Frank L. Cole's Blog, page 7
June 30, 2011
Book Review of The Last Archangel
A month or so ago I had the opportunity to read and review a copy of The Last Archangel by Michael Young. In a nutshell, this novel follows the adventure of a destroying angel named Xandir who has been exiled to earth. Xandir carries out a variety of destroying assignments with the use of his wickedly powerful swords. When Xandir is given the opportunity to bring back the woman that he loves, it sets in motion events that could ultimately destroy mankind. Filled with giants, cherubs, demons, and a variety of crazy and creepy characters, The Last Archangel is guaranteed to excite.
I really enjoyed reading this, particularly the action sequences that used a combination of witty humor and vivid descriptions to layout the scenes. I felt tis story had an almost Constantine feel to it and should appeal to both teen and adult readers looking for a gritty paranormal adventure.
I'll upload the picture when I get back to my main computer at home.
I really enjoyed reading this, particularly the action sequences that used a combination of witty humor and vivid descriptions to layout the scenes. I felt tis story had an almost Constantine feel to it and should appeal to both teen and adult readers looking for a gritty paranormal adventure.
I'll upload the picture when I get back to my main computer at home.
June 15, 2011
Summer's creepin'
Well, thanks to all who showed their love for my last post. I wanted like 100 comments, but 13 is a nice round number (so bad at math and I guess shapes as well.)I've picked a winner using this high-tech sorting device called Microsoft Excel. And the winner and new owner of a signed copy of Paranormalcy is.... AJ Dub!
Have you won a contest before or is this your first time? Whatever the case, it definitely pays to participate.
Send me an e-mail with your address and I'll ship the book out to you asap.
Now, 5 reasons why the Summer is looking great.
1. The Mavs won the NBA finals! I hate the Heat. No offense to Miami folks, but I just love old players that play with heart. I had some serious anxiety during these playoff games and I'm so glad the series ended early. Great job!
2. Harry Potter 7 part 2. Is it me, or have movies been somewhat underwhelming this year? I don't know. I've sat through my share of films and there have been so many in years past that leave me with a sense of exhilaration. Not so much this year. Every show I've seen has been... eh, s'okay. I want a movie to blow my mind! Will HP7-2 do it? Sounds like a new Honda Electric car or something.
3. Swimming! Oh that's so not true. I hate swimming. Mostly because I'm out of shape and pale and I burn easy and I have weird moles and suntan lotion is sticky and chlorine irritates my face and kids pee in pools and people pee in pools and I have a weird condition on the bottom of my big toe so that it splits open whenever I go swimming and it irritates me... like chlorine only worse and I usually hear subtle comments from people not necessarily directed at me, but I pick up on the meaning about exercising and getting some sun and having moles removed whenever I go swimming. But my kids like swimming. So YAY! Wait, that was too loud. yay.
4. Air Conditioning - I love being cold in the summer. Ice Cold! Do you do this as well? Lay on the vent with your blanket until you freeze and when you stand up you look like Wolverine just manhandled your face? Do ya? Do ya? I do. After a long, hard day at work, I like to come home, change into some PJs, grab my blankie, and plop down on the A/C vent with an Otter Pop and a smile on my face. Say goodbye troubles.
5. Otter Pops - I eat them 6 at a time. No joke. Actually, I eat three of them cut in half and they all have to be different flavors. I like to mush them into slush, or suck the syrup out of them until they turn into plastic tubes of frost. I could live without the whole numb tongue or the little sores I get on the corner of my lips from the plastic edges, but still.
There. 5 random reasons Summer rocks. I don't necessarily favor Summer more than any other month, but I definitely like it better than winter and maybe fall and Spring causes allergy pain. So, yeah, I favor Summer the mostest.
The end.
June 5, 2011
All Hail the Librarian and the Teacher!
That's right.
We had fainting goats and silly videos. We had announcements and updates and all that jazz. Now it is time to pay tribute to two of the greatest professionals in da woild!
The Librarian and the Teacher.
