tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20845792942079380372024-03-12T21:32:47.779-07:00Author James RossAuthor of character-based, realistic fiction books.James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-55349941830995243762016-11-10T21:39:00.000-08:002016-11-10T21:39:47.116-08:00The #TeaParty Supercharged; #Trump Defies OddsThe Tea Party started as a social media phenomenon in February, 2009 and reached the pinnacle of success in November, 2016 as an opportunistic Donald J. Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States. Wow! Stop and think about the impact of online networking.<br />
<br />
Unhappiness within the Republican Party gave birth to the offshoot Tea Party movement. The staunch, ultra conservative members fought the progressive, moderate members of the party. Middle ground members that identified somewhat with principles of the left took to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Almost overnight a large following shared posts that went viral.<br />
<br />
The political elitists scoffed. The movement lost some luster after initial success. Minor impact in the 2012 and 2014 elections upset the GOP diehards as votes vanished from the party.<br />
<br />
Enter Donald J. Trump in the first half of 2015. His introduction into the Republican primary was met with laughter. He took to social media and garnered support. Primary victory after primary victory gathered steam. The GOP old school had no choice. He became the Republican nominee for President.<br />
<br />
The old timers rejected the idea of a non-politician as a serious candidate. Detractors were in abundance. Previous Republican Party supporters distanced themselves from his unorthodox comments and brash behavior. Democrats did not take him seriously.<br />
<br />
But social media was in a frenzy. Immediate hard work on the ground after the nomination packed arenas. The movement's message resonated with a dying middle class who was unemployed and saw no hope for the future. That, coupled with a disastrous Obamacare healthcare program that strapped small businessmen from expanding as well as a daily influx of immigrants that tore into the fiber of American society helped the Trump Train roar across the country.<br />
<br />
One by one rural Americans and voters who had become disenchanted flocked to support their candidate. The mainstream media, fueled by the dollars of the Democratic Party, pushed biased propaganda on a daily basis which favored the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton. The naive intellectual elitists turned a blind eye to the movement's message. As Trump backed auditoriums the Democrats could barely get voters to turn out for a church social. Pollsters hammered away predicting a blowout Democratic victory without informing the public that the surveys were heavily weighted with a Democratic Party influence.<br />
<br />
Disbelief and surprise followed when the results of the November 8 election were posted. The out-to-lunch elitists, devoid of common sense and oblivious to the movement's message, reacted with shock as Donald J. Trump was elected President. The left wing intellectuals did not see it coming. Perhaps they weren't as bright as they thought.<br />
<br />
What were they actually thinking in their pea-sized brains? Trump amassed a fortune and succeeded in a tough New York City real estate environment. The guy dreams big. The guy thinks big. The guy wins and wants the best of the best. How could he not be taken seriously? His heart beats for a new challenge. His current goal is to put America back to work. He wants his his thumbprint all over the rebuilding of America.<br />
<br />
My advice? Get behind him and let him lead the way. Look what he has done for his family. He will look after the citizens of this country with the same passion. Today there is hope and opportunity in America.<br />
<br />
He's going to rebuild the inner cities. He's going to put people back to work. His intentions are to make people feel good about themselves once again and recycle their earnings back into a thriving economy.<br />
<br />
Today, my glass is half full. I'm proud to be and American! Our system - the best in the history of mankind - works. It is time to stop the whining and protesting. Put an end to the social unrest. Cease the political correctness which has stifled our Federal government.<br />
<br />
Our populace needs to unify under the leadership of Donald Trump and progress into the 21st Century. The next decade will provide opportunity as the infrastructure of the country is overhauled. It is time to jump aboard the Trump Train. The rebirth of the nation is awaiting your positive contribution. Once again there is hope and opportunity in America.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">website</span></i></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;"> </span></i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links<span style="color: #fef260;">.</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-71119602473618751122016-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:002016-04-30T18:00:27.080-07:00Pabby's Score - On Amazon Kindle #Bestseller Lists - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “P” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. (This is a re-post.