I haven’t been around much lately, I know. A short while ago we lost my Father-in-law, Jack Wildman, and his passing has left a large hole in my Southern Family. Jack was one of the last of his kind, having left home at an early age to ride the railroads with his guitar and his cousin. Jack lived to the age of 89. He was my father-in-law and my friend. I put a sample of his music up on YouTube, which you can find here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2VsMc7LFww

As for the written word, I’ve been keeping busy. I have a few requests for submissions, and the new novel is coming along nicely. More on that front next time.

HAPPY EASTER

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter, whether you follow the Resurrection or the Rabbit, I hope you enjoy yours.

 I had a chance to see a mentor of mine, a man named Hank Johnson. Not the congressman, this Hank Johnson is a brilliant man with a mind for life as sharp as a double sided razor.  It is thanks to Hank, and a newspaper article he brought to my attention, that my first book was published, and I will forever be in his debt. Though I only had a few moments of time to spend with Hank and his lovely wife, Toni, as there were hundreds of people there who wanted to speak with them, those moments are forever Golden.

 Jacki and I have become quite the fans of Roller Derby and our team is Gold Coast Derby Grrls.  Seems that thanks to the movie Whip It Roller Derby is making a comeback. If it is in your area, by all means go check out a game.

 Of late I have been converting my screenplay New Hope to a novel. It’s quite interesting to see the process. Turning a novel into a script you have to see where you can cut and condense with visuals. Turning it back the other way, I find myself looking for places to fill out so the reader get’s the full picture. So far a few small publishing houses that specialize in zombie (and the story is loaded with ‘em) novels have expressed interest.

 Gamemaster finally made it back on Amazon, you can find it here: Amazon.com They even have a 12 page preview peek inside.

 I got a nice plug for my writing for a cameo I did in an independent horror flick mentioned here: SearchMyTrash.com For once I was not killed in a movie!

 I have set up a “Fan Page” on Facebook so you can keep updated on writing projects. Facebook users who are not “Friends” with me can keep up on the updates by visiting here Facebook.com and become a fan by clicking the link in the upper right hand corner.

That’s it for now, Gang.  Have a wonderful Easter and check back soon.

 Frank

It’s been a while since the last blog, and I thought it high time to drop a line or two.  First off for those of you who have asked about my Mom, yes, she’s riding the chemo train again.  She had a bad bout with bronchitis, and while at the hospital they discovered the tumor had grown.  Mom is what I like to call Yankee-tough, it’s what some would call full of piss and vinegar.  She’s still more aggravated than depressed over the entire ordeal, so that is a good thing. 

Since I haven’t spoken of this since switching to Keeper Web Design, just to bring you up to speed, my mother was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer a few years back.  That first round of chemo took her hair, but not her spirit.  My father, brother and I shaved our heads in solidarity.  I keep a myspace page dedicated to her semi monthly blog updates.  If you are interested you can find it at http://www.myspace.com/nohairclub

Since my last blog, Jacki and I went to a Colt Ford show.  If you can imagine the blending of Country music with Hip Hop, you get a vague idea where this Georgia boy comes from musically.  As odd as it sounds, it actually works.  He’s got some stuff on YouTube.  Do yourself a favor and search him out sometime. If he brings his show near you, I would recommend buying a ticket.  Ford puts on one of the most diverse, high energy and fun shows we’ve seen in a long time.

On the writing front, Joe Monks and I are continuing to put together that audio project, now titled Head Trauma.  It has turned out to be a real enjoyable project for me.  I had gotten away from the short story format, and forgot just how fun they are.  Whereas a novel is a labor of love that lasts several months or even a year from start to finish, shorts offer something entirely different.  Each story idea that comes to you brings the joy of an expectant father.  You wonder about it, think of how great it’s going to be when it arrives, how beautiful it will be.  Then when you finish the first draft and look at it, you realize it has a pointed head, and will take some time before the soft spot is gone and it resembles what you first thought it would be.

It’s probably more fun for me than Joe.  He’s responsible for actually putting it together, all I am doing is supplying some of the fodder to fill it up. Being that Joe lost his eyesight a few years back, he has spent more time listening to audio books, and giving them the complete attention they deserve than I have. For me storytelling is a lot like fine cooking; the presentation is second only to content, and under Joe’s guiding hand, I have no doubt this will be “served” to perfection.

Speaking of shorts, I received an invite from Boyd Harris to submit a story for their upcoming anthology +The Horror Library+ Volume 4.  I’ve read Volume 1 of the project and it seems like a good mix of quality work in there. I’ll keep you posted on that.

Facebook friends will soon see I am putting a page up dedicated just to my work and will keep all news pertaining to my stories dedicated to that page.  If you want to stay connected to notices of what’s going on there, you’ll have to accept the Fan of invitation when it arrives.

