M.L. Cook's Blog, page 4
October 24, 2020
New series coming
Felidian Warriors. First book is New Dawn.
Every time I think about it, the show Falling Skies comes to mind. Don't know why, but it does. I'm not sure that it will be that close to the series. But there will be a lot of interaction between humans and 2 different species of aliens.
First four books are mostly ready to be written. I'm trying to come up with names for all the characters in my books. I know it's been suggested that I keep the names to a minimum, but seriously people...you have a name, right? You wouldn't want to be referred to as that woman with the dark brown hair, or that guy with the baseball cap, right?
I'm always looking for suggestions. I love hearing from people who read my books, and I would love to put your names in my books. Just throw them out there!
Every time I think about it, the show Falling Skies comes to mind. Don't know why, but it does. I'm not sure that it will be that close to the series. But there will be a lot of interaction between humans and 2 different species of aliens.
First four books are mostly ready to be written. I'm trying to come up with names for all the characters in my books. I know it's been suggested that I keep the names to a minimum, but seriously people...you have a name, right? You wouldn't want to be referred to as that woman with the dark brown hair, or that guy with the baseball cap, right?
I'm always looking for suggestions. I love hearing from people who read my books, and I would love to put your names in my books. Just throw them out there!
September 7, 2020
what to write...
So many books rambling around in my brain...what do I want to write next?
There's Dark Intentions, about a guy who is stalking his unsuspecting next victim.
As she came around the cabin, she noticed the swing was swaying back and forth, as if someone had just gotten up. Which was silly, why would someone be on her porch? She was out in the middle of nowhere, after all.
Shaking her head, she reached for the screen. Tracy inserted the key and froze. She stared at the door a moment, before she backed away, letting the screen slam shut behind her. The same screen she’d ensured was locked when she left earlier that day. The very same one that was unlocked now.
Kate's Redemption:
Kate found herself standing beside a cracked and algae ridden fountain, on a narrow strip of grass that managed to survive the ravages of city life. An angel, forgotten by time, sat in the center. His outstretched hands seemed to be attempting to lift some weary spirit from its earthly binds, unfurled wings, one knee bent, eyes seeking his destination. Beneath his arms, almost as though she was just too weary to beg for passage, sat the thin frame of a woman, head slightly bowed, her half-lidded eyes seemed to be staring intently at something only she could see. Kate found herself wondering what it was that captured her attention in these final moments of her life.
The world around her took on a mysterious haze, as though all the color had been leached out. Shadows were thick, almost is if to have achieved substance, yet too weighted down to maintain their form. Turning around in circles, she noticed that every single thing around her took on a glowing aura. It was more like each object was in fact, a lamp, with a thin shade stretched taunt, that now sought to pour the light out, over the top and through the mesh. It was as if the world had become entangled between the darkest hour and dawn. The sky above held captive millions of twinkling stars while the morning rays of the rising sun brushed her broad strokes across the midnight sky. The combination resulted in a landscape that seemed to be in a battle for who would claim dominance over the world, night or day, light or dark, goodness or evil.
Fury Rises:
Survival was no longer an option. Only a slow death beneath the burning sun. The hard-packed desert floor would refuse to give up even a single grain of sand to hide his corpse from the scavengers that would soon feast upon his rotting flesh. He would die alone, never to see his wife and child again.
Without him to care for them, what chance did his family have? Every Orc was expected to be fierce; to be strong enough to fight their enemies, resilient enough to survive, no matter the odds. His wife, Matuka, was strong, he was certain that she would do everything in her power to protect their young daughter. He also knew, that even one so strong would not be able to hold up against the Orc warriors that would challenge her. They would take his home, everything in it, leaving nothing to show that he once lived. His name would be cast into the winds, never to be uttered again.
Say...how about a comment (or two) and tell me what you would like to see?
There's Dark Intentions, about a guy who is stalking his unsuspecting next victim.
As she came around the cabin, she noticed the swing was swaying back and forth, as if someone had just gotten up. Which was silly, why would someone be on her porch? She was out in the middle of nowhere, after all.
Shaking her head, she reached for the screen. Tracy inserted the key and froze. She stared at the door a moment, before she backed away, letting the screen slam shut behind her. The same screen she’d ensured was locked when she left earlier that day. The very same one that was unlocked now.
Kate's Redemption:
Kate found herself standing beside a cracked and algae ridden fountain, on a narrow strip of grass that managed to survive the ravages of city life. An angel, forgotten by time, sat in the center. His outstretched hands seemed to be attempting to lift some weary spirit from its earthly binds, unfurled wings, one knee bent, eyes seeking his destination. Beneath his arms, almost as though she was just too weary to beg for passage, sat the thin frame of a woman, head slightly bowed, her half-lidded eyes seemed to be staring intently at something only she could see. Kate found herself wondering what it was that captured her attention in these final moments of her life.