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a> had its moment to remember in October ’15. During a free promotional period thousands of downloads pushed it into the number 2 Overall position on Kindle. Consequently the book reached the number 1 ranking in Crime Fiction, Legal Thriller, and Teen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqhqHacX_DI/Vw7QYl7vJEI/AAAAAAAAAao/ZF_h-XPE8lY_wjDyJY3-22hj5iZR2_e1wCLcB/s1600/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqhqHacX_DI/Vw7QYl7vJEI/AAAAAAAAAao/ZF_h-XPE8lY_wjDyJY3-22hj5iZR2_e1wCLcB/s200/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" width="114" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This story is very complex in that there are several subplots that keep the reader guessing what will happen next. The creation of several memorable characters made this a fun book to write. That cast was led by Pabby and Shae, two orphaned teenagers with special needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Essentially an Internet dating site fuels the desire of an unfaithful lawyer. His young, adventurous online friend skillfully manipulates his libido. In the meantime Pabby and Shae along with their handlers happen upon Prairie Winds Golf Course. The purpose of their involvement is to orientate them into life after they leave the children's home and transition into society.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the story unfolds the lawyer calls the shots for the trust that owns the children’s home. It is operated by the wife of a prominent judge who has made countless class actions decisions that have benefited the attorney. The close connections border on civil fraud. In the meantime the same lawyer has filed an injury settlement against the golf course proprietors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;">Pabby’s infectious personality makes him a favorite among the regulars in the clubhouse. He and Shae are the show stoppers. But a sudden event changes the direction of the story. A secret law society holds the trump card in a cover-up that affects all of the characters. Readers have to stay on their toes to piece together the clues. I challenge anyone to figure out the end of the story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJFwzP8EFPU/Vw7RLGjnvfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/FY4lc0Q6VuQhxOGxODMakKCbdpJng31GQCKgB/s1600/Amazon%2BBest%2BSellers_%2BBest%2BLegal%2BThriller_Pabby_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJFwzP8EFPU/Vw7RLGjnvfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/FY4lc0Q6VuQhxOGxODMakKCbdpJng31GQCKgB/s200/Amazon%2BBest%2BSellers_%2BBest%2BLegal%2BThriller_Pabby_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a> a try. There’s virtually no golf in this tale. Instead readers have a great opportunity to meet all of the characters that I’ve placed in the clubhouse. You’ll have to stay alert to figure out the main plot and the ending.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book is available in hard cover and paperback on Amazon and eBook downloads from Kindle are available. Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can read the book for free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">website</span></i></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.</span></i>James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-45256801984486701592016-04-29T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-29T20:00:09.158-07:00Z For Zoysia Fairways In #Golf and #Fiction - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “Z” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zoysia fairways - if you have ever golfed and hit off of that
turf you know how nice they are. The setting for my books is fictitious Prairie
Winds Golf Course which sits high atop the Mississippi river bluffs just east
of St. Louis. That locale comes equipped with zoysia fairways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zoysia turf is “a dream come true” for greens keepers and
golf course superintendents – especially those in the Midwest and South. It
thrives in weather that allows for the temperature to stay in the 70s at night.
From a weed control standpoint the root system is such that everything in its
path in pushed out. This is really important to the maintenance staff because
it cuts down on the use of chemicals and weed control applications.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0H9drhJnyO0/VyJn-hEMI6I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/a6YbAFsH2l4jPHkQ7iOZ8IHcDh0R2tiZACLcB/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0H9drhJnyO0/VyJn-hEMI6I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/a6YbAFsH2l4jPHkQ7iOZ8IHcDh0R2tiZACLcB/s200/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drawbacks to this sort of turf are that it requires a
lot of water in the summer months and it will go dormant in colder weather.
However if you want a type of grass that loves hot, humid weather then zoysia
is the way to go. It needs a lot of sunlight, but will weaken in shady areas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The playing surface is second to none. Golfers, especially
amateur players, love the way the ball sits up. That makes it easier for them
to hit the ball. Virtually every lie is pristine. A shot that finds a resting
spot on this kind of grass will reward the golfer on the next shot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Courses that use this sort of grass typically have a lower
maintenance budget which makes it easier to produce a more attractive bottom
line. There are several ways that zoysia can be installed. It can be sodded
which is the most expensive. It can be stripped or plugged. This method allows
for total coverage after a couple of growing seasons. Finally, it can be
sprigged. Essentially the roots are sprinkled across existing turf. As long as
the root makes contact with dirt and is watered the root will spread rapidly
and produce an attractive final product in a short period of time. This is the
most cost-effective means to install it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PNnSMPcG40/VyJoFaZJnzI/AAAAAAAAAdU/oHOb98v97VwF52Xt4EZvMgY_AKXKuikUQCLcB/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PNnSMPcG40/VyJoFaZJnzI/AAAAAAAAAdU/oHOb98v97VwF52Xt4EZvMgY_AKXKuikUQCLcB/s200/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop by and meet the guys in the clubhouse at Prairie Winds.
