Q: For those in the family, who have not had the pleasure of meeting you, please tell us a little about Wanda Cook?

A:  I am an educator with 20 plus years of experience.  I am married to the greatest man this side of heaven and am the mother of 2 incredible sons. My hobbies include reading, cooking, exercising, traveling, and writing.  I received my under grad degree from Florida State University and my graduate degree from Texas Southern University.  I am presently pursuing certification as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) from Prairie View A and M University.

Q: Can you please tell us about your new book and the audience you are trying to reach?

A:“Guidance for the Gourmet” is an interactive book that consists of 23 life skill lessons to help children cope in this complex and ever changing society. It was written to help school age children contend with issues such as bullying, respect for authority, anger, worrying, fear, death and dying, personal safety, living in unsafe environments, accepting the word “no” and coping with depression.

Q: What or who influenced your interest in children’s writing? I developed an interest in high school.

A: The first poem that I wrote was about the man that God had reserved for me to marry. My English teachers, Mrs. Chastine and Ms. Krauthammer, helped to peak my interest in writing.  As I become older, I discovered and began to appreciate the therapeutic benefits of writing which gave me another avenue to deal with many of the unpleasant issues that life can sometimes send our way. 

Q: What inspired your unique and original presentation for “Guidance for the Gourmet”? 

A: I cannot take credit for the presentation.  Arden Martenz, the lead publisher of Marco products, is responsible for that bit of creativity.

Q: For those who may not know, you have been working with (Marco Products) your publishing company for a while, please tell us how it all began?

A: Marco is a chief supplier of educational materials for teachers and counselors.  After I began writing, I submitted several stories to them for publication and to my delight they were accepted. I was then asked by Marco to present my stories at the Elementary Counselors Convention in Austin, Texas.  Arden seemed to appreciate my writing style and manner of presentation. 

Q: What experiences in your life do you feel led you to this moment? 

A: The most defining experience in my life which led to this 

  moment was a near fatal

experience that I had in 1990 with Post Partum depression.  Depression is a destructive, consuming, and ugly disease that very few people care to discuss…especially in the African-American community. Though what I suffered was devastating, I was haunted by the effects that it may have had on my children. I then realized that children are the secondary victims of any sort of adult illness or dysfunction in the home.  Thus, my first story, “John-Michael’s Eyes”, was written as a token of love… a gift… a peace offering, if you will, for my children Joseph and John-Michael.

Q: What challenges (if any) did you face when writing this book and how did you overcome them? 

A: Finding enough of that illusive entity called “time” was one of the greatest obstacles that I faced as a writer.

Q: What advice do you have for members of the family aspiring to reach their dreams?

A: This is not a cliché…never give up. Pray to God and believe that He will give you the desires of your heart. Surround yourself with positive people, work hard, see yourself living your dream, and strive with diligence to reach your goal.