Author

William Wallace Cook

1867-1933

William Wallace Cook (1867-1933) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

Subjects

Books by William Wallace Cook

The Fiction Factory
 Being the experience of a writer who, for twenty-two years, has kept a story-mill grinding successfully

"The Fiction Factory" by William Wallace Cook is a nonfiction work written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the experiences of the author, who devoted over twenty years to the art of writing, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced while building his career as a successful fiction writer. It aims to provide insights into the world of writing and publishing, and it offers practical advice for aspiring authors, all while showcasing the author's evolution and resilience in a competitive industry. The opening of the book introduces readers to the author's pivotal moment when he decides to quit his job as a paymaster and dedicate himself entirely to writing. This decision, although fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, marks the beginning of his journey in the "Fiction Factory," where he produces a variety of stories and strives to find his place in the publishing world. Through a candid narrative, he shares his internal struggles, the support of his wife, and the motivation behind his commitment to storytelling, establishing a relatable and earnest foundation for the lessons that will follow throughout the text.

Adrift in the Unknown; or, Queer Adventures in a Queer Realm

"Adrift in the Unknown; or, Queer Adventures in a Queer Realm" by William Wallace Cook is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Professor Quinn, a scientist who has developed a method to defy gravity, and the unforeseen consequences of this discovery. The opening chapters introduce a bizarre scenario of disappearance involving the professor's steel structure, Quinn's Castle, and four powerful financiers who vanish in the chaos, setting the stage for a thrilling journey through an unknown realm. The beginning of the narrative introduces James Peter Munn, a reformed burglar, who seeks to rob Professor Quinn but inadvertently becomes involved in his far more ambitious project. A newspaper article sets the mysterious tone by reporting the sudden disappearance of Quinn's Castle and its guests. As Munn observes from hiding, Professor Quinn attempts to demonstrate his gravity-defying invention to the rich men, leading to unexpected events that ultimately result in their abduction into space. This intriguing mix of social commentary, adventure, and fantastical elements captures the reader's attention, suggesting that the journey will explore themes of morality, class, and the nature of greed.