Did you feel that? Did your skin prickle? Mine did. Every time I talk with a librarian or a teacher I'm almost moved to tears. They are amazing. They work their knuckles to the bone to secure the future of books and reading. I've met many throughout my career. Yes, some of them fall in line with the stereotype. The grey bunned hair (bunned is not a word librarians, I know this.) Bespectacled. Ornery. Addicted to silence, with index finger permanently pressed against pursed lips (check out that alliteration, teachers. Booyah!)
But most of the librarians and teachers I've met wander inconspicuously among us. Observing. Calculating their next move to ensure our youth develop a burning love of mind-expansion. They deserve our praise. Our money. And in the very least, our attention. They know which books matter. They know it is not only all about the classics in literature or the controversial pieces that make a difference. They know sometimes a good book requires a little flatulence, a little tomfoolery, a little talking cockroaches. Yes, they know. Because if a doubting child can somehow pull through to the end of a book and feel that amazing sense of accomplishment, something ignites within them. So the librarians and the teachers endure the lows of book recommendations not containing the words "Ere" and "Yore" from time to time.
In my writing world, the librarians and teachers reign supreme. They make all the difference. They are the Mrs. LaDukes and the Mrs. Bennetts and the Mrs. Paschals and the Mrs. Haymonds. They are the Mrs. Nociforas and the Mrs. Nguyens and the Mrs. Perrys. They are so many and yet so few. Whoa now, we just got deep. Philosophical even.
So, in tribute to some of the greatest beings on this planet, I give you a contest. All you have to do to enter is make a comment showing your praise for the librarians and teachers of the world. That's it. Comment as many times as you like with as many pearls of praise as you desire. I'll hold a drawing in one week from today and randomly select one of the commenters to win a signed copy of the NYTimes Bestseller, Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White.
Even if you don't want to win this fabulous prize, you should still shower some kind words to those who quietly mold the future of our kids.
We had fainting goats and silly videos. We had announcements and updates and all that jazz. Now it is time to pay tribute to two of the greatest professionals in da woild!
The Librarian and the Teacher.
Did you feel that? Did your skin prickle? Mine did. Every time I talk with a librarian or a teacher I'm almost moved to tears. They are amazing. They work their knuckles to the bone to secure the future of books and reading. I've met many throughout my career. Yes, some of them fall in line with the stereotype. The grey bunned hair (bunned is not a word librarians, I know this.) Bespectacled. Ornery. Addicted to silence, with index finger permanently pressed against pursed lips (check out that alliteration, teachers. Booyah!)
But most of the librarians and teachers I've met wander inconspicuously among us. Observing. Calculating their next move to ensure our youth develop a burning love of mind-expansion. They deserve our praise. Our money. And in the very least, our attention. They know which books matter. They know it is not only all about the classics in literature or the controversial pieces that make a difference. They know sometimes a good book requires a little flatulence, a little tomfoolery, a little talking cockroaches. Yes, they know. Because if a doubting child can somehow pull through to the end of a book and feel that amazing sense of accomplishment, something ignites within them. So the librarians and the teachers endure the lows of book recommendations not containing the words "Ere" and "Yore" from time to time.
In my writing world, the librarians and teachers reign supreme. They make all the difference. They are the Mrs. LaDukes and the Mrs. Bennetts and the Mrs. Paschals and the Mrs. Haymonds. They are the Mrs. Nociforas and the Mrs. Nguyens and the Mrs. Perrys. They are so many and yet so few. Whoa now, we just got deep. Philosophical even.
So, in tribute to some of the greatest beings on this planet, I give you a contest. All you have to do to enter is make a comment showing your praise for the librarians and teachers of the world. That's it. Comment as many times as you like with as many pearls of praise as you desire. I'll hold a drawing in one week from today and randomly select one of the commenters to win a signed copy of the NYTimes Bestseller, Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White.
Even if you don't want to win this fabulous prize, you should still shower some kind words to those who quietly mold the future of our kids.
May 29, 2011
Nostalgic Moment #32
Fainting is weird.
That's it.
That's my post.
Enjoy.
Hold up, wait a minute. I can't just do that. I have to post legitimately.