Jacki and I have agreed to do a couple zombie cameos in Christopher Kahler’s highly  anticipated retelling of Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From  Outer Space, “Graverobbers From Outer Space”  http://graverobbersfromouterspace.com/   I am also doing a voice over for the movie utilizing the phony radio program I created, The Jack Wildman Show.  “Jack’s” program has been recorded for a few independent movies to fill in background noise in car interior shots.

Guess that is it for now.  As always, thanks for stopping by.

Frank

Just received word that FRIEND has received a thumbs up from LIBRARY OF HORROR PRESS.    So far 2010 is looking good!  The audio book project between Joe Monks and I (working title, HEAD TRAUMAS) is moving ahead at a good clip.  Joe has auditioned several “voices” to do the actual readings so you don’t have to worry about my off key voice in your headphones!

Jacki and I went to see a Roller Derby match this past weekend.  The home team, Gold Coast Derby Grrls vs. Axles of Annihilation from Portland, OR in the 2010 season opener.  To be honest the Derby Grrls got their asses handed to them, but it was still a lot of fun.  The Axels of Annihilation had one girl who in the words of Jim Croce’s “Roller Derby Queen” was “built like a ‘frigerator with a head”  who if the team wasn’t so damn far away, we both agree we’d follow!

Both BOOGER and GAMEMASTER will be available by month’s end on Amazon again.  Original copies of both are still available here for a limited time only.  WOLVES OF WAR is on Amazon now, or order signed copies through the merchandise page here for a cheaper price. 

That’s it for this time until next time, thanks for your time,

Frank

As the world reacts to the devastation in Haiti, here in South Florida we have a slightly closer view of the effect on families who have people there.  Many of us have Haitian  friends, co-workers, and neighbors concerned for their loved ones.  Lynn University is just a few miles down the road, close enough that the anguish felt by the parents of the still missing students makes our local news daily.  

Americans have traditionally opened their wallets and checkbooks whenever catastrophes happen anywhere in the world.  Unfortunately we also have a great deal of scum sucking bottom feeders who react just as quickly finding a new scam to take advantage of the situation.  We all know to be leery of e-mails and text messages asking for donations.  Too bad we can’t find these sub-humans who take advantage of a crisis like this, and show them the door…of a prison cell.

While I’m talking about scam artists, a word of warning to other writers out there; though it’s tempting to lunge at a good offer that comes your way, always take the time to do a quick Google search on any company that wants to represent your work.  I ran across just such an agency link recently on what I always felt was a reputable website.  I dropped them a line and their response was quick, professional, and friendly.  Looked like the perfect agency at first glance.  The e-mail contained a contact name and phone number, and I was tempted to call right away.  Instead I ran the contact number through Google and found that this company had over a half dozen aliases, many of which had fraud cases pending.   I replied that after my Google search of their company, I would decline their offer.  No response after that.

On the work front for 2010, things are moving along on the audio book.  My co-creator, Joseph M. Monks, is currently auditioning local theater people to act as the “voices” of the project. Besides the actual mp3 version of the project we are considering going with an e-book format for the Kindle crowd.  This has been a project for the two of us for some time, but outside ventures keep getting in the way.  Monks is juggling this along with a dozen other projects, most notably his film project VISIONS OF SARA, a kick ass script that has started gaining a lot of positive attention with people in the know.  Followers of Joe know that his original foray into the world of becoming the world’s first blind film director, has been hung up a series of contract hassles, that are hopefully nearing their end.

It looks like GAMEMASTER will be the first of my two novels to reappear on Amazon in hardcopy, and I’m thinking of also offering an e-book format on Kindle as well.  Though the book has received a re-write from its original edition, there hasn’t been enough changes to warrant anyone with the original release to consider buying the updated version, unless of course you are a completist. 

I mentioned last update that I was looking for an artist to set my script NEW HOPE to comic form.  I am still looking, but I received word that a small independent Tampa based production company is reviewing the script with an eye towards producing it as a feature. One can always hope.

Jacki and I recently went to see Blue Oyster Cult at the South Florida Fair.  Though the stage show was a far cry from the laser light phenomenal of their hey-day, Eric, Buck and the boys can still belt out an ass-kicking show.  Highly recommended for any fans of the band to check them out wherever you find them. 

Finally, at long last, it looks as though the all fiction edition of Hacker’s will be ready before long.  To be honest, I didn’t realize how much work would be involved in this thing, but I believe it will be something to be proud of.

That’s it for this time, until next time,

Frank

I don’t know about you, but I am always glad to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new.  It’s the mental equivalent to the first snow of the season covering the dead brown grass of fall overnight and bringing with it a feeling of new beginnings.

