Meet Brad R. Cook

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brad R. Cook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brad R., so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
The simple answer is that I work on multiple projects so if my creativity wanes for one, I have somewhere else to direct those writing energies. However, what I find works most is carving out time to recharge. I love to hike, to feel the wind on my face as I stare out over a beautiful vista and my creativity thrives in those moments. I usually come back with all kinds of ideas. My last vacation produced several short stories and a new ending for a struggling plot.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a storyteller; always have been. I started writing in elementary school and luckily had several people who encouraged me throughout the years. I’ve had several jobs from acquisitions editor to book designer, but my true joy comes from telling stories. I’ve written fantasy and science fiction which led to several steampunk novels, but I’ve also written non-fiction, and lately I’ve been focused on historical fiction. I love to share tidbits of history, worlds never dreamed of, and the lives of interesting characters. Because people encouraged me, I believe in helping and supporting writers. The publishing industry has so many paths, and writers, new writers especially, need help navigating and understanding them. I’ve been a board member of St. Louis Writers Guild for seventeen years, and through this organization, I’ve helped writers find their path, avoid scams, and most importantly, inspired young writers through contests and opportunities to learn from professionals.
Right now, I’m working on two new novels while I promote my latest release, an epic story – it started as a bet, became a race, and changed the world – The Remarkable Journey of the First Road Trip Across America (historical fiction, Broadsword Books 2023)

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a writer, being a dreamer is the most important skill I’ve ever developed. Imagination is key. Being able to think beyond what is – and see what could be – will take writers further than any grammar lesson.

Next would be knowing how to tell a story. Sure, all stories all have a beginning, middle, and end, but it’s about knowing how people interact, how plots intertwine, how to build tension, and raise the stakes that makes them unforgettable.

Third, would be understanding and dealing with rejection. It will happen. So will acceptances, but knowing that rejection isn’t about the author but the book is so important. Writers need to know that agents will pass, publishers won’t acquire certain genres, and some readers will put down the book without buying it. It’s not about a thick skin, that for edits, but rejections will come. I’m proud of mine, it means I tried.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
There are so many, but one of the biggest is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I think I read it at the right time in my life, when I was searching for my path. One quote from the book resonated with me, “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting…” Part of life, especially the drive in life, is about pursuing dreams. I focused on being a writer after reading that book. I’ve reread it several times for inspiration. It always reminds me to never give up on my dreams, and that the universe is right there helping me achieve them.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Brad R. Cook Amber Cook Brad R. Cook Steven Langhorst

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made