They are no different than the guys in any local pro shop. A good place to
start would be my 3-book bundles which are available on Kindle. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_351_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41oJnMGPbbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=1Q2G432AE0NHC61T4BXK" target="_blank">James Ross – A YoungAdult Trilogy</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross – A Character-Based Collection</a> can be read free by
members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-80834161945674547862016-04-28T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-28T20:00:01.134-07:00Your Money’s Worth on the Word Count - #Amwriting Novels - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “Y” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. I’m
using “Your.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re a reader and you want your money’s worth out of a
book. What is the right length? The opinions vary. A lot depends on what types
of books you like to read and what publishers advise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe the first place to start is with word count. There are
all types of books. Here is a general guide to book length:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Short-short stories are under 2,500 words<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Short stories are between 2,500 – 7,500 words<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Novellettes range from 7,500 to 20,000 words<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Novellas range from 20,000 to 50,000 words<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Novels are typically over 70,000 words<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I write fiction novels. If you’re a
reader who likes to read you will get your money’s worth from my books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Publishers, readers and writers
all have opinions as to what is too long and what is too short. Typically
publishers like to keep the length of novels somewhere between 90,000 to
120,000 words. The economics of printing and number of pages all play a part in
that preferred length. Ideally publishers like to keep the page count between
280 – 320 pages. Before the eBook entered the picture a nice rule of thumb was
approximately 250 words per page. This can vary depending on the font size.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To date I’ve written a half dozen
novels. As a reader I’ve always preferred short chapters. Why? To me the answer
is simple. If I start to nod I will cheat ahead to see how much reading is
necessary for the next chapter break. If the chapters are short I tend to keep
going.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My formula has been 100 chapters
per book. I shoot for an average chapter length of 1,000 words. With simple
math that amounts to 100,000 words. Depending on the story most of my books run
between 90,000 to 120,000 words. Readers get their money’s worth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From a writing standpoint it is
relatively easy to write 1,000 words a day. When things are clicking that means
a novel can be written in 100 days. Of course writer’s block and life gets in
the way but it gives you an idea of how long it takes to write a novel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you like to read
character-based fiction you may want to meet the gang that resides at Prairie
Winds Golf Course. My characters are recurring. They come from all corners of
the earth and are eclectic and opinionated. You can rest assured that they have
something that is taking place away from the golf course, but the clubhouse is
a familiar gathering spot for them to share viewpoints.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Members of Amazon Prime and
Kindle Unlimited can read my stories for free as I am participating in the
Kindle Select program. Single titles are available as well as two eBook bundles.
You may want to try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_351_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=513LUOuoDSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=0AJXCTXS5R0CT1DSX4CW" target="_blank">James Ross – A Character-Based Collection</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross – AYoung Adult Trilogy</a>. You will get your money’s worth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the
Prairie Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many
genres, and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-72906641058954462922016-04-27T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-27T20:00:38.387-07:00Xlibris is My Indie Author Publisher - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “X” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s assume that you have something that you want to say.
Your preferred method of conveying that message is through the written word.
