K. S. Brooks

K. S. Brooks (born Kathryn Salina Brooks on October 16, 1963 in New York, New York to novelist Martin Brooks and ballerina Stephanie Webster) is best known for her action-adventure spy novels and fine art photography.

Early life

Brooks spent much of her pre-high school years moving around the country with her family. Her years in Southern California brought on bronchial asthma and other illnesses. As referenced in her official website biography, "Brooks spent hours glued to television shows like "The Avengers, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," and "I Spy," nurturing her aptitude for espionage and adventures of intrigue. Chronic illnesses plagued her as a child, often leaving her isolated and home alone. It was then writing truly became Brooks’ outlet. Putting pen to paper, she wrote story after story. By fifteen she had written her first full-length screenplay, and its novel counterpart." [cite web |url=http://www.ksbrooks.com/bio.htm |title=Author K. S. Brooks |work=K. S. Brooks.com]

Back on the East Coast, Brooks attended Andover High School, excelling in English, French, and theatre. She also attended Phillips Academy Andover on scholarship for one trimester. Although she graduated with National Honor Society honors, due to financial limitations Brooks took on full-time work and took college courses at night. The responsibilities of a high-tech career eventually overshadowed both college and creative endeavors. Brooks climbed the corporate ladder to eventually become Director of Operations for a small Boston-based Internet company.

econd life

In 2001, Brooks decided that it was time to try to fulfill her dream to become a published novelist. She gave up her career, sold her home and most of her belongings, and moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland where she hoped life would be more affordable. Within a few months her first published novel, "Lust for Danger", was released. In 2002, however, a mysterious illness forced Brooks to abandon touring for her book, and put a halt to her writing. According to a blog entitled "Happy New Year," dated 1-18-07 on her MySpace page, it was not until 2006 that she was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease.Fact|date=August 2007

The writer

According to the Maryland Writers' Association, "Ms. Brooks has been a writer and award-winning photographer for over twenty years. Her feature articles, poetry, and photography have appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and other publications both in the U.S. and abroad. Her most recent novel, "Lust for Danger", was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2005 Jada Press Book of the Year Awards. Ms. Brooks is currently working on her sequel to "Lust for Danger", as well as a number of other writing and photography projects." [cite web |url=http://www.marylandwriters.org/contest2005-judges.html |title=MWA 2005 Novel Contest Judges and Biographies |work=Maryland Writers' Association web site]

In addition to novels, Brooks has published numerous poems, letters and news articles. Her article covering the Olympic Torch Relay was featured on the front page of the "Lowell Dispatch News" on June 21, 1996. Brooks also co-authored an SAT preparatory course and study book for the PEMDAS Group, Inc. in 1996.

The photographer

Brooks' photographic works began to receive much attention in 1996 by receiving multiple awards from Kodak, and being featured in one-man art shows at galleries in the Boston area. Complimentary reviews by "The Boston Globe", "The Chelmsford Independent" and other area newspapers helped boost Brooks' popularity.

Whales and birds are the preferred focus of Brooks' camera, having traveled from the coast of Maine to Alaska and Hawaii to photograph humpback and killer whales. However, she photographs many different subjects, per the Boston Globe: "...birds and wildlife, combined with avant garde glamor shots, landscapes and corporate assignments have rounded out a varied artistic and commercial portfolio." [cite news |title=The View Through Her Lens |work=The Boston Sunday Globe |date=1996-07-07]

References

External links

* [http://www.ksbrooks.com/ official web site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/agentnight MySpace page]