The world around her took on a mysterious haze, as though all the color had been leached out. Shadows were thick, almost is if to have achieved substance, yet too weighted down to maintain their form. Turning around in circles, she noticed that every single thing around her took on a glowing aura. It was more like each object was in fact, a lamp, with a thin shade stretched taunt, that now sought to pour the light out, over the top and through the mesh. It was as if the world had become entangled between the darkest hour and dawn. The sky above held captive millions of twinkling stars while the morning rays of the rising sun brushed her broad strokes across the midnight sky. The combination resulted in a landscape that seemed to be in a battle for who would claim dominance over the world, night or day, light or dark, goodness or evil.
Fury Rises:
Survival was no longer an option. Only a slow death beneath the burning sun. The hard-packed desert floor would refuse to give up even a single grain of sand to hide his corpse from the scavengers that would soon feast upon his rotting flesh. He would die alone, never to see his wife and child again.
Without him to care for them, what chance did his family have? Every Orc was expected to be fierce; to be strong enough to fight their enemies, resilient enough to survive, no matter the odds. His wife, Matuka, was strong, he was certain that she would do everything in her power to protect their young daughter. He also knew, that even one so strong would not be able to hold up against the Orc warriors that would challenge her. They would take his home, everything in it, leaving nothing to show that he once lived. His name would be cast into the winds, never to be uttered again.
Say...how about a comment (or two) and tell me what you would like to see?
August 16, 2020
Mirror Image
I'm really excited about the release of Mirror Image. I really fell in love with the cover, I think it really captures the book.
It's up for preorder on Amazon for just 99 cents. But when it comes out (Sept. 4), it's going to jump to $9.99...$6.99 at the least.
Also, I'm running a contest. I've put a few Easter eggs in the book. Whoever can find the most, things which are a real thing for me, in my real life, will win. If there's more than one, I'll pick a random winner.
The prize? A 16 oz coffee mug with a $25 amazon gift card tucked inside.
A little hint, I really do own a pair of maroon pajamas with pockets. Now see how many you can guess. I'll tell you now, even my husband would be hard pressed to find the rest.
good luck!
It's up for preorder on Amazon for just 99 cents. But when it comes out (Sept. 4), it's going to jump to $9.99...$6.99 at the least.
Also, I'm running a contest. I've put a few Easter eggs in the book. Whoever can find the most, things which are a real thing for me, in my real life, will win. If there's more than one, I'll pick a random winner.
The prize? A 16 oz coffee mug with a $25 amazon gift card tucked inside.
A little hint, I really do own a pair of maroon pajamas with pockets. Now see how many you can guess. I'll tell you now, even my husband would be hard pressed to find the rest.
good luck!
August 1, 2020
What is Mists
The Mists of Stone Lake was written mostly to help me get over the loss of my daughter. It's been two years since five people decided she should no longer breathe. I'm still waiting for the trials to take place. The shooter took a plea. If he does ever see freedom, I'll be dust in the ground. Because of this, I can't go into any detail about the case. But that doesn't prevent me from making up a story about a young woman who is brutally murdered by five people. Outside of the number of people, and a few minor details, nothing of this book resembles what actually happened.
I never expected this book to sell like it has. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. A large part of me wants to rip it from the world, hiding it away so none will see the ache inside me. Originally the story was supposed to go much differently. The characters got into my head and led me in another direction. Giving each person a back story was what helped me to see that everybody has their own demons to contend with.
If you read the note from the author, you can learn a bit of the truth, at least the truth as I see it. Five people took part in killing my daughter. Five people took part in killing Lauren. Can anybody guess who represents who in the book? Any who can guess it right, their names will be thrown into a hat. The winner will receive a signed copy of the book, along with a 16 oz. mug with a picture of the cover on it. Just message me with your guesses. I'll have a drawing...hummm...on my birthday!
I never expected this book to sell like it has. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. A large part of me wants to rip it from the world, hiding it away so none will see the ache inside me. Originally the story was supposed to go much differently. The characters got into my head and led me in another direction. Giving each person a back story was what helped me to see that everybody has their own demons to contend with.
If you read the note from the author, you can learn a bit of the truth, at least the truth as I see it. Five people took part in killing my daughter. Five people took part in killing Lauren. Can anybody guess who represents who in the book? Any who can guess it right, their names will be thrown into a hat. The winner will receive a signed copy of the book, along with a 16 oz. mug with a picture of the cover on it. Just message me with your guesses. I'll have a drawing...hummm...on my birthday!
July 19, 2020
Sale
Just a quick FYI, in case anybody has been waiting for the sale...it's here!
Pick up your copy of The Mists of Stone Lake Today!
It's only on sale until the 25th of July, so don't delay!https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TSPZDQ
Pick up your copy of The Mists of Stone Lake Today!
It's only on sale until the 25th of July, so don't delay!https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TSPZDQ
July 3, 2020
Busy in the Dungeon
I have several projects going right now.
Dark Intentions is about a woman that takes a two week vacation in the mountains, unaware of the man who stalks her.
The Others (title may change) is about one of the characters from Tenth Stem, Ann. Ann finds herself in a new place with four young girls who depend on her to keep them alive. When she discovers an old enemy she joins forces with Louis Santos to hunt him down.
Hannah's quest is about a young woman who finds herself stuck inside a video game, and the quests she must complete to return her to the real world.