The next thing you know you have a book that you have written and you want to
get it published.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you want an agent? Do you need a publisher? How do you go
about getting it in print? Today there are a lot of options. Many simply go to
Amazon’s Kindle Select program and create an eBook. Of course there are a host
of other companies today that can convert and sell eBooks as well. What is the right decision to make?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did a lot of research online. My first book was published
before the eBook storm took over the market. The company that I chose to
publish the hard cover and paperback editions was <a href="http://www.xlibris.com/LP02F01C002.aspx?cat=ppc&ls=search+engine&src=sal&gkw=US+Search+B+Y&kw=xlibris" target="_blank">Xlibris</a>. Now they are a
division of Random House. The product was beautiful. Even though the book was
self-published I could claim that I was a published author and the final
product that I could put in the hands of readers was very impressive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then I have created a <a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, formed a presence on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross/e/B002889U1W" target="_blank">Amazon Author Central</a>, and have added several more books. Each one has
been published in conjunction with Xlibris. The market doesn’t dictate hard
cover and paperback too much anymore. Xlibris also converts my manuscripts to
an eBook format. With that I go to Amazon and offer my titles in the Kindle
Select program. With me it all starts with <a href="http://www.xlibris.com/LP02F01C002.aspx?cat=ppc&ls=search+engine&src=sal&gkw=US+Search+B+Y&kw=xlibris" target="_blank">Xlibris</a>. They offer very nice
quality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if you are an indie author who is looking for a
self-publisher you may feel the need to contact <a href="http://www.xlibris.com/LP02F01C002.aspx?cat=ppc&ls=search+engine&src=sal&gkw=US+Search+B+Y&kw=xlibris" target="_blank">Xlibris</a>. They have been good to
me and you can rest assured that the end product will be first class.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-31124975588330926892016-04-26T22:00:00.000-07:002016-04-26T22:00:24.222-07:00W is for Writing Amazon Bestsellers - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “W” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No surprises here. Many authors are probably going to choose
writing as their “W” word. Sorry for not being more original. But, it is a good
lead-in to having an Amazon Bestseller.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my writing career started I had a story that I had
developed into a screenplay. After a year and a half of work and over twenty
drafts I asked my consultant what would help it sell. He told me
matter-of-factly that the book would help it to sell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I said I that I didn’t have a book. He advised me to write
one. That was heartbreaking news because I wanted to get a movie produced. He
shrugged his shoulders.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I processed that idea I used the screenplay as my
outline to write the book. Eighteen months later my first novel was published.
That prompted another question which was posed to my editor and proofreader. I
wanted to know what would help the book sell. They advised me that readers
would help it, but a second and third book might help to get readers. Ouch!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I kept writing. By this time the characters were itching
to tell another story. Now there are six novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. It wasn’t going to do me any good to have them published and
converted to eBook format just to collect dust.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Book marketers were contacted. I balked at their fees.
However, in the long run I decided to spend the money to advertise. The next
thing I knew four of the titles reached various Amazon Bestseller lists. As an
added bonus the movie scripts for Lifetime Loser and Opur’s Blade won numerous
awards in Indie Film Festivals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My stories are character-based, realistic fiction in
multiple genres. Those categories include cozy mystery, sports, crime,
thriller, drama, etc. Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can read my
eBooks for free. Try one or two of them. I think that you’ll find that the
characters are folks that you see in everyday life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-86176659012142579772016-04-25T22:00:00.000-07:002016-04-25T22:00:13.598-07:00V For Victorious in the Amazon Kindle Bestseller Battle - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “V” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9MFjA0JpOk/Vxv61PxpiBI/AAAAAAAAAcs/oiZ5sfrGRbE0beNEj03PLw02vtAVow-_gCLcB/s1600/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9MFjA0JpOk/Vxv61PxpiBI/AAAAAAAAAcs/oiZ5sfrGRbE0beNEj03PLw02vtAVow-_gCLcB/s200/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is tough out there for a writer. Not only is writing a
book difficult, but developing a presence that includes readers and sales is
next to impossible. So if you’re an indie author that has had a bestseller you
should be elated. You’ve been victorious in an uphill struggle to get noticed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took me a while. My gut told me to get paid for my
efforts. For years I wanted compensation for the months and months of hard
work. However, those dollars are hard to come by when readers and the general
public has never heard of you. Who would know if you even existed?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5q2IdMywoo/Vxv68u5xE7I/AAAAAAAAAcw/UYGvsOXDh3YGAPfv56PGmPITk343XaHdgCLcB/s1600/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5q2IdMywoo/Vxv68u5xE7I/AAAAAAAAAcw/UYGvsOXDh3YGAPfv56PGmPITk343XaHdgCLcB/s200/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" width="114" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book marketing people urged me to participate in the
Kindle Select program. One facet of that was an opportunity to give my eBook
