Battle of Midway

04 JUNE 2018

Battle of Midway (3-7 June 1942)

This is the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Many sites out there give a great breakdown and analysis. I'll keep mine short and sweet after the link to an awesome video released by the US Navy:

US Navy video: Battle of Midway


The battle was a huge victory for the US. We had cracked Japanese communication codes and knew the attack was coming. Marines on Midway Island still had to hold out during the initial Japanese attack and they were up to the task. The island defenses held. The Japanese decided to attack again. 

We were ready for them though and took the fight to their carriers. Surprise! Mad props to the US torpedo bombers who flew in slow and low and drew Japanese fire on themselves while the real attack came from high above.

Losses on US side were 150 aircraft and 307 lives. 

Japan lost four aircraft carriers, one heavy cruiser, 275 aircraft and 4,800 fighters. All brave men, true leaders on both sides. 

We won the battle and turned the tide of the war in the Pacific.

If you are looking for more history from the military, particularly the US Navy, follow this link to the Naval History and Heritage Command website NHHC. They even have a specific section for veterans looking for information about their time in service. Memory a little hazy, can't remember exactly which ports you pulled in on a particular cruise? There's a link for that information along with a bunch of other cool stuff.

~*~

In writing news, I received some good feedback and helpful advice from some other writers. Some of the comments were: 

• Both stories were very well written
• Your tales are a bit on the wild side
• Your story was dramatic and petrifying!
• With a little polish on the character development and more brush of imagery to make it more vivid will make your story more intensifying! 
• There's nothing more I could say than "Wow" 
• A brilliant and page-turner story! 
• These short stories would do great in a collection written by the same author.

The final comment I really enjoyed because I am looking at gathering my short stories into a collection. 

I am still editing but feeling confident that the story will be well received once released. Beginning and middle are stronger, working on strengthening the ending now. Then cover, then finalizing the blurb and release on Amazon!

Picture for today:

Ramadan Mubarak for those who took part in Eid al-Fitr celebrations. I am not a muslim, but I have friends and students who are. 

Love to all. May your days on Earth be long and happy.

TSR's Multiverse, a Famous Explorer and a Sunflower

03 November 2018

I have some new news to report. I have branched into another side gig. I have officially joined the bullpen writing reviews over at the Multiverse, a blog by TSR Inc. Yeah, that TSR! I used to love all their games. They have some new products and a blog that covers all sorts of stuff. The review online now is about a comic book called the Rough Riders, featuring Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Houdini and others. 

Rough Riders review by Frank Montellano

Looking forward to earning some non-fiction chops writing reviews for all sorts of different stuff. I'm so glad to be a part of a company that I loved as a kid.

I love teaching, even my own children. My youngest had a social studies project to do and we collaborated on Rene-Robert Cavalier, Lord of La Salle. He's the Frenchman who sailed down the Mississippi River and 'discovered it' with his assistant Henry de Tonti (also know as 'Iron Hand '). Indians, soldiers and priests went with them too. Was very nice to share my passion for knowledge and help her on her project. Something all dads love to do! She is one smart cookie. Love her to bits. 

Picture for today: 
Not sure if I shared this before on this blog or not. This a picture of a Sunflower plant that my wife grew in the back yard. I love the curls and abstract nature of the photo. 

Helping Other Authors

21 OCT 2018

Happy Sunday all! I haven't written much of my own stories lately. Been helping out fellow authors with their tales. While I am not a professional editor, nor will I ever be one, I do know enough to be a second set of ears and eyes for others. Heck, I taught the English for many years, lol. And I even speaka da English too! 

I'm currently working with a few other authors on editing their works. I know I really appreciate it when others do that for me, so yeah, I don't mind helping others out occasionally. 

I have recently done some non-fiction work too, writing a couple of reviews (comic book and a vlog post) for the TSR's website Multiverse. I used to love love love TSR's products when I was a kid, so a little bit of thrill to be creating some small pieces for them. If you don't know what TSR does, head on over there and find out! 

Pictures for today, in honor of Halloween coming up: 

Amazon Author Page is up!

15 OCT 16  

The link below is to my author page over at Amazon. A truly great resource for any author. At the link you will find all the books that my stories appear in, as well as links to my short stories for sale. 
Only four so far, the fifth one is supposed to be out later this year. 

If you have bought any one of the books, please please please write a review!  Good or bad, I'll take either one as grist for the mill.

Author Page for Frank Montellano

Picture for today is a future possible cover. I take many photos for inspiration both for myself and my wife.