From what I can remember, I've only fainted twice in my life. I have had a couple near collapses:
Jackson's birth, After being told by my track coach I would have to run the second leg in the 4x400 when I had just chowed down on several hot dogs, During a tragic episode of Silver Spoons.) Remember Silver Spoons? Aw man! I do! Here we are.... face to face... a couple of Silver Spoons....
Anyways, 3 near misses, but 2 full on faints.
The first happened when I hopped out of bed too fast to go shower for work a few years ago and then the next thing I remembered, I was laying on my back by the dresser and I had somehow pulled Heidi's jewelry box over top of me. I actually coughed out a pearl earring.
The second happened just last week in similar fashion. I jumped out of the bed (okay, okay I was all ready standing in the room attacking the wall in my sleep.) I can't remember why I was attacking the wall or what the details of my dream consisted of, but I do remember that the wall had it coming and I was wailing on it. Heidi woke up and scolded me something awful. I walked to the center of the room, made brief conversation with her, and then collapsed. I fell hard. Face first onto the carpet. I lay there for a while. Heidi got up (bless her), kicked me with her foot to make sure I was breathing, covered me with a pillow case, and went back to bed. She's my silver spoon! No doubt about that.
Fainting is one of those conditions I just don't understand. I've heard many a good tale of fine faints throughout the world. Usually they involve needles, or bloody knees, or self-inflicted fainting rituals, but they all make me laugh. Now, I'm not trying to lessen the gravity of how serious fainting can be. No, no. That's not what I'm doing. But have you seen those fainting goats? Hilarious!
Do you have a good fainting story to share? Please do, and bonus points for whoever can provide me with additional lyrics from the Silver Spoons theme song.
That's it.
That's my post.
Enjoy.
Hold up, wait a minute. I can't just do that. I have to post legitimately.
From what I can remember, I've only fainted twice in my life. I have had a couple near collapses:
Jackson's birth, After being told by my track coach I would have to run the second leg in the 4x400 when I had just chowed down on several hot dogs, During a tragic episode of Silver Spoons.) Remember Silver Spoons? Aw man! I do! Here we are.... face to face... a couple of Silver Spoons....
Anyways, 3 near misses, but 2 full on faints.
The first happened when I hopped out of bed too fast to go shower for work a few years ago and then the next thing I remembered, I was laying on my back by the dresser and I had somehow pulled Heidi's jewelry box over top of me. I actually coughed out a pearl earring.
The second happened just last week in similar fashion. I jumped out of the bed (okay, okay I was all ready standing in the room attacking the wall in my sleep.) I can't remember why I was attacking the wall or what the details of my dream consisted of, but I do remember that the wall had it coming and I was wailing on it. Heidi woke up and scolded me something awful. I walked to the center of the room, made brief conversation with her, and then collapsed. I fell hard. Face first onto the carpet. I lay there for a while. Heidi got up (bless her), kicked me with her foot to make sure I was breathing, covered me with a pillow case, and went back to bed. She's my silver spoon! No doubt about that.
Fainting is one of those conditions I just don't understand. I've heard many a good tale of fine faints throughout the world. Usually they involve needles, or bloody knees, or self-inflicted fainting rituals, but they all make me laugh. Now, I'm not trying to lessen the gravity of how serious fainting can be. No, no. That's not what I'm doing. But have you seen those fainting goats? Hilarious!
Do you have a good fainting story to share? Please do, and bonus points for whoever can provide me with additional lyrics from the Silver Spoons theme song.
May 26, 2011
Book Review of River Whispers
One of my friends is Kathi Oram Peterson. Since the day my first book went to print, Kathi has been uber supportive. Oh, and it just so happens Kathi is a rocking good author! Now, don't let my preface of this post fool you into thinking I'm only doing this review because Kathi is a pal. Oh contrar (is that how you spell that?) She's been in the publishing game a lot longer than me and for good reason. Her latest novel, River Whispers, is somewhat geared toward the female crowd (those seeking romance with their mysteries), so naturally, I'd be a fool not to involve my beautiful wife in reviewing this book. Together we came up with our take on Peterson's latest masterpiece.Regi Bernard has to deal with quite a few headaches when she finds herself confronting her first love in a tiny town who happens to have an odd involvement with a mysterious murder case. Things get even more tangled when Regi becomes the number one suspect in the case and she's forced to prove her innocence while finding the true killer in this small town murder mystery.
