Ask the Author: K.R. Cook
Answered Questions (8)
K.R. Cook
Anything romantic with a happy ending (think Manhunt by Janet Evanovich - it's adorable AND it makes me laugh). Have some suggestions?
K.R. Cook
The most recent novel I've published is titled SUBMERGED, and it's part of a series consisting of (3) books. Submerged began as jotted down notes in a notebook I'd fumbled around looking for after awakening from a traumatizing nightmare. I wrote down everything that'd happened, just as it had in the dream. I'd truly felt like I was watching a movie, and I woke up with a racing heart and a light sheen of sweat all over me. After months of putting the story on the backburner, I finally succumbed to the pressure of the characters in my head urging me to tell their story. I got my laptop out and started writing. And for several weeks, I didn't stop. I wound up with (3) books: Submerged, Unleashed, Overcoming. If you've read the books and would like more info on the backstory leading up to their publication, check out this entry on my blog: https://www.authorkrcook.com/blog/the...
Currently, I'm working on a spin-off series from Submerged told from the POV of two secondary characters. Interested in more news on that project? Subscribe to my newsletter here: https://www.authorkrcook.com/subscribe
Currently, I'm working on a spin-off series from Submerged told from the POV of two secondary characters. Interested in more news on that project? Subscribe to my newsletter here: https://www.authorkrcook.com/subscribe
K.R. Cook
I actually addressed this in another question. I deal with writer's block by taking a break. I'll listen to music, especially if there are certain songs that remind me of the book I'm writing. Sometimes I'll daydream or fantasize about the characters, imagining new scenes that could occur. And if I dislike the scene, I'll start over. And sometimes I just take a break for an entire week, until inspiration strikes. More often than not, inspiration strikes after a day or two or three...
My rule is to always write down any ideas I get through daydreaming, etc. I'll even make notes on the word document while I'm writing out a scene if a future idea strikes. If I don't, I could forget, or it'll hit me later. By then, it might not fit with the plot any longer, or there's no room for it. If I'm out and about, I'll write out a text and send it to myself, so that when I get home, I have a text notification reminding me to jot down that note on the word document.
My rule is to always write down any ideas I get through daydreaming, etc. I'll even make notes on the word document while I'm writing out a scene if a future idea strikes. If I don't, I could forget, or it'll hit me later. By then, it might not fit with the plot any longer, or there's no room for it. If I'm out and about, I'll write out a text and send it to myself, so that when I get home, I have a text notification reminding me to jot down that note on the word document.
K.R. Cook
Having fun with creating new worlds, characters, dialogue. I get to be in someone else's mind. I get to dig deep to explore and expose their greatest desires, fears, weaknesses, what makes them tick, what makes them happy. And why do they desire or fear certain things? I get to figure it all out. And when it's all said and done, I can share their stories with others.
While writing the Submerged series, which has always been kept close to my heart, I wanted to not only tell this amazing story, but to also maybe even teach a lesson. Red flags in relationships are sometimes there, but we often ignore them or attach an excuse to those flags. Doing so can damage you... and others.
While writing the Submerged series, which has always been kept close to my heart, I wanted to not only tell this amazing story, but to also maybe even teach a lesson. Red flags in relationships are sometimes there, but we often ignore them or attach an excuse to those flags. Doing so can damage you... and others.
K.R. Cook
Dreams, nightmares, daydreams, fantasies, music. If ever I get writer's block, I take a break to think about the plot, the characters, conversations that could occur, picking through each little detail to see what appeals to me the most. This I call a daydream or fantasy. When my mind is overloaded, music often helps to clear it. Is there a certain song or several songs that remind me of the book or certain characters? If so, I'll listen to it.
K.R. Cook
One incredibly hot summer, while attending a barbecue, where the aroma of grilled burgers filled the air, mixing with the smell of fresh cut grass, I walked up to the table of condiments and trimmings with a plain burger patty on my plate. There, alongside pickles, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, buns and cheese, they only had mustard (no ketchup, no mayo... just... mustard).
K.R. Cook
1. Never give up.
2. Do your best (see like every step below).
3. Edit your manuscript until you can't stand to look at it anymore. This is usually when it's ready (or as ready as it can be if you end up getting editing advice from beta readers or an editor).
4. Get an editor or a trusted friend who's great with grammar. Hey, if you know an English teacher, ask them if they'd be willing to read over your manuscript (when it's COMPLETE) and give you grammatical advice, maybe even some additional advice on flow, etc. Or, hire an editor. Keep in mind that editors can be expensive, butcha get whatcha pay for.
5. Seek out beta readers (even if they're friends or family at first). These readers can give you insight into what works and what maybe doesn't.
