A.R. Cook's Blog, page 3
June 28, 2016
Happy Publication Day to "The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Threads of Fate"!
TODAY'S THE DAY! Book Three of "The Scholar and the Sphinx" series is out, in both paperback and e-book. So make sure you get yourself a copy and complete the series (or, if you haven't picked up Books 1 and 2 yet, now's the time to get the entire trilogy)!
Early Praise for "Threads of Fate":“Adventure awaits! Combining history, mythology, danger, and mystery, The Scholar, the Sphinx, and the Threads of Fate is a thrilling tale that you’ll gladly give up sleep to stay awake and finish.” - Shaun Hutchinson, author of “The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley”, “FML” and “The Deathday Letter”“Cook weaves a tapestry from magic, myth, madness, and mayhem that is the curtain between reality and everything else. Fascinating, engrossing, and a little bit frightening. What fun!” - Chris A. Jackson, award-winning author of Pathfinder Tales “Pirate’s Honor” and “Pirate’s Promise,” the Weapon of Flesh trilogy, and the Scimitar Seas seriesIf you want to try your luck, there are still a few days left to try and win a free signed copy of "Threads of Fate" on my Goodreads giveaway, so hop on over to the Threads of Fate page and see how lucky you are!
You have until June 30 to enter! Good luck!
Early Praise for "Threads of Fate":“Adventure awaits! Combining history, mythology, danger, and mystery, The Scholar, the Sphinx, and the Threads of Fate is a thrilling tale that you’ll gladly give up sleep to stay awake and finish.” - Shaun Hutchinson, author of “The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley”, “FML” and “The Deathday Letter”“Cook weaves a tapestry from magic, myth, madness, and mayhem that is the curtain between reality and everything else. Fascinating, engrossing, and a little bit frightening. What fun!” - Chris A. Jackson, award-winning author of Pathfinder Tales “Pirate’s Honor” and “Pirate’s Promise,” the Weapon of Flesh trilogy, and the Scimitar Seas seriesIf you want to try your luck, there are still a few days left to try and win a free signed copy of "Threads of Fate" on my Goodreads giveaway, so hop on over to the Threads of Fate page and see how lucky you are!You have until June 30 to enter! Good luck!
June 23, 2016
Maybe the Universe is Telling Me Something...
This month has turned out to be interesting, in that several things have happened that have returned me to the original form of writing I studied in college: play-writing.
Now while I do have the 3rd and final book of "The Scholar and the Sphinx" coming out very soon (it is supposed to be next Tuesday, June 28, but a sudden round of edits due to wonky formatting may push that back a week to July 5), I've actually received several bits of news in the play-writing world.
One, I have a staged reading of my new children's play "The Smile of the Cheshire Cat" being performed tomorrow at Brenau University. This isn't a full-scale production, but the summer camp kids and whoever wants to attend (could be you, if you live in Gainesville, GA) can watch a cute little story that's a prequel to "Alice in Wonderland."
Second, I received a lovely nod today for a short play I submitted to the Cambridge "Channel the Bard" competition a while back. I didn't win the grand prize, but the Cambridge publicist Ms. Diana Rissetto noted several of her favorite entries (out of over 300) and mine was listed: http://www.cambridgeblog.org/2016/06/shakespeare-as-interpreted-by-the-next-generation-of-great-playwrights/
Finally, I got a call this week from the Theatre of Western Springs in Illinois (about 20 minutes from my hometown) that they have selected my one-act play "Death by Word" as part of their New Plays Workshop. It'll be one of three plays performed August 18-21. I refer to this play as "relatable absurdism," centering around a maintenance man who is a self-proclaimed poet, he is diagnosed as clinically insane for believing poetry is still relevant. Also he needs to reconnect with his catatonic son (who has been banned from using the Internet, so just stares at the wall all day) and his workaholic wife who doesn't know what to make of her husband's "unproductive creativity."
So if you live near Western Springs, IL, come out to the theater Aug.18-21! I'd love to see you there! Stay tuned for more updates about show times, or visit the TWS website: http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com/
Now while I do have the 3rd and final book of "The Scholar and the Sphinx" coming out very soon (it is supposed to be next Tuesday, June 28, but a sudden round of edits due to wonky formatting may push that back a week to July 5), I've actually received several bits of news in the play-writing world.