The very first paragraph peeked my interest so I had to keep reading and by the end of the first chapter I was well committed. Peterson definitely keeps you guessing in this classic "who dunnit". River Whispers has something for everyone: romance, action, a little humor, quirky characters, and mystery- you won't be disappointed.
Peterson paints perfect imagery and her use of clever analogies, metaphors, and descriptions set the various scenes up perfectly. You'll enjoy River Whispers and if you like it, you should check out her other novels as well.
May 17, 2011
A Day in the Life of Writing
How does one write novels? Where does one begin? It's hard. Sometimes it can feel downright impossible. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through the stress. Truthfully, the most difficult part of writing a novel is starting. There are so many distractions, so many things that seem to be more important than sitting down at the computer and typing away on the keyboard.
Since I've been uploading a lot of videos as of late, I thought what better way to illustrate the difficulties of starting a novel than with a real video of myself at the computer.
Enjoy
So you see... it's not easy, but still it's amazing once the magic happens...
Since I've been uploading a lot of videos as of late, I thought what better way to illustrate the difficulties of starting a novel than with a real video of myself at the computer.
Enjoy
So you see... it's not easy, but still it's amazing once the magic happens...
May 11, 2011
Busy as a Beetle
I've had somewhat of a busy couple of weeks. That's good though, right? I need to stay busy! I need to keep writing. So, here's what's been going down.
A couple of weeks ago, I participated in the Writers Cubed Teen Writing Boot Camp. I taught an hour presentation on how to use your imagination to help you get started with your writing project. It was fun, though I was pretty nervous. But I got to hang out with some really cool kids, authors, and of course, the wickedly cool (yes, I said it) members of Writers Cubed, who are now my buddies. Here are some pics from that event.
Sitting at a table, prepping for my presentation
All the cool people at the event. Kiersten White, author of Paranormalcy, is front and center.
They had these little fake grenades and I couldn't stop playing with them.
Teaching some kids. Yeah, it's not a full house, but there were other cooler authors presenting at the same time. What do you expect?
Here are the slides from my presentation. I probably won't make much sense, but I was talking throughout. If you can make any sense from this, then pat yourself on the back!
After that, I did a couple signings and then participated in LDStorymakers 2011 Writing Conference. I already uploaded the music video. (The one with me dancing in the shower...yikes!) But if you missed it, you can watch it HERE.
I did a presentation on writing for Middle Grade. I promised to upload my slides.
I've been spending time at schools this week in Alabama and I'm off to Pocatello tomorrow. I'll post some updates when I get back.
A couple of weeks ago, I participated in the Writers Cubed Teen Writing Boot Camp. I taught an hour presentation on how to use your imagination to help you get started with your writing project. It was fun, though I was pretty nervous. But I got to hang out with some really cool kids, authors, and of course, the wickedly cool (yes, I said it) members of Writers Cubed, who are now my buddies. Here are some pics from that event.
Sitting at a table, prepping for my presentation
All the cool people at the event. Kiersten White, author of Paranormalcy, is front and center.
They had these little fake grenades and I couldn't stop playing with them.
Teaching some kids. Yeah, it's not a full house, but there were other cooler authors presenting at the same time. What do you expect?
Here are the slides from my presentation. I probably won't make much sense, but I was talking throughout. If you can make any sense from this, then pat yourself on the back!
After that, I did a couple signings and then participated in LDStorymakers 2011 Writing Conference. I already uploaded the music video. (The one with me dancing in the shower...yikes!) But if you missed it, you can watch it HERE.
I did a presentation on writing for Middle Grade. I promised to upload my slides.
I've been spending time at schools this week in Alabama and I'm off to Pocatello tomorrow. I'll post some updates when I get back.
May 10, 2011
Yes, another video
This one's of me on Channel 31 WAAYTV today (Tuesday) for their 4:00 p.m. show. I think I consider myself to be a vigorous nodder. I nod like no other. Check out me nodding. Oh and this was live by the way, so when you see me fumble with words... be kind. But watch my head nod vigorously!
