Interview with Kevin Cooke

By Sarah Benjamin

At some point in every writer's career comes the moment when the spotlight is ready and waiting. No longer can you sit in your house in your pajamas and be the starving artist. You need to clean up – maybe get a haircut? – and put on a nice outfit and step in front of an interviewer. Maybe you don't want to, maybe you do. Either way its a necessity that helps you reenter the world at large and promotes the book that you poured your heart into. SterlingHouse author, Kevin Cooke (Pact of Stone: Quest of Cheyenne), has already had a few such experiences. He appeared in an interview at his local news channel in Colorodo and then made another appearance on Fox News. In a recent interview with WNW, he was gave some great insight and advice on the experience.

WNW: In regards to TV interviewing, how do you prepare yourself for the questions?

Cooke: The interviewer generally gives you a heads -- up on what they will ask. Since most newscast interviews are only about three minutes long, you need to prioritize and get your points across quickly and concisely.

WNW: It's great that you have the opportunity to talk about your passion of writing and your books. I wonder what other satisfaction you draw from sharing your work with an audience?

Cooke: The imagery of Maletoc, the Dark Castle in my series, The Pact of the Stone, is a very powerful reminder of the power of negative or positive thinking. With each bad thought and every wicked deed, bricks of pure evil are created and used in the castle’s construction. I am hopeful that when this becomes mainstream, it will be another important tool for people to use toward their personal growth. This would be very satisfying for me, and every interview brings us a little closer to realizing this possibility.

WNW: Does this experience help you with your work?

Cooke: It is a very big part of our work as authors. To write a book and sit on your hands doesn’t cut it. We believe in what we are doing, so we must promote it. That means getting involved with the media, and embracing it as an endorsement of our efforts.

WNW: How does this experience reflect on how you interact with fans at book signings, etc.?

Cooke: Tomorrow I’m interviewing with Fox, and the next day I’m signing at Borders. So, the interviews are a wonderful venue for getting the word out. When people see you on the news they tend to take you more seriously. It gives writers a professional approval that gives the viewers a sense that we are to be taken at least somewhat seriously.

WNW: What was your most memorable moment during this process?

Cooke: I think the most exciting moment was getting word about the first interview. I felt that I was on track, and I also felt vindicated. Writing is putting yourself out there, with no promises, just hopes and dreams. To get the first interview was extremely empowering for me.

WNW: What advice would you give to a new author facing his/her first interview – either on TV on on radio?

Cooke: Have your ducks in a row. Know where you want to go, and what you want to convey. For TV, the bright lights can pin you back in your chair, if you let them. The professional talking heads make efforts to lean into the lights, as if the lights weren’t there. Watch your newscasters and see how they perform. Try and emulate their body language, and positioning. I would also have practice interviews, with friend or spouse before going on.