One, I have a staged reading of my new children's play "The Smile of the Cheshire Cat" being performed tomorrow at Brenau University. This isn't a full-scale production, but the summer camp kids and whoever wants to attend (could be you, if you live in Gainesville, GA) can watch a cute little story that's a prequel to "Alice in Wonderland."Second, I received a lovely nod today for a short play I submitted to the Cambridge "Channel the Bard" competition a while back. I didn't win the grand prize, but the Cambridge publicist Ms. Diana Rissetto noted several of her favorite entries (out of over 300) and mine was listed: http://www.cambridgeblog.org/2016/06/shakespeare-as-interpreted-by-the-next-generation-of-great-playwrights/
Finally, I got a call this week from the Theatre of Western Springs in Illinois (about 20 minutes from my hometown) that they have selected my one-act play "Death by Word" as part of their New Plays Workshop. It'll be one of three plays performed August 18-21. I refer to this play as "relatable absurdism," centering around a maintenance man who is a self-proclaimed poet, he is diagnosed as clinically insane for believing poetry is still relevant. Also he needs to reconnect with his catatonic son (who has been banned from using the Internet, so just stares at the wall all day) and his workaholic wife who doesn't know what to make of her husband's "unproductive creativity."
So if you live near Western Springs, IL, come out to the theater Aug.18-21! I'd love to see you there! Stay tuned for more updates about show times, or visit the TWS website: http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com/
June 8, 2016
B-Fest Teen Book Festival at Mall of Georgia this Weekend!
I will be signing books at Barnes and Noble's B-Fest Teen Book Festival at the Mall of Georgia this weekend, June 11! Author book signings start at 2 p.m., so hop on over, grab some coffee from the cafe and pick up a great teen read or two!Starting at 11 a.m., you can get sneak peeks of your favorites, including James Dashner's prequel to The Maze Runner, new stories from Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, and an exciting new series from Veronica Roth, plus other exciting giveaways.
This is an event happening at all Barnes and Noble bookstores across the country, so even if you don't live in the northeast Georgia area, you should still go to your closest B&N and support this awesome event!
For more information, visit http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780061785011-0
Saturday, June 11Barnes and Noble Mall of Georgia3333 Buford Dr. Buford, GA 30519
May 25, 2016
See You All at TimeGate this Weekend!
If you're in the Atlanta area and love Dr. Who, TimeGate is the event for you! The Marriott Century Center is hosting it again this year, and will featured lots of awesome guests, including Doctor #8: Paul McGann!
I'll be an author guest there this weekend, May 27-29, so I'd love for you to drop by and see me! And if you attend my panels, you can be entered into a raffle to win copies of Book 1 and Book 2 of "The Scholar and the Sphinx" series, so you'll be up to speed when Book Three comes out June 28!
A.R. Cook’s Panels:
Friday 9:00pm : Young Adult, Old Adult (Decatur 1)
Saturday 10:00am : The Wonderful & Ever Expanding World of Disney (Decatur 2)
Sunday 10:00am : Somewhere That's Green: The Little Shop of Horrors Retrospective (Decatur 2)
Sunday 4:00pm : The Writer's Process (Decatur 1)
See you there!
http://timegatecon.org
May 2, 2016
Thank You to JordanCon and Another Book Giveaway!
Thank you to everyone who organized JordanCon 2016 in Atlanta! It was a really fun weekend and everyone had a great time. I got to meet famous artists Charles Urbach (Magic: the Gathering, among lots of others) and John Picacio (tons of sci-fi and fantasy book covers, including Star Trek and X-men) and reconnect with some author friends.
It was also the book launch of my newest release, "The Secrets of the Moonstone Heir," and a few folks picked up the book. I hope they enjoy it, and thank you!
But in case you haven't snagged a copy yet, there is a new giveaway on Goodreads running now until the end of May. You can win one of five paperbacks of "Moonstone Heir" so follow the link below and enter to win!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29898404-the-secrets-of-the-moonstone-heir
It was also the book launch of my newest release, "The Secrets of the Moonstone Heir," and a few folks picked up the book. I hope they enjoy it, and thank you!
But in case you haven't snagged a copy yet, there is a new giveaway on Goodreads running now until the end of May. You can win one of five paperbacks of "Moonstone Heir" so follow the link below and enter to win!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29898404-the-secrets-of-the-moonstone-heir
April 13, 2016
Book Giveaway to Celebrate "The Secrets of the Moonstone Heir"!
So have you been wondering what I've been hinting at you these past few weeks? Not only do you get a chance to find out before JordanCon next week (April 22-24 at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center), but you might even win a free e-book!
In celebration of "The Secrets of the Moonstone Heir" book launch at JordanCon, there is an e-book giveaway going on at Amazon now through April 27! You can be one of 10 lucky winners - or, if you don't want to wait, it's only $0.99 to buy! So get your e-book of this new fantasy series today!
