William Cook

Hi Folks Firstly, apologies for the lack of posts lately - some of you may know that I recently began my Masters in English Lit. program and it is proving to be the inevitable time-guzzler that I thought it would be! So, less fiction, more academic writing . . . Grrrrrr. Despite the time consuming factor, I am learning a lot as I go and it's valuable information which will hopefully benefit my writing. The topic of my thesis is: American Postmodern Serial Killer Fiction , and I'm analyzing the following select works - Jim Thompson’s The Killer Inside Me , James Ellroy’s Killer on the Road , Brett Easton Ellis’s American Psycho , Poppy Z. Brite’s Exquisite Corpse and Joyce Carol Oates’s Zombie . Here's a slice of the intro - as you will notice, the style is not my usual pared-down prose . B ear in mind that this is the first draft, but you get the idea: "The vast body of published texts, which constitute the genre of serial killer fiction, reveal common narrative...

It is with great pleasure that I can finally announce the release of Fresh Fear: An Anthology of Macabre Horror (2nd edition). This new edition has a new lay-out, formatting and a cover featuring the amazing photography of renowned French photographer, Louis Blanc ( http://loublancphotos.com/ ). Formatting and interior work done by the talented Cyrus Wraith Walker from Cyrusfiction Productions. FRESH FEAR: An Anthology of Macabre Horror* is a collection of horror from some of the genre's best writers of dark fiction. In the introduction, a selection from W.J. Renehan's The Art of Darkness: Meditations on the Effect of Horror Fiction, we are reminded that, "Horror serves to reconnect us with our primal selves, provides temporary respite from the droning conditions of modern life." With over 450 pages, Fresh Fear is packed with stories written by both masters and up-and-coming maestros of the horror genre. Tales steeped in psychological horror sit along...

Recently I had the pleasure of talking with fellow New Zealand author, Lee Murray. She asked questions - I responded, oh yes, that's right, it was an interview! And here it is (please make sure to check out Lee's great blog and subscribe). Thanks for reading. Welcome William! Give us your personal definition of horror. How would you describe it: blood curdling spatter, or through the looking glass, darkly?  I’m not sure my personal definition of horror is different than standard definitions, but here goes: Horror, in its many guises ‒ fiction, cinema, real events ‒ is a highly subjective phenomena directly related to the individual’s own interpretation of things that inspire fear in the imagination. Fear is the greatest component of horror as an experience. The fear of losing one’s life, the fear of someone close to you losing their life, the fear of a threat that borders on the incomprehensible . . . and so on. Horror is an experience that builds in the...

Hi All - it's been a while I know, so as a way of thanking you for sticking around I've got some free books for you! Things have been really busy lately with research for my Masters thesis well underway. The title of my dissertation is 'The Evolution of a Genre: the Rise and Rise of Serial killer Fiction. As you can imagine, the research and writing on this topic fits well within the scope of my fictional work as well, so it should be an interesting and engaging ride. Let's just hope that my supervisor likes the subject as much as readers of my books do! Other current projects include continued work on the sequel to ' Blood Related ' (a novel titled 'Blood Loss'), the second volume of ' Secrets of Best-Selling Self-Published Authors ' as well as an omnibus edition that collates both volumes (1 and 2) plus additional material.  In other news, I have recently been interviewed. If you're interested in reading these you can view them respectiv...

Hi everyone. Firstly, I'd like to wish you all a safe and relaxed holiday season and I hope that 2016 brings good things your way. Secondly, I'd like to share with you my latest publication news ; Secrets of Best-Selling Self-Published Authors is at a special discounted low holiday price - only $2.99! Want to know how indie best-sellers become best-sellers? Want to know whether or not self-publishing will work for you? Want straight-to-the-point advice and easy-to-read tips on self-publishing, book marketing and sales? (U.S. & U.K. links below) Grab a copy quick and please share with your pals . Secrets of Best-Selling Self-Published Authors offers valuable insights and tips for new and experienced self-published authors. In Secrets of Best-Selling Self-Published Authors, William Cook, author and entrepreneur, shares a selection of interviews from his popular online interview series, alongside an analysis of the interviews and two fresh essays: ...

Here you go . . . a #Free #Book! Hopeless, a supernatural #Horror story. (U.S. & U.K. links below) - Grab a copy now and please share :) Free 'til Tuesday. Nothing can kill a child's love for her mother . . . A young girl must face her biggest fear – her father. As she struggles to protect her mother from the man she once idolized, young Hope must confront her situation and the possibility that they may not get out alive. A fast-paced supernatural horror story with a twist, that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the author of Blood Related and Dreams of Thanatos *Bonus Features: includes an additional short story and a recent interview with the author. Warning: contains adult content + themes of psychological horror and domestic abuse. "William Cook tells a gruesome story with a sense of authenticity that makes you question with considerable unease if it really is fiction, after all." – Graham Masterton, author of The Manitou and Descendan...

 Hi there - well it's been a while since my last post as things have been very busy on the home front. I have nearly finished the final edits on my latest book - 'Secrets of Best-Selling Self-Published Authors,' and have been working on a couple of other projects (novel, collection etc). SOBSSPA is a non-fiction collection of interviews that appeared first here on my site/blog - (you can find all the interviews via this link ) along with an analysis of the main interview points and a couple of essays on Growth Hacking for authors and Self-Publishing by yours truly. All things going well, this interesting little book should be ready pre-Christmas along with a collection of essays and a new collection of short fiction. Meanwhile, here is a freebie for you guys - hope you enjoy it. #FREE Now! (3 Days only - 12-15/11) Dead and Buried - A Ghost Story (Please share/ #RT) - (U.S. & U.K. links below) Ever been bullied? Ever been dead and buried? Ever been a ghost?   Donn...