She publishes Panel magazine and, with her colleagues from Panel, has just released their first book – the collection of short stories “If We're Talking Budapest”.

Her short fiction pieces have been published in various magazines online and in print, and in several anthologies. Her collection of short stories "On The Set", inspired by Budapest, was released in 2020, in Duck Lake Books (USA).

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

Almost 7 years ago. We, my husband and I, fell in love with the city during our travels and once figured – why not live here. It was not a rational decision: at a time we had a new born baby, and both were sleep deprived.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

No, before Budapest I lived all my life in St. Petersburg.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

That November mornings can be light and nice.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Take a tram 2, climb at least to one hill, soak up in thermal baths, sneak in courtyards.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Töltött káposzta, lángos.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Avocado.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Nyugodtan — it has so much in it.

8. What do you miss most from home?

Overheard conversations on the streets. People. Theater.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Can't think of anything.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Politician.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Camping in Slovenia.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Very cliché – London and Paris.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Stay up until midnight.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen? 

Radiohead (band), Twin Peaks (film).

15. Red wine or white?

Any, if not to mix them.

16. Book or movie?

Book.

17. Morning person or night person?

I am a night person. If parenthood didn't change that, nothing will.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Human rights.

19. Buda or Pest side?

Pest for the mind, Buda for the soul.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Life is short.

Photo: Eszter Fruzsina