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
In celebration of "The Secrets of the Moonstone Heir" book launch at JordanCon, there is an e-book giveaway going on at Amazon now through April 27! You can be one of 10 lucky winners - or, if you don't want to wait, it's only $0.99 to buy! So get your e-book of this new fantasy series today!
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
April 1, 2016
Something twisted is coming...
Coming later this month...keep an eye out...
March 9, 2016
Dahlonega Literary Festival This Weekend!!
Who all is going to the Dahlonega Literary Festival this weekend, March 12-13, at St. Luke's in downtown Dahlonega, Georgia?
I'd love to see you there! I'll be selling copies of "The Scholar and the Sphinx" series, and I'll be on the discussion panel "Regional Writers: Using Fantasy Elements" along with local authors Carolyn O’Neal, Shelley Pickens, Debra Webb Rogers and Tom Winton. Come to room 106 in St. Luke's at 10:15 a.m. to ask any and all your fantasy book related questions!
This is a fun event for book lovers in northeast Georgia, and will feature famous authors like Joshilyn Jackson, Cherie Priest, Delilah S. Dawson and Karen Abbott. For the full schedule and list of author guests, go to https://literaryfestival.org/.
See you there!!
I'd love to see you there! I'll be selling copies of "The Scholar and the Sphinx" series, and I'll be on the discussion panel "Regional Writers: Using Fantasy Elements" along with local authors Carolyn O’Neal, Shelley Pickens, Debra Webb Rogers and Tom Winton. Come to room 106 in St. Luke's at 10:15 a.m. to ask any and all your fantasy book related questions!
This is a fun event for book lovers in northeast Georgia, and will feature famous authors like Joshilyn Jackson, Cherie Priest, Delilah S. Dawson and Karen Abbott. For the full schedule and list of author guests, go to https://literaryfestival.org/.
See you there!!
February 1, 2016
Something magical is coming...
Stay tuned to the blog for more...
January 25, 2016
L.R.W. Lee Talks about Newly Released "Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, Andy Smithson, Book 5"
A while back, author L.R.W. Lee was kind enough to feature me in one of her episodes of Book Nerd Paradise on YouTube. With the new release of her fifth book in her Andy Smithson fantasy series, “Vision of the Griffin’s Heart,” it’s time we get to learn more about her and her writing!
The story continues the quest of young Andy Smithson, who is collecting elements for a potion to break a 500 year-old curse on the land of Oomaladee. This time he must gather the talon of a griffin – if he can do so without falling prey to hostile griffins, herewolves and therewolves, and other enemies in this magical tale of wonder, friendship and courage.
The book has garnered great reviews on Amazon and from fellow authors (check out Lee’s website at http://www.lrwlee.comto find out more), but let’s hear from the author herself!
1. How did you come up with your main character, Andy Smithson? Did he just pop into your imagination or did you specifically develop him?
LEE: Andy is patterned after my son. After our first child who was what I would call compliant and seemed to need little to no correction, our son arrived on the scene. As with most 2nd children, he was polar opposite and provided much fodder for an engaging main character.
2. How did your experience with building a business help with your writing?
LEE: It has been invaluable for I understand that writing is only 50% of the writer’s success equation. Unlike Field of Dreams, with so many good books available today, just launching it, even on a well trafficked platform like Amazon, does not get recognition. Because of my corporate background, from day one I began working to build a platform – Twitter and Facebook primarily and now also Book Nerd Paradise. As well, I understand the importance of the author community, for no author can succeed these days without the support of fellow authors. My background has also helped in understanding the need to optimize my books to rank well on the variety of sites they are listed on. There’s much more, but those are the biggest helps I would say.
3. Was there any particular book or author whom you feel had the most influence on your work?
LEE: I have to say JK Rowling. The imagination she revealed, the strength of her characters, the world building, the depth of plot over multiple books…she definitely shaped how I think about writing.
4. What do you love the most about writing for young people?
LEE: Young people are moldable. My passion for writing is to share with readers principles that from my experience can help them live more peaceful lives. A few of these principles include overcoming fear, frustration and impatience as well as understanding that true success in life is not from riches, fame or power, but rather responsibility, diligence and dignity. If they can finish any of my books closer to understanding these principles, I feel very fulfilled.
5. Which part of the creative process is your favorite? Least favorite?
LEE: Designing the story arc is my favorite part of the creative process for you can take a story anywhere your imagination can go. My least favorite part is editing and revising. Even though I know the narrative gets much stronger as a result, it’s still my least favorite part.
