What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love making things. I’ve always been this way: I enjoy stuff I produce with my two hands. That's why I studied to be an engineer, that’s why I love cooking, sewing, gardening and doing up our house (I can do all the nasty things, such as plastering or tiling). When I first held my printed book in my hands I couldn’t believe my luck. It was my dream come true!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Budapest, Hungary – under communism. Whenever I hear the Hungarian hymn, as soon as it finishes I start to sing the Russian hymn in my head. We were pretty poor – my mother first saw a banana when she was around forty years old. One doesn’t mind these things as a kid, but my childhood puts everything into perspective. Not only do I understand the importance of money – but I also understand the importance of love, and the need for a family one can count on.
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