Interview with Lanny Cook

Author of The Mystery of Zion, Israel and the Last Days

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am a Native Coloradoan and I live in the same community where I grew up, which is a suburb of Denver.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born in a small town in Northeastern Colorado. When I was two weeks old my folks moved to the Denver area where my dad got a job working in a lumber yard. Even though my parents always desired to move back to the small town, the job opportunities were never there. So, Denver has always been my official home town, but the small town atmosphere was instilled in my heart since my grandparents continued to live in Northeastern Colorado and we spent a lot of summers and weekends spending time with them.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My first book came into existence through the experience of losing a cousin to cancer. We had grown up together and were nearly inseparable as kids. He was one of the best friends I’ve ever had in this life and I felt compelled to share his story so that others would better understand the importance of living a life focused on family and faith.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Most of the books I’ve written are glimpses into real-life situations and circumstances. They’re filled with a good bit of humor. But, at the same time they are seasoned with the reality of life’s challenges and obstacles. However, within the context of all of the humor, there is always a poignant message focused on hope and encouragement for the reader. They will make you laugh, cry and ponder the real meaning of life in this world.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Real people who don’t take life for granted and who are in need of something uplifting to read. People who have experienced both the peaks and valleys of life can really connect with my writing. However, my latest book, “The Mystery of Zion” is actually geared toward those with an interest in Biblical Prophecy.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Editors are actually really nice people who are intent on helping you create the best product possible. At first, I found them quite intimidating, but after endless hours of going through the editing process, I discovered that this is probably the most critical component associated with being an author. It’s really pretty easy to write for leisure. The grueling part of writing is totally encompassed in an editor’s pursuit of crossing every “T” and dotting every “I” while simultaneously ensuring grammar and sentence structure all follow acceptable standards. As an author, I’ve had to work really hard to learn the difference between what is acceptable and what is highly questionable when it comes to my rhetorical adventures.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Read, re-read, read again, and re-read everything at least a dozen times before sending it off to a publisher for consideration. Wordsmithing is actually a learned art that takes much more time and energy than the initial writing process.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Seriously, I hope to one day make it to the “New York Times Best-seller List.” So, I guess I should honestly respond with “millions.”

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Getting books into the hands of people who would benefit or enjoy my writing the most. Part of this has to do with getting it on the shelves in bookstores rather than just having it available through on-line sources.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing is by far my greatest strength. But with that being said, I have to admit that I battle being too verbose at times. I’ve had to learn to get to the point, make it interesting in the process, but to not carry on with too much rhetorical rambling.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing is by far by biggest weakness. Part of that has to do with my lack of aggressive salesmanship. I’d rather give my books away if somebody wants one rather than have them go out and buy it. I love to write, and I love to share these stories, so marketing my books is always a challenge for me personally. It goes against my natural tendencies of generosity. I actually give more books away than have been sold through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I’m almost done with my next book. I’m in the final stages of putting it all together. It’s getting close to entering that grueling phase of reading through it, then re-reading it all and then reading it again a half-a-dozen times to get it ready to send to my publisher.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

My first couple of books I self-published. But, I’ve used a hybrid publisher for three of my most recent works. I have gone through Deep River Books to publish “Fingernails on the Chalkboard,” “Sons of the Eastern Plains,” and my latest, “The Mystery of Zion.”