A lot of projects are bouncing through the mind of late, the possibilities seem endless with a new year. First up is the fact that “Friend” did not see publication in 09, so getting it out in the marketplace is priority one.  I am also seeking an artist to turn my screenplay, “New Hope” into a three or four part comic anthology, or perhaps a full-blown graphic novel. I had been working with one, but he seems to have fallen by the wayside.

There is still a possibility of an audio book compilation with a brother storyteller (I’m not sure if he wants this mentioned as of yet, so he shall remain nameless).  The work will consist of a collection of our shorter works read by various voices with some added production values to make the project shine.  We began tossing the idea around last year, but individual projects prevented its creation. 

Speaking of audio works my short story “Homecoming” published in the anthology, “Wolves Of War” has been opted for a podcast by Library Of Horror Press.  When that comes to pass I’ll be posting the link here.

With any luck at all, the novel “Eaten” (which “Homecoming” is a prelude to) will be available by year’s end as well.

I spoke with my partner and brother from another mother, Christopher Kahler over the holidays, and it seems his remake of Plan 9 From Outer Space, “Graverobbers from Outer Space” will be wrapping up shooting this spring.  As a consulting producer I have seen a lot of the completed footage, and as a fan of all things Ed Wood, I’m happy to say it looks like it will be a great picture.”

Speaking of Ed Wood, Jacki bought me Muddled Mind: The Complete Works of Ed Wood, Jr.” by David C. Hayes for Christmas. This is the most complete study in Wood’s written work I have seen and it’s obvious from reading, that it was a work of love for Hayes. I would highly recommend this as a companion piece to Rudolph Grey’s “Nightmare of Ecstasy: The Life and Art of Edward D. Wood, Jr”.

That’s about all I have time for this time.  So what do you say?  Let’s all put our heads down and run “Full Tilt Boogie” into 2010 and make it our year.

Until Next time, I leave you with the words of George Edward Woodberry;

“Old times” never come back and I suppose it’s just as well. What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that’s better.”

Talk Soon,

Frank

With Christmas coming next week, it’s doubtful that I will be posting before 2010.  I’d like to take the time to wish you all Happy Holidays, regardless of which you celebrate.  Jacki and I are looking forward to time with loved ones and watching the little ones faces.

Wolves Of War is finally available on this website, just click on the merchandise link.  Copies are $16.00 postage paid.  Be sure to state how you want it signed. 

 So until next year, May God Bless you all.

Okay, catch-up time.  I missed a couple blogs so it’s time to get back at it.  First off I turned 50 on Nov. 21^st, and the love of my life, my beautiful wife Jacki, threw one hellava party for me.  I had no idea I knew that many people, let alone nearly 70 of them would come out and spend part of their Saturday afternoon to celebrate my birthday.  Thanks to all of you who came by.

The next day I went skydiving to celebrate…2 miles up and 120 mph coming down!  That was a rush.  If you’ve done it you know, if you haven’t, you need to.  I was accompanied on this adventure by my oldest son, Kris, my brother Rick (who came from NH, along with my mother to celebrate with me) and two brothers without bloodlines, Christopher Kahler and Joe Monks.  None of us had ever been before, but all of us are ready to go again.  If you are a Facebook friend, you can find video on my page. 

It was a great time.  Got to talk movies with CK regarding his remake of Plan 9 From Outer Space, under it’s original title, “Graverobbers From Outer Space.”  I am a “Consulting Producer” on that project.  It’s a serious horror movie take on the classic Ed Wood flick.

Time spent with Joe Monks is always inspiring.  We always seem to have a project in the works that DEMAND conversation.  Joe is getting good vibes concerning his latest film project, “Visions Of Sara”.  Having read the script, I can’t wait to see this on the screen. 

I shot a cameo for the upcoming Phil Herman movie, “Sickened”.    I play a cable TV telephone operator.  I’ve followed Herman’s work since my days writing for Draculina, though this will be my first appearance one of his movies. 

We had a great Thanksgiving at our home, as I hope all of you did.  Something about waking to the smell of turkey cooking brings me back to the days of childhood. 

Still waiting for my copies of Wolves Of War, when they arrive I’ll put them up for sale on the site.  If you can’t wait, you can get it on Amazon.com. 

I’m still having a few issues with publishers regarding getting my novels (including the new one, “Friend” up and on Amazon.  But it will come about soon, I believe. 

I mentioned last update that I was reading “Among the Living: A Zombie Novel” by Timothy W. Long.  This is Long’s debut novel, and a good little read.  Not without its editorial mistakes, I must mention, but as a storyteller, Long shows some promising chops.  I’ll be looking for his follow-up soon!

