In fact, current events inspire much of his work, including his most recent play "The Promised Land," a story of unemployment and financial insecurity and how that impacts the protagonist's position in society. "The Promised Land," which is directed by CATCO's Joe Bishara, runs March 22-30 at the Columbus Performing Art Center's Van Fleet Theatre (549 Franklin Ave.). Cook's company A&B Theatricals was also the team behind the highly acclaimed play "Love in An Age of Clamor," a look at using work and wages as a measure for success, as well as other middle-class true-to-life tales. Alive caught up with Cook to discuss how writing about such morose topics is therapeutic not just for him, but for his audiences, what he does while he writes, and more.