May 8, 2011
New Music Video
This is just a quick post and then I'll update you here in a couple of days. I got to dance around in the shower for a writing music video for LDStorymakers. It's a little embarrassing, but.... uh.... oh well.
The video is called Fiction and it's based on George Michael's Freedom.
The video is called Fiction and it's based on George Michael's Freedom.
April 16, 2011
Blog Tour (like Star Wars, but without the Ewoks...)
Right now I am participating in what is called a Blog Tour. I've never done this before and I really wasn't sure what to expect. It's awesome! So far, I've been interviewed by a lot of really cool bloggers and they've had some positive things to say about my book, The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter. I've posted the schedule below with the links to all the blogs. There are some fun questions out there asked specifically to the characters in my book. Cool idea, huh? Also, look at this blog tour banner:
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April 12, 2011 – I Like These Books – featuring an interview with Frank L. Cole!April 13, 2011 – Pensive Bookeaters – Book ReviewApril 15, 2011 – Cherry Mischievous – A guest post written by FrankApril 16, 2011 – The Wormhole – Book ReviewApril 17, 2011 – Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile - Frank's Top 10 Favorite BooksApril 20, 2011 – Babs World of Book Reviews -Interview with Frank!April 20, 2011 – I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Interview with Frank and a GIVEAWAY!April 20, 2011 – All-Consuming Books – Book ReviewApril 21, 2011 – The Elliot Review – Interview with Frank!April 21, 2011 – Bookworm Lisa – Character interview with Trendon and Amber from The Guardians of the Hidden ScepterApril 22, 2011 – Burning.x.Impossibly.x.Bright – Book ReviewApril 23, 2011 – Manga Maniac Cafe – Interview with Frank!April 24, 2011 – Books R Us – A guest post written by FrankApril 25, 2011 – Roots in Myth – Book Review
And to top that off, here are some other interviews with me from past couple of days:
Star Crossed
Precision Editing Group
And a shout out from my buddy, James Dashner! Who also wrote the cover blurb for the book. Yeah, I know... I'm name dropping.
All this buzz has me stressin' a bit. I actually found a couple of grey hairs today. I was at Walmart of all places, checking myself out in the mirror while I tried on some cheap, $10 sunglasses when I spotted them. Let me tell ya. De---pressing. Hey, but you know what made me warm up just a little bit? Seeing a stack of my books on the shelf. Wait a minute... Why was there still a stack? Here comes some grey hairs!
[image error]
April 12, 2011 – I Like These Books – featuring an interview with Frank L. Cole!April 13, 2011 – Pensive Bookeaters – Book ReviewApril 15, 2011 – Cherry Mischievous – A guest post written by FrankApril 16, 2011 – The Wormhole – Book ReviewApril 17, 2011 – Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile - Frank's Top 10 Favorite BooksApril 20, 2011 – Babs World of Book Reviews -Interview with Frank!April 20, 2011 – I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Interview with Frank and a GIVEAWAY!April 20, 2011 – All-Consuming Books – Book ReviewApril 21, 2011 – The Elliot Review – Interview with Frank!April 21, 2011 – Bookworm Lisa – Character interview with Trendon and Amber from The Guardians of the Hidden ScepterApril 22, 2011 – Burning.x.Impossibly.x.Bright – Book ReviewApril 23, 2011 – Manga Maniac Cafe – Interview with Frank!April 24, 2011 – Books R Us – A guest post written by FrankApril 25, 2011 – Roots in Myth – Book Review
And to top that off, here are some other interviews with me from past couple of days:
Star Crossed
Precision Editing Group
And a shout out from my buddy, James Dashner! Who also wrote the cover blurb for the book. Yeah, I know... I'm name dropping.
All this buzz has me stressin' a bit. I actually found a couple of grey hairs today. I was at Walmart of all places, checking myself out in the mirror while I tried on some cheap, $10 sunglasses when I spotted them. Let me tell ya. De---pressing. Hey, but you know what made me warm up just a little bit? Seeing a stack of my books on the shelf. Wait a minute... Why was there still a stack? Here comes some grey hairs!
