Listen To BlogTalkRadio Interview with Author Sebastian Cole
Posted on February 23, 2013
Thanks to everyone who called in, tried to call in, and listened in on my radio interview on BlogTalkRadio! I really appreciate your support and interest. To listen to the broadcast, click here.
Rhode Island Authors at The Big Book Club Getaway
Posted on February 04, 2013
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at The Big Book Club Getaway at Mohegan Sun this past weekend! Here’s a photo of just a few of us from A.R.I.A. (Association of Rhode Island Authors), a group of local authors who’ve banded together with a common goal: to help each other find success in a business that’s extremely difficult to break into — publishing. So can you guess which one is me?? Hint: I’ve never had a mustache…
Sebastian Cole, author of Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love
Enjoyable Book Talk with the Nice Folks at Tamarisk
Posted on January 23, 2013
I’d like to thank all of the nice people who attended my book talk yesterday at Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence in Warwick, RI, in which I discussed my debut novel, SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love. I hope everyone had a good time!
Sebastian Cole
🙂
Read Local by Jennifer Massotti
Posted on January 11, 2013
This is a repost of Jennifer Massotti’s article, “Read Local”, published at OnlineRI on January 05, 2013
We avid readers wait, with bated breath, the release of the latest New York Times Best Sellers list to see what’s top of the charts this week. Or for the more cerebral type, the IndieNext Lists, which feature monthly selections of the best selling titles from independent bookstores across the nation. We get word-of-mouth recommendations from other booklovers as to what to read next, but when was the last time you picked up a recently released book by a local author? Where does one even go to find such books?
Local, oftentimes self-published, authors are the most impassioned, determined people around. They are not just going door-to-bookstore door to sell their wares, they are sharing their stories – their brainchildren that have been birthed and nurtured for months, if not years. These authors will do whatever it takes to get their books into the right hands to increase the awareness and appeal to the broader masses. Many an author has passed through our bookstore doors, and I am so grateful they have. By making the personal connections with these talented, and persistent, authors, I have been introduced to literary adventures that I otherwise would not have embarked upon.
While some of the more tech-savvy self-published authors have their titles available through a multitude of online resellers, most rely on the local, brick and mortar bookstores within their community for help with signings and promotional efforts. Many independent bookstores feature a great assortment of titles written by local authors, from poetry to fiction to cookbooks – most of the time they have signed copies available. But don’t take my word for it, next time you’re in your community bookstore, ask one of the booksellers, they’d be happy to share these local treasures.
Some new releases by local authors worth the read.
Drifting: Two Weeks on the Hudson by Mike Freeman (non-fiction)
As controversial as it is comforting, Freeman’s narrative makes us think in hard ways about America as the country itself drifts toward an uncertain future. But throughout, of course, is the magnificent Hudson, whose resilient beauty speaks well both to nature’s toughness and America’s greatest strength–the ability to redirect and change course when necessary.
“In an era when the political Left and Right, the back-to-the-Pleistocene ecological purist, and the `drill, baby, drill’ zealot are at a divide far wider than the Hudson itself, Freeman shows how close observation, not only of nature but also of parenthood, citizenship, nation, and history, can reveal truths that bind us not merely as Americans but as a species. We’d all do well to follow his model.”
— Sydney Lea, author of Hunting the Whole Way Home
Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love, by Sebastian Cole (fiction) is an epic, heart-wrenching love story about the one who got away. It is best described as a romantic fantasy, kind of like The Notebook with a splash of The Sixth Sense. Similar to a Nicholas Sparks novel, but uniquely different, Sand Dollar is a thought-provoking, emotional read with real life situations that might even have you yelling at the main characters at times. And not only is it filled with plenty of twists and turns, but the ending will knock your socks off!
“Sand Dollar is one of those rare books that makes you feel, laugh and cry all at the same time. This smashing debut by Sebastian Cole reads like the best of Nicholas Sparks with just enough schmaltz. Moving and emotive, it’s every bit The Notebook done up for summer.” – Jon Land, bestselling author of Strong At The Break
The 13th Apostle, an original work by author Raina C. Smith (adult fiction/thriller), readers are compelled to review the choices they’ve made in their own lives to discover the path they’ve chosen to follow thus far; all in an effort to measure the worth of the human race.
This masterful author takes her readers on a global journey to explore the true depth of the human spirit. Set at the Vatican, Tibet, Nebraska and in Rhode Island, the dynamic but intensely challenged characters of The 13th Apostle reveal to readers the triumphant nature of mankind as well as his decided plunge to self-ruin. The 13th Apostle introduces readers to characters who possess the purest of heart and others who bring new meaning to the word diabolical!
