Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

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How Long Does It Take To Finish A Book?

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by Kimberly A. Cook       (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

As long as it takes. It depends on the book and the author. Is there one right way or standard length of time? No. See the only real trick about writing is finding out what works for you – not what works for somebody else. That is the true secret about writing. It also means one has to write. Small detail, but important.

Eighty percent of Americans want to write a book. Only one percent of us do. Celebrate that accomplishment!
Eighty percent of Americans want to write a book. Only one percent of us do. Celebrate that accomplishment!

Recently I met with one of my former Writing War Stories students. He finished his book. Party time and confetti throwing! Doug started writing his book while he was in the waiting area to leave Vietnam. Now, 40 years later, it’s done.

Doug knew it was finished because the manuscript “clicked” and he knew. I’ve told students they will know when it is done, but until one actually experiences the “click,” it is hard to believe. (Being sick of a manuscript does not count, by the way.)

Then of course there are the folks who think the first draft means a book is ready, but that is the time to begin editing. Doug worked hard on his book, had it edited by professionals and went back and did the real “grunt” work to polish the manuscript. Doug is now moving into the business side of writing to decide how he wants to publish his book. I will let you all know when it comes out. It’s an amazing read.

A former coaching client thought his book would be done in six months; four years later it was complete. Getting manuscripts right takes time. Will our books ever be perfect? Nope. But they need to be the best we can make them, or to borrow from the Army, the best books they can be!

In this world of publish anything online and damn the editing, there is a multitude of un-polished and downright stinky work out there; don’t let your book suffer that fate. Easy doesn’t make it done for book manuscripts or basic training. If we give our manuscripts the time, devotion and tough love they deserve, they will rise to the top of the digital publishing pile. Equip them with all the best gear when they go out to meet their readers.

We only get one chance to introduce ourselves and our writing to each new reader; let’s not disappoint our books or ourselves. Write hard!

Have You Built Your Pet A Castle?

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by Kimberly A. Cook          (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

We love our pets. Spec Ops Cat is a big part of the Warrior Tales team, even though he is retired he is still in charge of ecommerce, security and conducting perimeter patrols. Pets give us unconditional love with no strings attached; something not always available from other humans.

This is one reason I think veteran’s bonds with their pets are so important; the furry ones may be the only “people” who give a veteran total acceptance and trust. This attachment/love is very strong for all the active duty personnel and veterans who worked with animals in the military too. We all know our pets and marine mammals are smarter than we are, but we try to pretend we are in charge.

Rufus the cat knows all about the power of love. His Dad decided to do something special for him after a tough two weeks of having to give Rufus icky medicine. Not only does Rufus Rock, but his human Dad is pretty cool too. Build your pet a castle today! Happy Quirky Friday!

How Do We Help Fellow Writers Sell Their Books?

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by Kimberly A. Cook        (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Marketing is such a big part of a writer’s job, sometime we forget we can help out our fellow scribes with a tiny bit of effort. Last week my writer buddy and favorite editor, Cindy Hiday, published her third romance novel, Iditarod Nights.

Cindy Hiday's new romance novel!
Cindy Hiday’s new romance novel!

This is fabulous for me in so many ways. First, it gives me a great blog post and I can help support Cindy’s work. Second, I placed my first Amazon.com review on her book since I had the fun of being a final reader. Three, it inspires me to get my butt in gear on my books, always a positive.

Four, it reinforces the power of persistence and with digital publishing we can control our careers; Cindy is a former Silhouette Romance author. Five, I took several pictures of Cindy at our last “staff meeting” and she used one for her new head shot; makes me feel good about my photo skills. Six, when we help out others in our profession, it comes back to us again and again; we honor the teachers and mentors who helped us learn our craft when we were beginning writers.

If you like a well written story with emotional depth, one researched right down to the sled dog booties and includes a lawyer and ex-cop falling in love, this book is for you! Right now the ebook is available on Kindle at Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo ebook  and soon will be up for the Nook at Barnes and Noble.

Cindy is a former military spouse who followed her hubby to Germany, so she knows a thing or two about adventure. Check out the book page on her web site www.cindyhiday.com/iditarodnights.htm for a fun Iditarod video and get reading!

Time For Doggie Surfing?

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by Kimberly A. Cook          (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Out this morning hunting the elusive yellow cherry pear tomato, so now I am back at the blog. Captured the plant so will tuck it into potting soil later this afternoon. The sun is out here in Oregon and it is time to party!

Whenever I get in the summer mood, the surfing music of my youth brings happy memories. Now, I can’t swim for beans, why I didn’t go in the Navy, but I do love to watch surfers and listen to the tunes. Here are a group of talented surfers who set a World Record down in San Diego, California a while back. Check out their moves! Have a great weekend and Happy Quirky Friday!

What’s Your Favorite Word Game?

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by Kimberly A. Cook           (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Back from a quick mini-vacation to one of my favorite places, Sisters, Oregon. While hunting in a resale shop my friend dragged me into, I came across this treasure – a Yahtzee Word game. Now, my family is a big fan of Yahtzee, we always played it at the beach for New Year’s Eve while stuffing our faces with Chinese take out food.

My big score for $2, complete with all the parts!
My big score for $2, complete with all the parts!

But, I had no idea there was a Yahtzee word game. In these days of plug-in everything, it was fun to find a new old game with a familiar name. After we frisked the box to make sure it had all the parts, I ended up the big buyer with several other treasures added to the game purchase.

We got to talking about the games we played as kids and with family; like Chinese checkers and Go Fish, Tiddly Winks and fifty-two pick up stix. Ah, the good old days of a zillion parts to every game.

While I own three Scrabble sets, it’s never seemed all that fun to me, not sure why. I’m still a complete chess rookie, but ever hopeful. Heard about the Words with Friends app on folks phones, but I like the tactile sensation of moving pieces around – call me old school game girl.

With summer approaching and hopefully some fun down time for all, imagine what it would be like to unleash your inner old school gamer and replay some favorite games to treat your brain. It just might unleash fun and happy memories of the games you played and may want to share with new friends and family.

I remember the wicked Crazy 8 card games we used to get into while out camping with friends – too fun. Maybe you can stumble across an old favorite in a resale shop or online; there is a big market in collectible games now. (You can buy Tiddly Winks at www.fatbraintoys.com) But I’m good to go, I’ve got my Yahtzee Word game! What was your favorite game?

Taking Time To Remember Those Who Gave All

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by Kimberly A. Cook              (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

We head into the Memorial Day weekend, a time for remembering those who gave the greatest sacrifice so our nation remained free. With respect for the families and friends who have lost so much, please take time to remember our fallen warriors this weekend. Freedom isn’t free.