ABOUT FRANK WAYNE MOTTL
Frank enjoys writing prose and poetry. He believes that a good base in poetry significantly improves the writing of prose. His debut novel, The Cumberland Tales, is a collection of connected stories and poetry. His second, Mother’s Keep published two years ago, also a ‘combo’ of prose and poetry, was inspired by his Granny.
His most recent publication is Cumberland Gold a murder thriller puzzler. The working title of his current manuscript, The Witch Amoung Us, is based on Margery Kempe, a medieval visionary who supposedly had direct communication with God.
Frank has been published by the Poetry Institute of Canada for his poetry and prose. He has also been published in the U.S., Australia, China, U.K., and Canada.
In 2018, Frank was honored with the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Poetry Institute of Canada for his outstanding contributions to poetry. That same year, he penned his debut novel, The Cumberland Tales, a captivating blend of prose and poetry inspired by the fascinating life of Sam Yik—an elderly Chinese mystic, gardener, and vendor who left an indelible mark on Frank's childhood.
Frank’s storytelling doesn’t stop there. His second novel, Mother’s Keep, draws inspiration from his Granny's resilience during the Great Depression in Gibsons. Both novels delve into the world of magic realism, weaving rich, imaginative tales grounded in historical and emotional truths.
Frank’s versatility shines in his third book, Cumberland Gold—a gripping murder-thriller set against the backdrop of Vancouver Island’s coal and gold mining history. It’s a tale of greed, intrigue, and human resilience, brought to life with vivid characters and intricate subplots. As one reader put it:
"I found a story of an earlier time when coal and gold were king… Homeland Chinese history, politics, greed, gold, and death dance across the page to a final crescendo."
Beyond novels, Frank’s poetry has graced anthologies across Canada, the U.S., Australia, the U.K., and China. He believes deeply in the power of poetry to elevate prose, creating works that resonate with beauty, emotion, and authenticity.