That is just a few of what I'm working on. There are also several fantasy books I'm hoping to complete in the near future. So, don't think I've forgotten about you, the reader, because I haven't.
Dark Intentions is about a woman that takes a two week vacation in the mountains, unaware of the man who stalks her.
The Others (title may change) is about one of the characters from Tenth Stem, Ann. Ann finds herself in a new place with four young girls who depend on her to keep them alive. When she discovers an old enemy she joins forces with Louis Santos to hunt him down.
Hannah's quest is about a young woman who finds herself stuck inside a video game, and the quests she must complete to return her to the real world.
That is just a few of what I'm working on. There are also several fantasy books I'm hoping to complete in the near future. So, don't think I've forgotten about you, the reader, because I haven't.
May 30, 2020
The Mists of Stone Lake
Do I have any audiobook people? Anyone who would be interested in a FREE audiobook? All you have to do is send me a message, and I'll happily give you a link to listen for free. I have links for US & UK. Again, just send me a message. The first 10 people to send the message will receive the link.
May 29, 2020
new books
I'm working on a few new books, but spending most of my time on one, tentatively titled "Kate's Redemption". It's about a drug addict who dies of a drug overdose. After she passes, she is taken to (you guessed it) Hell. After a while, Kate has decided she's had enough of the torment, and starts to think about why she is there.
This book is about a drug addicts struggles with their lot in life. The guilt over things that aren't really their baggage to carry. Kate must learn that lesson. I'm sure there are others out there who wish their loved one had learned important lessons, and could find their way out of their addiction.
If you have lost someone to the world of addiction, be it drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or any other, and you would like to have their name added to the book, let me know. This book will be dedicated to those who struggle, or lost the struggle. Like my own daughter, who was brutally murdered in July 2018. She lived in that world, and couldn't find her way out, and the world took her from me.
There is hope, if you're still breathing, there is hope.
By the grace of God, I found recovery 33 years ago.
This book is about a drug addicts struggles with their lot in life. The guilt over things that aren't really their baggage to carry. Kate must learn that lesson. I'm sure there are others out there who wish their loved one had learned important lessons, and could find their way out of their addiction.
If you have lost someone to the world of addiction, be it drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or any other, and you would like to have their name added to the book, let me know. This book will be dedicated to those who struggle, or lost the struggle. Like my own daughter, who was brutally murdered in July 2018. She lived in that world, and couldn't find her way out, and the world took her from me.
There is hope, if you're still breathing, there is hope.
By the grace of God, I found recovery 33 years ago.
May 22, 2020
books
Just a little FYI, I have lowered the price of The Mists of Stone Lake to 99 cents until May 26 (ish), then it goes back up to $3.99. So...get it while you can
May 27, for 5 days, Tenth Stem will be on sale for 99 cents. I'll also be running a contest for a signed copy of the book. All you have to do is send me a screenshot of your purchase.
thanks!
May 27, for 5 days, Tenth Stem will be on sale for 99 cents. I'll also be running a contest for a signed copy of the book. All you have to do is send me a screenshot of your purchase.
thanks!
April 30, 2020
About the books...
It seems like I'm great at summing up my books on Twitter with a couple of lines, but when it comes to writing a short teaser to interest readers, I fall short.
The Mists of Stone Lake was originally written for my daughter, who was murdered about a year and a half ago. 5 people took it upon themselves to decide that 2 people (her & her friend) should cease to exist. In the book I was able to find closure, and understand that nobody is born evil. Life events create monsters. After I finished the book, it took off. I never expected it to become so loved. One character followed me around one night and begged for his life. Read the book to learn what my decision was.
Tenth Stem was a long time coming. I had a few people read the book, most said that it was the best thing I have written. It was a lot of work, and one character ended up being a major player. Betty was intended to be only a stopping point. Her character developed and grew into one of the most beloved of all my characters. She had her own demons to battle. In the end she found love and acceptance.
There is a sequel to Tenth Stem in the making. It's not really going to be anything like the last book, but some familiar characters will make an appearance in it. You don't have to read Tenth Stem to understand what is happening in the new book, but it might help a little.
Enjoy your journey through all the worlds you choose to explore!
The Mists of Stone Lake was originally written for my daughter, who was murdered about a year and a half ago. 5 people took it upon themselves to decide that 2 people (her & her friend) should cease to exist. In the book I was able to find closure, and understand that nobody is born evil. Life events create monsters. After I finished the book, it took off. I never expected it to become so loved. One character followed me around one night and begged for his life. Read the book to learn what my decision was.
Tenth Stem was a long time coming. I had a few people read the book, most said that it was the best thing I have written. It was a lot of work, and one character ended up being a major player. Betty was intended to be only a stopping point. Her character developed and grew into one of the most beloved of all my characters. She had her own demons to battle. In the end she found love and acceptance.
There is a sequel to Tenth Stem in the making. It's not really going to be anything like the last book, but some familiar characters will make an appearance in it. You don't have to read Tenth Stem to understand what is happening in the new book, but it might help a little.
Enjoy your journey through all the worlds you choose to explore!
