Fourth grade students at Margaret Chase Smith, Carl J. Lamb, and Sanford Pride Elementary Schools were treated to a visit from children's author Frank Cole, who shared his journey from childhood storyteller to published writer.
Cole, who has been writing professionally since 2009, met with students to discuss his writing process and the path that led him to become an author. When he asked who would like to one day write their own book, many eager hands shot up. Cole promised to share his "recipe" for becoming an author with the aspiring writers in the audience.
During his presentation, Cole traced his love of storytelling back to age six, when he attended a small elementary school in Kentucky. His school's librarian would read to students daily in a trailer that served as the school library. One story in particular—a scary tale called The Taily Poe—made such an impression that young Frank memorized it to share with friends and family. The experience taught him the power of a good story and sparked a lifelong passion for both reading and storytelling.
Cole was candid with students about the realities of pursuing a writing career. He described the "long journey with a lot of rejections" he faced before his first book was published in 2009. The turning point came in college, when a professor wrote "you should be an author" on one of his papers. That encouragement set him on the path to becoming a professional writer, though he emphasized that persistence was essential to achieving his goal.
The author showcased his collection of published works, including his recent Potion Masters series, which features a secret society of potion makers living in ordinary neighborhoods and attending school just like the students in his audience. The concept demonstrated how imaginative ideas can become published books that engage young readers.
Throughout the presentation, Cole emphasized the dedication required to bring stories to life. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and connect with a working author, making the writing process more tangible and inspiring for those who dream of becoming writers themselves.