Lanny K. Cook

"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 hindered 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 or considerations. This gift of 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 considerations, he began to write. Writing became the means to share contemplations 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 professes for His creation. It is Jesus Christ to whom all credit flows.

Lanny's first historical-fiction novel, Unforgiven Destiny has been released. This story has been more than one hundred years in the making. Many folks who have read the original manuscript of this novel have said this is his best book, ever. This true-to-life, western mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. His previous release, "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: "The Mystery of Zion - Israel and the Last Days;" “Sons of the Eastern Plains – a Memoir;” “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!” 

For many years Lanny served in a drama ministry as an actor and writer of numerous productions and drama skits. Lanny grew up in a musical family, playing the trumpet in school bands and at special church events. He still loves to sing in  the car and one of his proudest accomplishments stemmed through his involvement as a founding member of a gospel group called “FourEver His!”  He’s the first to admit that he is more of a backup singer than a soloist. His favorite disclaimer about singing is that he was always the Sonny Bono of any ensemble group, although he is a much better snow skier than Sonny.  Lanny’s all-time favorite song to perform is Ray Steven’s “Mississippi Squirrel.”

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.”

Since retiring from the schools Lanny set out to travel the world. His favorite mode of travel is on cruise lines. At this point he has visited nearly forty countries and terroritories. Europe, the Mideast, Central and South America have been the top destinations of his travel experience. 

For more than a decade, Lanny served as a facilitator in the Single’s Ministry leading Divorce Recovery and Single Parenting workshops at various churches in Colorado and Texas.  After retiring from public education Lanny began to serve as an Associate Pastor at the local church level as an ordained minister. He also spent several years serving as a Chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains within a multitude of businesses and organization in the Denver Metro area. He recently retired from vocational ministry, but continues sharing and promoting the faith through his written works. 

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