RA Cook, a local resident of the San Juan Islands, author of “Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas” and “Giganta, An Epic Tale and Going Out the IN Road,” has recently launched her new short story collection: “Lola’s Muse, A Short Story Collection Filled with Whimsy and Wonder.”

Written and collected for over a decade, the stories of “Lola’s Muse” offer the reader a cup of welcome enjoyment. Lola, a young American woman, escapes her priviledge household and lands in Amsterdam where she decides to become a muse. Over time, she develops her skills and takes an interest in writing, which leads her into a new life. In an unusual meeting at the Louisiana Museum near Copenhagen, Denmark, she meets an unlikely muse who assists her. With the help of her new companion, Lola masters the art of storytelling. One day, beckoned by a mystical force, she walks into a tunnel of trees and finds a stream of magical words and wondrous prose and begins to write her stories.

Beautifully illustrated, each of the eight stories of “Lola’s Muse” opens with a pencil drawing by Cook. The artwork, skillfully rendered, entices the reader deeper into the narrative.

Classically trained and a student of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Cook graduated with a degree in illustration. An award-winning graphic designer and published author, she has worked in the newspaper, magazine and book industry for over three decades. “I have designed many books for clients but writing and illustrating my own books is my passion.”

Cook plans to continue publishing more books through her self-publishing company HMA Publishing. “A sequel for ‘Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Spinter Ideas’ is in the offing. I’m passionately busy,” she adds, “doing what I love.”

Look for Cook’s books, short stories and blog posts at www.hmapublishing. com, https://racook.substack.com, RA Cook/Becca’s Books. To inquire about a review copy, or to schedule an interview, please contact Rebecca (RA) Cook at 360-610- 3086 or email racook@hmapublishing.com.