C.J. Cooke

Cooke interrogates the complex interplay between creative expression and personal trauma through her multifaceted writing and academic career. Her works, including the internationally acclaimed "The Boy Who Could See Demons" and "The Lighthouse Witches," delve into themes of motherhood, mental illness, and feminism, often wrapped in a feminist gothic style. By conducting fieldwork and interviews in the locales she writes about, Cooke ensures her narratives are rich with authenticity and depth, engaging readers in stories that resonate with genuine emotional landscapes.\n\nHer research extends beyond fiction into understanding the broader impact of creative writing on mental health, leading projects like the Writing Motherhood initiative to explore how motherhood influences women's writing. This initiative reflects Cooke's broader commitment to social impact and inclusivity in literature. Her founding of the Stay-at-Home! Literary Festival further exemplifies her dedication to accessible literary engagement, providing eco-friendly ways for audiences to connect with authors and books. As a Reader in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, Cooke inspires future writers through her leadership in the MLitt Creative Writing program. Her work not only garners critical acclaim, with nominations for prestigious awards like the Edgar Award and ITW Thriller Award, but also offers profound insights into the healing power of storytelling, enriching both the literary field and her readers' understanding of life's complexities.