do you have a particular favourite?

Stephanie: My favourite genre is fiction, both contemporary and historical, as long as it explores relationships, families, secrets, and has truly well-drawn characters. And if I can learn a little history along the way, even better.

Usha: What do you prefer: paperback, hardback, audiobooks, or e-books?

Stephanie: I’ll always choose a paperback over a hardback, though sometimes I’m too impatient to wait for the release. Because I travel so much, e-books are a lifesaver, and I love audiobooks for filling the gaps when I wouldn’t otherwise have time to read. That said, I’m picky about audio—the voice has to be just right. If I don’t connect with the narrator, it’s an immediate no-go.

Usha: What’s the first book you have a vivid memory of reading?

Stephanie: My first non-picture book was a story about a little boy who helped raise a foal that was abandoned by its mum – I was so proud because I could read before starting school, and my parents got me this book as a present on my first day of school. All my first books were about horses.

Usha: What sparked your journey as a writer?

Stephanie: I was one of those kids who always had her nose in a book and knew about the power of a story from a young age. I knew from an early age that I’d attempt to write one day.

Usha: What is your current writing genre, and is there a reason you chose it?

Stephanie: Having just written a memoir, I’d say probably that, as I’m still producing autobiographical content for my blog. Maybe I need to get more of that out of my system before I can tackle another genre.

Usha: If you could meet one fictional character from a book for coffee, who would it be, and where would you meet?

Stephanie: I’d love to hang out with Sabina from The Unbearable Lightness of Being. She is truly my fictional twin—in fact, she even features in my own book! Ideally, we’d meet up for a drink at a quiet café in either Prague or Paris.

Usha: If you could choose a celebrity to narrate your book as an audiobook, who would you choose?

Stephanie: I’d love Kate Winslet or Cate Blanchett to narrate it, especially with a beautifully clear English accent. They both have such expressive, captivating voices, and I think either of them would bring real depth and emotion to the story.

Usha: What do you enjoy when you’re not lost in the world of writing?

Stephanie: Watching movies! I would go to the cinema every day if I had the time and money. I just love stories.

Usha: Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym?

Stephanie: Yes, this totally appeals to me! Possibly for a fictional project. Since I’ve published a memoir, I feel like people know me inside out, and I imagine it’d be freeing to just write something naughty or ridiculous without anyone knowing it’s me.

Usha: What current or recent show has inspired you creatively?

Stephanie: There are so many… much like my books, I like TV shows about human relationships. A recent favourite was The Pitt; the characters were incredibly well written. I also like shows like This is Us.

Usha: What’s next for you now that your memoir is out in the world?

Stephanie: I’m brainstorming for a sweeping novel set in different time periods, loosely based on my family’s history. Sounds grand, doesn’t it? I haven’t spent much time writing much down yet, but I feel like my brain always collects bits and pieces in the background – I’m hoping for a tidal wave to pour out onto a page soon.

That was the last question. Good Luck on the novel writing. Thank you so much Stephanie for being part of Meet the Author. I am going to add The Pitt on my list of TV shows to watch.

Find out more about Stephanie and her work. Do give her a follow on social media and listen to her Podcast.