Writer | Host of Archaeology of The Word

William Cooke

About Me

What do you write and why?

I started with song lyrics around 15 or 16 and then developed a taste for poetry. I realised my talents weren’t in music and it was a hobby. Since then I have branched out with fiction but I find it takes a lot of time and energy from me. For this reason, I prefer poems and essays.

What is Archaeology of The Word?

AOTW is a project I conceived both as a coach and a writer. My own journey through life has been complicated and I want to help others work toward more meaning in their own lives. AOTW is a joint collaboration between participants. It discusses meaning, value and virtue for self improvement.

Who are your influences?

In my thinking: primarily Jung and Nietzsche. In my writing they play a big role but I also love the work of Eliot, Yeats, McCarthy, Camus and many others. A particular influence on my work is the novel Pedro Parama by Juan Rolfo. I have a lasting interest in the mysticism of magical realism and the sparse, depopulated misery of Pedro Parama was suberbly gripping.
My favourite author is Yukio Mishima. He has an unparalled command of the Psychological image.

What are your favourite things?

Strangely, writing isn’t particularly one of them, it is more often akin to wrestling for me! I love people so socialising is a major part of my life. As I previously said, I’m interested in music and enjoy creating it as a hobby. Beyond artistic projects, I love cooking. I even spent a brief stint doing so professionally. Food is an ultimate and consuming passion for me and I think that comes from needing some psychic anchor in my itinerant lifestyle.

How can we collaborate?

If you mean in the sense of artistic collaboration, I am open to discussing it! You can email me on william@williamcooke.net. If you are interested in collaborating in the sense of working together in a coaching relationship then see this page. Our coaching is designed to help you uncover meaning and value in life using my professional training and expertise and can be a highly rewarding experience if you seek a more purposeful life.

Dec 2013

The Calling

William decides that university is not for him. He decides instead to write.

Dec 2013

Mar 2014

Early Signs

His flash fiction story, ‘The Cold Wind’ is longlisted for the Flash500 prize.

Mar 2014

May 2017

In Review

William finishes the draft version of his first novel in the CX café, Bogotá.

May 2017

Jan 2019

The Braid

A collection of poetry about his experiences in Italy in 2018 is printed.

Jan 2019

Oct 2022

Deeper Work

Unsatisfied with his work, William creates Archaeology of The Word.

Oct 2022

from ‘A Poem for a Departure’…

I am a fickle force contained,

With cramping limbs

Longing to stretch over the rock face,

And I am worse yet:

A light, mercurial spirit

Shaking in the face of life

And drifting in dreamt seas,

Living falsehood and fancy.
William Cooke

“Hailing from England, William Cooke is a Poet, Essayist, and Storyteller…

He retains a profound interest in Modern and Classical tales, including Mythology.

His highest purpose is to raise the profile of Mythological thought in our spiritually hungry world via recounting the secrets from his many adventures and misadventures.

Influenced by Jungian Psychology and Existential Philosophy, his main aims are to explore the eternal human experience and bring it into order. This project is a life’s work and is channelled through his writings.

He is the author of published articles, research, longlisted flash fiction, film, and two short books. He is currently working on a book of travel essays and a second poetry collection. As well as creating relationships with other writers to guide them in unlocking their audiences.”

Don’t Know Where to Start?

Start reading Archaeology of The Word for free below