The Italian Way (cookbook) by Teresa Bert
Teresa and her husband John got the idea for their book while chatting at a wedding with friends who were about to open an Italian Restaurant. Musings on menu yielded such a wealth of recipe ideas, the couple decided to do a cookbook of their very own. The Italian Way: Recipes from the Old Country, contains 61 recipes inspired by Teresa’s family traditions and experiences with Italian cooking. Her husband John did all the beautiful food photography for the book.
— Jennifer Massotti, OnlineRI
To Santa from Sebastian Cole, Indie Author of SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love
Published on December 10, 2012
Dear Santa,
If you’re looking for a great stocking-stuffer idea for Mom, may I suggest SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love.
As I pen this letter, however, I realize that your elves must be working double-overtime, attempting to keep up with the outrageous demand for books at this time of year. And I’m sure the last guy they want to hear from is this obscure author, trying to make a name for himself out in little Rhode Island.
So I propose a compromise: let the elves do what they do best — I don’t want to stand in their way, and I’d hate to be responsible, otherwise. And in return, all I ask for Christmas is that you put in a good word for me with your friends at the traditional publishing houses, that’s all. You know, the nice ones — not the naughty ones. I’m sure if you were to explain the situation to them over a cup of eggnog, they’d realize what a tremendous gift SAND DOLLAR would make to the world. And if you’re not sure what to say, here are ten talking points given to me by Susan Rice (see Naughty list):
1) With over 60 reviews on Amazon, SAND DOLLAR has an average rating of 4.6 stars (out of 5 stars). Click here
2) Some people who have reviewed SAND DOLLAR have even called it the best love story they’ve ever read, Click here
3) with many of them comparing me to Nicholas Sparks. Click here
4) What’s interesting is that people who’ve read SAND DOLLAR, especially those who have lost a loved one, feel that SAND DOLLAR was written just for them, as if the author expressed in words what they have always felt.
5) And what’s consistent throughout the reviews is that the surprise ending was amazing, it was well written, they couldn’t put the book down (because of the numerous twists and turns and reveals), you should keep a box of Kleenex handy (perhaps the book should be packaged with one), the cover is beautiful, and they can’t wait to read another book by the author.
6) In case you don’t already know, SAND DOLLAR is an epic, heart-wrenching love story about “the one who got away”. It’s a romantic fantasy, kind of like THE NOTEBOOK with a SIXTH SENSE twist. Similar to a Nicholas Sparks novel, but uniquely different, SAND DOLLAR is a suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotional read that, among other things, might have you yelling at the main characters at times. Written by a man, the raw emotion expressed from the man’s point of view has great appeal to its female audience, who perhaps inwardly seeks such a man.
7) Also, an interesting phenomena is that people from around the world are starting to quote me on social media sites. Apparently, some of the words I’ve written have touched them profoundly. Click here
8) In addition, SAND DOLLAR was a finalist in the ForeWord Firsts literary competition. Click here
9) And people are starting to take notice. Click here for an article written about me in a local newspaper, and click here for a Q & A.
10) If all else fails, then look no further than the hearts and souls of those who’ve read SAND DOLLAR, lives forever touched by an unforgettable story of undying love. It’s where you’ll find all the words you’ll need to make the most convincing argument.
Sebastian Cole
SebastianColeAuthor.com
Related articles
- Santa is Making His List – on a Sand Dollar (seashellsbymillhill.com)
The Romance Reviews Year-End Splash Party
Posted on November 29, 2012
I’d like to thank The Romance Reviews for running a Q&A for my debut novel, SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love, at their Year-End Splash Party, where they’re giving away hundreds of prizes.
Sebastian Cole’s Website Hits
Posted on November 27, 2012
Here’s the list of hits to my website since I created it earlier this year. It’s exciting to see people from so many different countries checking it out! Now if only I could translate this post into all of those different languages…
| Country | Views | Country | Views | Country | Views | Country | Views | |||
| United States | 7,359 | Malaysia | 9 | Sweden | 3 | Republic of Korea | 1 | |||
| Canada | 117 | Ireland | 9 | Nigeria | 3 | Moldova | 1 | |||
| United Kingdom | 111 | Myanmar | 8 | Thailand | 3 | Pakistan | 1 | |||
| India | 31 | United Arab Emirates | 5 | Kenya | 3 | Slovenia | 1 | |||
| Philippines | 28 | Indonesia | 5 | Norway | 3 | Austria | 1 | |||
| Australia | 28 | Switzerland | 4 | Nepal | 2 | Cyprus | 1 | |||
| Brazil | 26 | Israel | 4 | Venezuela | 2 | Finland | 1 | |||
| Italy | 20 | Spain | 4 | Bulgaria | 2 | Qatar | 1 | |||
| Germany | 20 | Japan | 4 | Denmark | 2 | Egypt | 1 | |||
| Romania | 14 | Serbia | 4 | Lebanon | 2 | Georgia | 1 | |||
| Netherlands | 12 | Trinidad and Tobago | 4 | Iraq | 2 | Portugal | 1 | |||
| Singapore | 12 | Azerbaijan | 4 | Isle of Man | 2 | Hong Kong | 1 | |||
| South Africa | 11 | Russian Federation | 3 | Poland | 2 | China | 1 |
P.S. To the 13 countries who have only one hit for their entire country (and you know who you are): Hey, I’m over here!!