Currently Reading:

“Of Wolf and Man” by Christopher Fulbright. 

The Ed Wood Box, a collection of short works and screenplays collected by Christopher Kahler, and given to me as a birthday present.  A fan of all things Wood, I’m digging this.

As always, thanks for stopping by,

Frank

First off, my web guru Mark E Argerake of Keeper Web Design, has decided to expand his author’s clientele.  Basic sites like this one are $300 to rebuild or create from scratch. If you need something more than that, something more extravagant, Mark will customize a quote based on your needs and budget. Keeper specializes in HTML, JavaScript, PHP, MySql, eCommerce, CMS, among others.

For readers of this blog, Mark has offered to knock $50 off the price, as well as supply one free year of webmaster/maintenance services. Simply mention my name in the notes section when contacting Keeper Web Design located at  http://www.keeperwebdesign.com/

An interesting turn of events here lately.  While Friend sits at the publisher who requested a read of my newest novel, I have discovered the publisher for my two previous novels has been dropped from Amazon, and no one told me.  Thanks to the e-mailer who alerted me to this fact.  Right now if you search for my novels on Amazon, Gamemaster has vanished completely, while Booger does show up in outside sellers as a used book.  (One copy is listed for sixty bucks!)

Needless to say I am currently working to end my relationship with my previous publisher, and find a new home for Booger and Gamemaster to get them back up on Amazon.  For the record I still have a few copies of each available, and though these editions will be out of print when I make the change, I’m not altering the price.

My ‘Author Trailer,’ put together by the director of the Plan 9 From Outer Space retelling, Graverobbers From Outer Space, Christopher Kahler, is up at FRANKLIN E. WALES – STORYTELLER  It’s under two minutes give it a look when you have the time.

Wolves Of War, the anthology my story “Homecoming” (the prelude to my current novel in progress, “Eaten”) was published in is available at Amazon.com

I will be selling signed copies in a few weeks when I receive my order.

Last update I mentioned reading the Joseph M. Monks, screenplay “Visions of Sarah”.  I have said before that Joseph M. Monks’ fiction cuts deeper than a pound of broken glass—The same goes for this screenplay.  In the day of over hyped remakes, one can only hope this original tale finds the needed funding to be shot.  Full of believable characters and enough sharp edges to cut you badly.       

Currently reading:

“Among the Living: A Zombie Novel” by Timothy W. Long

“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith

“Nightmare of Ecstasy: The Life and Art of Edward D. Wood, Jr.” by Rudolph Grey (I re-read this every year about this time)

Thanks for stopping by,

Frank

“Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive…Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive” — Jackson Browne. … “Running On  Empty.” 

I chose that quote to open with, as I am a writer with a full time job.  For some forty plus hours a week I enter data for a major corporation.  The point being I enter data 5 days a week to survive…I write to keep my passion alive.  I have a family, and an extended family as well.  Still I have managed to produce and sell an extensive amount of short works, pen two novels, and have nearly completed my third.  If that’s not enough time filler, I am currently the managing editor at Eve Blaack Publications presiding of two periodicals. 

 I’ve read several other writer’s blogs who make a point to tell of the thousands of words they’ve wrote yesterday.  These people actually make their living with words.  The rest of us survive working somewhere else, and live our lives with our words.  We all hope to combine the two, and work toward that goal.  Until then, I’m here, just like many of you: day job, personal matters, bills to pay, a car that breaks down when it is needed, and an ache deep in the guts to write. 

 Currently my wife, Jacki, and I have been tweaking my third novel, “Friend” and should have it ready by year’s end.  I heard from Eric S. Browne, the editor of the werewolves and war anthology, “Wolves Of War”; my short story “Homecoming” is slated for release this fall in the collection through The Library Of Horror Press, a small but up and coming publishing house. 

 “Hacker’s Source” has gone green and our debut PDF issue is currently available at http://www.eveblaackpub.com/.  It can be downloaded for a $2.50 full color a $1.88 b&w.  For those hardcore enthusiasts, it can still be ordered in hardcopy through the link on the order page.  There is an interesting interview with me in the issue, for those of you interested.  “Hacker’s Digest” our all prose edition, is in its final editing stages, and will be available for a free download soon. 

 I found a well produced little podcast available for download at http://dr-pus.podomatic.com//   It’s an enjoyable little mix of music fiction and a few opinion pieces all based around the theme of the undead.  A lot of fun for free. 

Currently reading:

“Sunset and Sawdust” by Joe R. Lansdale

“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith

“Spirit of Shaolin”  by David Carradine

“Visions of Sarah” (Screenplay) by Joseph M. Monks

 Yes, I still find time to read!

 That’s about it for now.  Perhaps I can make this a regular update, if anyone is interested.

 Frank