A Vision of Two Edwardian Men Sparks a First Novel for Stephanie Cowell
Stephanie Cowell was born in New York City and has lived in the same old building on the Upper West Side for fifty years.
As a historical novelist, she is the author of Nicholas Cooke, The Physician of London, The Players: a novel of the young Shakespeare (all from W.W. Norton), Marrying Mozart (Viking Penguin), Claude & Camille: a novel of Monet (Crown Random House) and now, The Boy in the Rain (Regal House). She is the recipient of an American Book Award, and her work has been translated into nine languages.
Before her writing career, she spent fifteen years as an opera singer and balladeer and an arts administrator, creating a chamber opera company, a singing ensemble, a summer arts series in a New York City midtown park, and a few Renaissance festivals. Her second home whenever she can get there is England.
She has two very grown sons (one a filmmaker and the other an IT Engineer), two granddaughters and three cats.
What are you best known for?
THE BOY IN THE RAIN, a sweeping new novel of two men in love in England 1903, who face prison with hard labor if caught. Set a few years after the death of Oscar Wilde. Author Christopher Rice says, “With sensitivity and grace, THE BOY IN THE RAIN ushers the once hidden lives of a previous century’s queer men out of the shadows and immerses them in the tides of history. Stephanie Cowell writes with addictive momentum and passion.”
What is the first book/story you ever wrote?
A sequel to Peter Pan. I was eleven years old and wanted to be Peter.
What are you working on that no one knows about?
No secrets here! I tell my writer friends everything, and they are always reading my drafts. Over 50 people contributed their thoughts during the 39 years it took to bring THE BOY IN THE RAIN together.
