Lanny K. Cook Bio

"In order to write about life first you must live it."

                                                                 ~Ernest Hemingway

Lanny's creativity allows him to write about a myriad of topics which is why he refers to his efforts as “life journaling.” Through his experience as a single dad; public high school educator; associate pastor; and as a Chaplain; he possesses an eclectic perspective from which his repertoire of informative and inspirational writing originates.

As a child and through his early adult life, Lanny possessed a profound shyness that limited his desire to freely engage in group conversations. Because of this tendency, he became great at listening, but avoided most situations that required him to openly share any sort of deep, meaningful thoughts. This gift of active listening created an ability to ponder and reflect on topics, leading to his own, thoughtfully crafted conclusions. In order to have a voice, and to share his unique perspectives, he began to write. Writing became the means to share from the deepest recesses of his soul. Lanny's inspiration for writing flows from the well-spring of life experience and the faith that carries him through it all. He writes in order to share the hope, grace, and mercy God offers to His creation. Lanny is the first to admit that it is Jesus Christ to whom all credit flows for the gift of writing.

The recent release of Radiance of Glory ~ A Forty-day Journey to Discover Jesus is considered the capstone for all of Lanny's published works. This devotional study is intended to allow readers to enter into a deeper, more personal relationship with the Author and Finisher of the Christian faith.

On May 14, 2024 Lanny released The Mystery of Zion - Israel and the Last Days, Second Edition Revised with Study Guide. With the horrific attacks against Israel by terrorist organizations, beginning with the surprise attack on October 7, 2023, and with an evil resurgence of anti-Semitic persecution of Jews throughout America, it was time to remind the world that God's hand of protection, purpose, and provision remains on His chosen people and nation. This is a must read for any Christian and those who question Israel's right to not only protect herself from terrrorist attacks, but question her right to even exist. This prophetic study regarding God's ultimate plan and purpose for Israel and His chosen people provides undeniable evidence that God's promise and covenants with the Abrahamic lineage are still in play today.  

Lanny's first historical-fiction novel, Unforgiven Destiny set the stage for his "Destiny" series. He just released the final piece of this series, entitled, Destiny Defined, Sons of the Eastern Plains - a Memoir. However, there will be an additional release to this series which is the continuing mystery of Unforgiven Destiny. It shares the story of John Williams after going into hiding and assuming the alias of Sam Tipton as he lived out his final days hiding from his past. It is scheduled for release in the spring of 2026 and is entitled, Unyielding Destiny, Hiding in the Shadows.

"Amazon Culture- Exploring the Jungle of Narcissism" evolved from decades of experience dealing with individuals who seemed to embrace a multitude of narcissistic tendencies. His other published works include: “Fingernails on the Chalkboard – An Insider’s Look into the Public Education System;” “Children of Promise – A Single Parenting Guide;”  “Wings of the Dawn;” and a devotional he co-authored with his mother Clarice, entitled “They Called Him… Jesus!” 

Lanny retired at the age of 50 after nearly three decades of service in the public education system as a teacher and as an administrator. He completed both a Bachelor and Master of Education Degrees from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts in Public School Administration from the University of Phoenix.  In 2007 he completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Newburgh Theological Seminary and a PhD in Biblical Studies in 2014. In 2006 Lanny was recognized by Goodwill Industries of Denver as the “Educator of the Year.”

 “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” ~ Henry David Thoreau