I think that should get their attention!
🙂
Cole shares ‘incredible love story’ at Hall Library
Posted on November 18, 2012
An article in the Cranston Herald:
“With one book finished and ideas for dozens more bouncing around his head, Cranston resident Sebastian Cole has found his passion. He calls his debut novel, ‘Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love’, an ‘incredible love story.’
‘Sand Dollar’ follows Noah, a wealthy, self-absorbed Rhode Islander whose life takes on new meaning after meeting the love of his life, Robin. When Robin leaves Noah, his world is torn apart, his life now overshadowed by ‘the one that got away’ – a feeling that Cole believes many readers have experienced firsthand.
‘I think I really honed in on a topic that everyone can relate to. There’s a special place in your heart for somebody who’s no longer with you,’ he said.
The story ultimately comes into focus when two timelines collide: one that follows Robin and Noah’s love, and another that follows the aging Noah as he reflects on his life of love and loss.
‘Eventually, the two timelines intersect and there’s a huge plot twist that nobody expects,’ Cole said. ‘The ending is exactly how you would want a love story to end.’
Cole will discuss ‘Sand Dollar’ and be available to sign copies at the William Hall Library on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
At his first book signing at the Big E, Cole brought only 160 books, unsure of how well he would fare as a first-time author with no name recognition. He sold out before the first day was over, and with positive reviews coming in, he felt validated.
‘That was the first time I knew I could sell my book,’ he said.
Some of his early readers have compared Cole to best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, which he says has been a humbling experience.
An economics graduate of Brown University, the 48-year-old Cole has tried his hand at several careers. He worked in corporate America for quite some time, but wasn’t happy. Real estate stuck for a while, until the housing market crashed. He tried acting, but came up empty.
When the idea for ‘Sand Dollar’ hit him, Cole was ready for a new challenge.
‘The way this started was I came up with the idea for a screenplay and I wrote a treatment for it. I kind of backed into this,’ he said.
Cole has always enjoyed writing, but it was the story that inspired him to take it to the next level.
‘I knew the story was amazing, but having never written a book before, I don’t have any benchmarks to go by. I didn’t know if I could just write a book and have the voice be good and have the style be good,’ he said.
He figured it was time to find out.
Cole wrote daily, from morning straight through dinnertime, and had the first draft finished in just five months. It took another year and a half of ‘endless’ rewrites to edit the novel, at which time Cole’s editor assured him it was ready to publish. Now, he’s on the road, promoting the book that he self-published in May, buoyed by the news of being named a finalist in the ForeWord First literary competition.
‘I honestly feel that people anywhere could benefit from reading my book. I want people to read my story,’ he said.
Rhode Islanders will recognize many of the landmarks featured in the story, from Del’s to Jamestown and the East Providence lighthouse. Like Cole, the character of Noah is a sailor, and the author’s love for Narragansett Bay is felt throughout the story.
While the novel is fiction, Cole says the experiences of his characters ring true to life.
‘It’s not a fairytale romance where everything is perfect between the hero and the heroine. In real life, the people we love the most are the ones who can hurt us the most. Things don’t go according to plan in real life,’ he said.
‘Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love’ is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble online for $9.99, and is available for 99 cents as an eBook. It will soon be available in Cranston libraries, and will be for sale on the evening of Nov. 29. Cole will have another signing at Symposium Books in East Greenwich on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit SebastianColeAuthor.com.” — Cranston Herald
Sand Dollar Fan on Facebook
Posted on November 8, 2012
Not only did Dawn post on her Facebook page that Sand Dollar was “the greatest love story I ever read”, but she also changed her background image to the cover of the book! Looking good, Dawn! Thanks for putting a smile on my face. 🙂
Sand Dollar Q & A
Posted on November 3, 2012
sebastiancoleauthor.com 