Name Kristie Cook

Age um…mentally? 22 Physically? THIRTY (er, forty) something

Where are you from Heh. Kind of all over. I grew up as an Air Force brat, but I call Arlington, VA, “home” (right outside Washington, DC). Now I live in paradise – Southwest Florida.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect

 I’ve loved writing since I was 8 years old, but when I was in college, I got “practical” and changed my major from English to business. I graduated with a Business Marketing degree. My career always included writing, though, and at some point, I’d decided I didn’t have a novel in me – that I was meant to use my writing skills for business. While working as a resume writer, training program writer and editor, newspaper reporter and editor, and marketing communications developer, I raised my three boys. When they hit their teens, though, and my oldest started driving, I began to find more free time on my hands. I devoured every book I could get my hands on and loved lots of them but couldn’t find the story I really wanted to read – the one forming in my head. So I decided to give writing fiction another try. Within 6 weeks, I’d written the first drafts of what became Promise and Purpose. I haven’t looked back since. That was four years ago. I have two boys in college now and one who’s a senior in high school. Yes, next year we’ll have an empty nest. I don’t know yet, though, if that means even more writing…or more traveling. Probably both!

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Wrath, Book 5 in the Soul Savers Series, released in August. I’m getting ready to go to Germany for the Frankfurt Book Fair. I’m looking forward to meeting others in the industry, authors and readers.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Oops! I kinda answered that one already. *sheepish grin*

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I knew I loved writing when I wrote my first story at 8 years old, but I don’t think I considered myself a writer until the end of high school.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 I’d been thinking about angels and demons for years, but even when I decided to give fiction another try, I didn’t really have a story in mind. I started with character sketches, and then a scene between two of these characters. Then ideas began to snowball from there. That’s how it works – one little kernel of an idea can quickly grow into massive inspiration, if you just let your imagination go.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

 Hmm…all writers have their own unique style. So yes?

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The series is named Soul Savers because that’s what my main character does – she defends and protects souls from being damned. The title of each book in the series is based on what she’s learning or having to overcome in that book.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

 A quote from Oscar Wilde: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” In other words, there is always hope for our souls if we choose to hang onto it.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

 The series is set in our world, but with a paranormal underground.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

It’s all fiction, but even fiction writers draw from their own experiences. However, in this series, the actual events are mostly supernatural, so, uh, no, they’re not from real life. At least not mine.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Good question! I don’t know that I can narrow that down. Probably the Bible and The Secret, but I like to think I walk away from every book with something.

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

 Yeah, can’t choose.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished What I Didn’t Say by Keary Taylor and Out for Blood by Brenda Pandos. Two very different books, both of them fabulous.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

 Erm, I’m still trying to catch up with my TBR list (or at least make a dent in it), so haven’t read anything brand-new lately.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I have several in the works – as in brainstorming, outlining, writing a few scenes – right now, including the last two Soul Savers books, the next Book of Phoenix installment and some short stories. I also have a couple of ideas for either stand-alones or new series, but they’re in the very beginning stage of development.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members

If “family members” doesn’t include my business partner and best friend who’s practically like a second spouse, I’d say her, Chrissi Jackson. She’s been amazing through this craziness. I do consider her family, though, so I’d have to say the reading community – especially bloggers.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. And also a lifestyle.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Oh, I don’t like to think about that! There is always something I want to change, but it’s best if I don’t delve too deeply into those kinds of thoughts. Once it’s published, it’s time to move on to the next. Otherwise, like most authors, I could continue tweaking it through eternity.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

With a short story I had to write for school. My mom gave me a kernel of an idea and I loved the process of developing it into a story and writing it. I was the only one in the class to get an A+ on the assignment, so I figured I was pretty good at it too. *shy smile*

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Ha! It’s all mind maps and sloppy handwritten notes right now.

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

There’s always a challenge, but each book is different, so the challenge changes. That’s what keeps things interesting and keeps me striving to improve.

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I will answer this when you do. LOL I can’t pick a favorite. Not even 3 or 5 or even 10. The most succinct answer I can usually give is whoever I’m reading at the time.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I guess I don’t have to, but I love to travel, so I do. I love attending conferences, especially those that include readers.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 Brenda Pandos designed the covers for the Soul Savers.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The latest book, Wrath? Pretty much all of it. Alexis was in such a dark place, making her difficult to write. And the ending tore me up. I hadn’t exactly seen it coming – I’d originally had different plans – so I hadn’t been prepared for it. But when I got there, I knew I had to make those changes because they needed to happen this way (rather than my original plan) for the better story.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learn from writing every story, whether it’s improving my craft or from researching a weapon or country or even slang in other cultures. It keeps writing fun and exciting. For example, I learned a Liverpudlian scouse (someone from Liverpool, England) wouldn’t say “kin,” but would say “fam-bo.” I also learned what Charlotte, NC, was like in the 1910s, what border protection exists (or doesn’t) on the U.S./Canadian line and other interesting tidbits.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write what you want – don’t let others pressure you, whether they’re well-meaning friends, fans, or trends – because forcing it shows in your writing. And don’t give up. If this is what you’re truly passionate about doing, keep going, even when you want to quit. Because no matter how hard it gets or how frustrated you feel, giving up means giving up a piece of your soul. Keep on writing, working to get published, striving for whatever goals you have – as long as you do, you will succeed. Failure only comes to quitters.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

 A big, loud THANK YOU!!!!

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies

Cooking and I like to play around with photography

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching

The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The Vampire Diaries, and Revolution.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Cheese and chocolate; purple!; alternative/indie rock

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done ?

 When I was younger, besides being a writer, I also wanted to be a pilot, a hotel owner, and a teacher, but most of all I wanted to be a mom. Now, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be than a mom and a writer. Probably something with travel.

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it? www.KristieCook.com UK fan site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk/