The Massapequa Park resident spent nearly 50 years in the education system, from 30 years in Seaford to a recent stints at Hofstra and Adelphi universities. During the early 90s, while teaching science courses in Seaford, Frank instructed forensic science classes at a time when a certain television program was gaining popularity.
“Law & Order was big. I would get many students interested in forensics by writing case studies just like that show,” she said. “I’d give the students a police report to examine, then we’d have a court case in class and the suspect would either be convicted or not convicted.”
Coupled with a childhood love of Nancy Drew novels, this in-school exercise in forensic writing uncovered Frank’s hidden talent for mystery writing; a talent that has seen her through three novels in a mystery series, with another just starting to come together. Her books — The Madonna Ghost, Girl With Pencil, Drawing and Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys — are all part of a series called the Annie Tillery Mysteries, about a young amateur sleuth and her mysterious adventures.
The novels are anchored by strong Long Island ties, with The Madonna Ghost set on Fire Island. That first book came easily to Frank, as it involved two subjects she had experience with: sailing and falling in love as a teenager. But mystery writing in general is a task Frank faces pride and tackles with vigor.
“Mystery is one of the most popular genres for novels,” said Frank, whose mystery-adventure books for young readers are best described as Nancy Drew meets CSI. “I’m a mystery reader and I have that science background. You combine those two things and it just feels so natural. I’m fascinated by how mysteries are solved and how science plays a role these cases.”
In fact, the character Anne Tillery is a fearless, daring young woman — a close match for Frank, who faced many of her own obstacles on her way to her careers as a teacher and a novelist. Frank always had a science-geared mind, even when she was very young. Unfortunately, the times did not jive with Frank’s scientific tendencies and she faced many road blocks in the field.
“When I was a kid, science was not a field that was open to women,” she said, adding that the obstacles that kept her out of medical school ended up directing her into the world of science teaching. “Those obstacles were seemingly insurmountable when I was young, but I’ve won awards for encouraging girls to go into the scientific community.”
She has also received awards from the Long Island Authors Group, including Editor’s Choice and Rising Star awards. Frank currently produces a television show, “The Writer’s Dream,” on LTV-EH, a local access station in East Hampton and Long Island Cablevision. On the show, Frank interviews guests involved in writing, publishing and marketing in all genres.
There is one aspect of writing that Franks believes all writers share: writer’s block. In order to crash through that wall, Frank said a writer needs strong-willed discipline.
“You have to budget your time wisely,” she said. “And write about topics you are passionate about.”
Frank still holds a love for teaching, even as she looks at it from retirement’s rearview mirror. After all, it led to her post-retirement career.
“I can’t stand to be bored. Science is easy; you explode things, dissect things. It’s very hands-on,” she said. “With writing, if what is stopping you is criticism, you have to get over it. The self confidence grows and you learn to take pleasure in the journey.”
Learn more about Linda Maria Frank on YouTube or visit www.lindamariafrank.com, www.annietillery.com and her Facebook pages.