6. Don't always listen to what's "in" right this moment in the book market. If you love the story and believe in it, keep writing it!
7. Query agents who are looking for what you've got. If you query someone seeking Y/A Romance with a Mystery novel, you're wasting both your time and theirs. There is no "well maybe they don't know they're looking for this awesome mystery book because they haven't heard about MY book yet". Nope, agents are picky. They know EXACTLY what they want, and they'll tell you on their website, twitter account, manuscript wish list, etc.
8. Use Query Tracker.
9. And speaking of Twitter, don't pitch to an agent on there unless they specifically ask for it. Though, I don't recall agents ever asking for folks to query them on their social media accounts. Best to do it the right way, which is through their website, following their guidelines to a T! < That last part is super important.
10. Participate in a twitter pitch war, if you're comfortable with that. And stick to the rules/guidelines.
11. If traditional publishing doesn't work out (i.e. enough rejections to leave you knocked TF out in the publishing boxing ring), self-publishing might be for you. Again, do your research to ensure you're choosing the right path for YOU. There are TONS of scams out there. Are they BBB accredited? How are their reviews looking? Don't get scammed!
12. Be patient. You might not get the results you wanted or even expected right away, but if you keep working hard and doing everything within your power to make a book the best it can be, and to market it appropriately, you WILL see results eventually. Will you be a world famous author? A household name? Maybe not. But if you quit, you'll never know.
13. Remember that this is a very subjective industry.
14. If self-publishing, either hire someone to design your book cover (again, ya get whatcha pay for) or do it yourself. With enough practice, you might end up with something badass! There are several programs available out there, even free ones for designing book covers. Do your research, play around, find out what works best for you.
15. Remember... don't give up!
I'm sure I'm missing a lot on here, but there's a ton to cover when it comes to publishing. I wish all you writers out there the best of luck. I hope your dreams come true, because you deserve it!
2. Do your best (see like every step below).
3. Edit your manuscript until you can't stand to look at it anymore. This is usually when it's ready (or as ready as it can be if you end up getting editing advice from beta readers or an editor).
4. Get an editor or a trusted friend who's great with grammar. Hey, if you know an English teacher, ask them if they'd be willing to read over your manuscript (when it's COMPLETE) and give you grammatical advice, maybe even some additional advice on flow, etc. Or, hire an editor. Keep in mind that editors can be expensive, butcha get whatcha pay for.
5. Seek out beta readers (even if they're friends or family at first). These readers can give you insight into what works and what maybe doesn't.
6. Don't always listen to what's "in" right this moment in the book market. If you love the story and believe in it, keep writing it!
7. Query agents who are looking for what you've got. If you query someone seeking Y/A Romance with a Mystery novel, you're wasting both your time and theirs. There is no "well maybe they don't know they're looking for this awesome mystery book because they haven't heard about MY book yet". Nope, agents are picky. They know EXACTLY what they want, and they'll tell you on their website, twitter account, manuscript wish list, etc.
8. Use Query Tracker.
9. And speaking of Twitter, don't pitch to an agent on there unless they specifically ask for it. Though, I don't recall agents ever asking for folks to query them on their social media accounts. Best to do it the right way, which is through their website, following their guidelines to a T! < That last part is super important.
10. Participate in a twitter pitch war, if you're comfortable with that. And stick to the rules/guidelines.
11. If traditional publishing doesn't work out (i.e. enough rejections to leave you knocked TF out in the publishing boxing ring), self-publishing might be for you. Again, do your research to ensure you're choosing the right path for YOU. There are TONS of scams out there. Are they BBB accredited? How are their reviews looking? Don't get scammed!
12. Be patient. You might not get the results you wanted or even expected right away, but if you keep working hard and doing everything within your power to make a book the best it can be, and to market it appropriately, you WILL see results eventually. Will you be a world famous author? A household name? Maybe not. But if you quit, you'll never know.
13. Remember that this is a very subjective industry.
14. If self-publishing, either hire someone to design your book cover (again, ya get whatcha pay for) or do it yourself. With enough practice, you might end up with something badass! There are several programs available out there, even free ones for designing book covers. Do your research, play around, find out what works best for you.
15. Remember... don't give up!
I'm sure I'm missing a lot on here, but there's a ton to cover when it comes to publishing. I wish all you writers out there the best of luck. I hope your dreams come true, because you deserve it!
K.R. Cook
I'm currently working on a spin-off series to the Submerged series. These (2) novels will be told from the POV of Jason and Tanya, a couple I just HAD to put together. Unlike Submerged, this series will NOT be Young Adult, as it's partially told from the POV of Jason. If you've read Overcoming (Book # 3 in the Submerged series), you'll understand why. Also, we've jumped into the future by 4 years, aging our beloved characters.
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