6. How long does it usually take you to write one of your stories from when you get the idea to when it’s finished?
LEE: Usually about 6 months.
7. I know that most authors love all their characters but which of your many “children” is your favorite (besides Andy) and why?
LEE: I have to say Mermin, the kindly old wizard who speaks with a lisp. I love him most after Andy because he’s so warm, humble and approachable. He’s fallible and he knows it, which is why he doesn’t apologize for his mistakes, rather he is comfortable in his own skin.
8. Do you ever plan to branch out into other genres besides middle grade/young adult fantasy?
LEE: Funny you should ask. Yes, I’m actually noodling with a story arc of a YA Sci Fi story.
9. How do you feel your writing has evolved since your first novel?
LEE: I can see how much I’ve changed and improved in showing rather than telling my readers what’s happening. I want them to engage and to show – providing sight, sounds, touch, smell, and taste cues is a big part of that. I was particularly thrilled when my editor came back a full week sooner than expected with this current book because I had improved so much between book three and four. My pocketbook also appreciated that.
Visit http://www.lrwlee.com/to learn more about the Andy Smithson series, or visit L.R.W. Lee at her Facebook or Twitter pages.
The story continues the quest of young Andy Smithson, who is collecting elements for a potion to break a 500 year-old curse on the land of Oomaladee. This time he must gather the talon of a griffin – if he can do so without falling prey to hostile griffins, herewolves and therewolves, and other enemies in this magical tale of wonder, friendship and courage.The book has garnered great reviews on Amazon and from fellow authors (check out Lee’s website at http://www.lrwlee.comto find out more), but let’s hear from the author herself!
1. How did you come up with your main character, Andy Smithson? Did he just pop into your imagination or did you specifically develop him?
LEE: Andy is patterned after my son. After our first child who was what I would call compliant and seemed to need little to no correction, our son arrived on the scene. As with most 2nd children, he was polar opposite and provided much fodder for an engaging main character.
2. How did your experience with building a business help with your writing?
LEE: It has been invaluable for I understand that writing is only 50% of the writer’s success equation. Unlike Field of Dreams, with so many good books available today, just launching it, even on a well trafficked platform like Amazon, does not get recognition. Because of my corporate background, from day one I began working to build a platform – Twitter and Facebook primarily and now also Book Nerd Paradise. As well, I understand the importance of the author community, for no author can succeed these days without the support of fellow authors. My background has also helped in understanding the need to optimize my books to rank well on the variety of sites they are listed on. There’s much more, but those are the biggest helps I would say.
3. Was there any particular book or author whom you feel had the most influence on your work?
LEE: I have to say JK Rowling. The imagination she revealed, the strength of her characters, the world building, the depth of plot over multiple books…she definitely shaped how I think about writing.
4. What do you love the most about writing for young people?
LEE: Young people are moldable. My passion for writing is to share with readers principles that from my experience can help them live more peaceful lives. A few of these principles include overcoming fear, frustration and impatience as well as understanding that true success in life is not from riches, fame or power, but rather responsibility, diligence and dignity. If they can finish any of my books closer to understanding these principles, I feel very fulfilled.
5. Which part of the creative process is your favorite? Least favorite?
LEE: Designing the story arc is my favorite part of the creative process for you can take a story anywhere your imagination can go. My least favorite part is editing and revising. Even though I know the narrative gets much stronger as a result, it’s still my least favorite part.
6. How long does it usually take you to write one of your stories from when you get the idea to when it’s finished?
LEE: Usually about 6 months.
7. I know that most authors love all their characters but which of your many “children” is your favorite (besides Andy) and why?
LEE: I have to say Mermin, the kindly old wizard who speaks with a lisp. I love him most after Andy because he’s so warm, humble and approachable. He’s fallible and he knows it, which is why he doesn’t apologize for his mistakes, rather he is comfortable in his own skin.
8. Do you ever plan to branch out into other genres besides middle grade/young adult fantasy?
LEE: Funny you should ask. Yes, I’m actually noodling with a story arc of a YA Sci Fi story.
9. How do you feel your writing has evolved since your first novel?
LEE: I can see how much I’ve changed and improved in showing rather than telling my readers what’s happening. I want them to engage and to show – providing sight, sounds, touch, smell, and taste cues is a big part of that. I was particularly thrilled when my editor came back a full week sooner than expected with this current book because I had improved so much between book three and four. My pocketbook also appreciated that.
Visit http://www.lrwlee.com/to learn more about the Andy Smithson series, or visit L.R.W. Lee at her Facebook or Twitter pages.
