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"The Last Cookie Club" author Gary Mahoney is a former Las Vegas casino owner who has been plagued with eating addiction issues for most of his life. His passion throughout that time has been investigating a variety of programs and treatments, learning all he could about his addiction to help himself and others suffering from this and similar destructive behaviors. He wrote "The Last Cookie Club" as a way to offer real solutions and hope through an informative and entertaining format. Father of five, grandfather of eight, Mahoney currently resides in Las Vegas with his wife of 37 years, Gail.

Thank you  Gary for answering some questions for us! Please tell us about your latest project.
 
Based on my real-life experiences with the Last Cookie Club, “The Last Cookie Club ” goes beyond tactics and fad diets to uncover the real reasons why people overeat. By turns poignant, humorous and enlightening, “The Last Cookie Club’s” all-too-human characters travel on an unforgettable journey of joy and sorrow, triumph and despair that anyone who has faced that last cookie at 3 a.m. and asked, “What do I do now?” can surely understand.
 
The real Last Cookie Club, which I formed in 2005 while still owner of Mahoney’s Silver Nugget in North Las Vegas, included my employees as well as patrons of the Silver Nugget. The club still lives on today, reminding its members they’re not alone in their battles.
 
Published by Hardway Press, “The Last Cookie Club” was released in late July. Physical copies ($14.95) or downloadable versions ($7.95) of the book can be purchased at thelastcookieclub.com or through Amazon.com.
 
Why did you decide to write your book, “The Last Cookie Club” as a fiction novel instead of a non-fiction piece?
 
When I first started thinking about writing a book, I realized that there are a lot of self-help books already on the market focused on losing weight. I thought writing a weight-loss book in the form of a novel might be a better way to affect someone positively regarding their eating issues by not preaching to them, but rather have the readers observe others with eating addictions. I also hoped that reading a novel will be more entertaining than reading an in-your-face self-help book about the issue. By observing other individuals going through these problems in the book, it allows readers to emotionally connect, and hopefully to laugh, cry and grow with the characters.
 
Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Absolutely. I wrote “The Last Cookie Club” because I have been dealing with an eating addiction for more than 35 years. It’s my passion to help others who are suffering from food addiction or similar destructive behaviors.
 
How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has your writing success helped you in your profession?
 
My profession helped very much in my background. As the owner of a casino, I was in a position where people were very willing to open up to me regarding the issues in their lives. When I would delve into the reasons why they overate, they were quite forthcoming. That is how I was able to form "The Last Cookie Club" right in our casino.
 
Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
I am inspired by others writers notably: Eckart Tolle (“A New Earth”), Neal Walsh (“Conversations with God”), Jerry & Ester Hicks (“Ask & It is Given”) and Alan Goldhammer - Douglas Lisle, (“The Pleasure Trap”).
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?
 
I enjoy interacting with others who are interested in resolving the question, “How do I discontinue my destructive eating patterns?”
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?
 
Write about something that you are passionate about. Make sure this subject brings you joy first and the enjoyment for others will soon follow.
 
How did you get started as a writer?
 
I wanted to fully explore why I was eating in a destructive manner. I really knew somewhere inside me was the answer to this question. Writing allowed me to clearly articulate to myself and hopefully to others the answer to this question
 
Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?
 
My favorite author changes from time to time. Thankfully. Currently “A New Earth” by Eckart Tolle is at the top of my list.
 
What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
Up at 4:40 a.m. Exercise, meditate, eat a healthy breakfast. Enjoy the day with my wife, family, friends and do some writing in between.
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
Henry Aaron, the great baseball player. I admire his consistency and his calm demeanor in the face of adversity. And he accomplished everything without having to resort to performance-enhancing drugs. He has always been a real gentleman.
 
Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Favorite authors: Eckart Tolle, Ester and Jerry Hicks, Alan Goldhammer, Neal Walsh.
 
Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)
 
Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do, I’m half crazy all for the love of you!

Thank you Gary! We wish you great success with The Last Cookie Club!