Lucker pens debut mystery novel

Michael Lucker, senior lecturer of film and digital media at the University of North Georgia (UNG), has published his debut mystery novel, "Rule One." The book follows one of the FBI's leading profilers who seeks "to stop a madman from killing doctors coast to coast."

Lucker, a longtime Hollywood screenwriter for Paramount, Disney, DreamWorks, Fox, and Universal, embraced the chance to flex different creative muscles after working within the structures of a marketable film.

"I was able to dive into the heads of the hero and the villain and create the landscapes where these murders were happening," Lucker said. "That's been very fun for me as a screenwriter and a creative."

He has taught at UNG for nine years and previously wrote the book "CRASH! BOOM! BANG! How to Write Action Movies."

Lucker was also able to provide some valuable experience for a pair of UNG students who are serving as part of his public relations team for the rollout of the book. Nicole Giraldo has served as his public relations manager, and Claritssa Vargas has served as his social media manager.

Giraldo, a senior from Buford, Georgia, pursuing a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations, has been grateful to be part of the team. Lucker also helped her land an internship in New York this summer.

"It's been a learning process. We're always bouncing ideas off each other," Giraldo said. "He's been great in helping me make connections."

Vargas, a May graduate with a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations, has enjoyed curating Lucker's social media to maximize publicity for his new book. Vargas is an Anaheim, California, native who works in Los Angeles, California, in the film industry. Before heading to L.A., she was able to start the work with Lucker in March.

"It made me feel more confident in graduating and going out into the work world," Vargas said. "It also opens so many doors. He's just a great person to know and to talk with when it comes to getting to know other people and having connections."