K. S. Brooks
Encyclopedia
K. S. Brooks is best known for her action-adventure spy novels and fine art photography.
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."
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.
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.
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 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."
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 asthmaAsthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
and other illnesses. As referenced in her official website biography, "Brooks spent hours glued to television shows like "The Avengers
The Avengers (TV series)
The Avengers is a spy-fi British television series set in the 1960s Britain. The Avengers initially focused on Dr. David Keel and his assistant John Steed . Hendry left after the first series and Steed became the main character, partnered with a succession of assistants...
, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is an American television series that was broadcast on NBC from September 22, 1964, to January 15, 1968. It follows the exploits of two secret agents, played by Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, who work for a fictitious secret international espionage and law-enforcement...
," 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."
Back on the East Coast, Brooks attended Andover High School, excelling in English, French, and theatre. She also attended Phillips Academy
Phillips Academy
Phillips Academy is a selective, co-educational independent boarding high school for boarding and day students in grades 9–12, along with a post-graduate year...
Andover on scholarship for one trimester. Although she graduated with National Honor Society
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
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.
Second 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 MarylandMaryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
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
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page, it was not until 2006 that she was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
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."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
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a nonprofit organization in the United States. It was formerly developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service which still...
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 GlobeThe Boston Globe
The Boston Globe is an American daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe has been owned by The New York Times Company since 1993...
, 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."