away for free on five days. Okay, I bowed to the suggestion. I needed readers
and a free offering might serve as an introductory gesture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It looks like I chose the right marketers to help me. Four
titles were offered for free in 2015. The massive amount of Kindle downloads
pushed all four of them to lofty heights on the Amazon Bestseller list. Not
only did impressive Overall rankings occur, but numerous Number 1 rankings
occurred in many sub-genres.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDL-M8xXqs/Vxv7EAsgSZI/AAAAAAAAAc0/5Y4W0a6V0KsbziZRTxbYSVF3QM-9TQjRACLcB/s1600/LifetimeLoser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDL-M8xXqs/Vxv7EAsgSZI/AAAAAAAAAc0/5Y4W0a6V0KsbziZRTxbYSVF3QM-9TQjRACLcB/s200/LifetimeLoser.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all is said and done I can say that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur’s Blade</a>,
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Shari’s Shot</a> reached impressive levels on
Amazon on various Bestseller lists. Because of that they are included in
promotional emails that are generated by Amazon and Kindle to customers. Now
the worldwide online bookseller helps me promote!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my book that can be regarded as a major Victory with a
capital V.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa5WcOXT7uM/Vxv7LOWGvtI/AAAAAAAAAc4/pSrTS87Sj5AxobjeTvpwjMx7ATZ-IcdgQCLcB/s1600/ShariFrontThumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa5WcOXT7uM/Vxv7LOWGvtI/AAAAAAAAAc4/pSrTS87Sj5AxobjeTvpwjMx7ATZ-IcdgQCLcB/s200/ShariFrontThumb.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-31357238489544199392016-04-24T22:00:00.000-07:002016-04-24T22:00:15.875-07:00Unlimited as in Kindle - #Readers are FREE to Pick @KU - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “U” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. Let’s
choose Unlimited.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kindle Unlimited is the brainchild of Amazon. It’s been out
about 2 years now and the opinions about it are as widespread as the colors in
a rainbow. For $9.99 per month members can choose from a variety of eBooks that
are available on Kindle. Essentially readers download the eBook onto their
Kindle tablet or through the Kindle reading app for a reasonable reading time.
The main selling feature is the freedom to choose from any number of genres,
indie authors, and adventures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Currently the number of eBooks that can be selected tops the
1,000,000 mark. That’s over a million eBooks that are available with a click!
New topics. Different genres. Unique authors. An Indie paradise. What a great
opportunity for an unknown author like myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Serious readers don’t need a book store. They simply need to
peruse the selections that are available on Kindle, stay at home, and get
delivery in seconds. Half the eBook can be read in the time it takes to travel
to the mall and back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For an author the program is advantageous. We don’t need to
use paper or lose time and expense in shipping. We get paid by how many pages
are read. Those royalties come out of the monthly fund that is accumulated from
all of the members. The downfall is that many of the Kindle Unlimited authors
are unknown and need to turn to social media to be “discovered.” Nobody said
that building a reader base would be easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personally, I love the program. All of my novels which are
in a variety of genres are available with a few author restrictions – the main
being that the titles can only be offered on Kindle. But, where else would I
want to be? Amazon helps to promote me. As an unknown I’m appreciative of that.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve developed fictitious Prairie Winds Golf Course and have
a wide assortment of recurring characters. The cozy mysteries are in the
realistic fiction genre. If you’re into trying new authors you can select from
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a> which is about fraud in a small golf business; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCOOD0G/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Finish Line</a> where
two teens interact daily with a cancer victim; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tueys-Course-Prairie-Winds-Golf-ebook/dp/B00GG62GJA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Tuey’s Course</a> which is a satire
about a minority businessman in a battle with City Hall; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur’s Blade</a> where a
gifted prodigy progresses to the top of his profession; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a> where two
special needs teens get oriented into society but innocently get tangled into
an internet dating ring and secret law society; or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Shari’s Shot</a> where a
privileged bitch gets wrapped into a murder-for-hire scheme.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aggressive readers may want to try the 3-book bundles which
are only available through Kindle. They can be identified as: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross – A Young Adult Trilogy</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross – A Character-Based Collection</a>. I personally
love the Kindle Unlimited opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie
Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres,
and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space">
</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and contact
links.</span></i>James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-36803916443149560842016-04-23T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-23T20:00:17.888-07:00Opur's Blade - Tops on Kindle #Bestseller Lists - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “O” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. (This is a re-post)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur’s Blade</a> really took off this past summer. During a
promotional period in July free downloads started early and continued at a mind
numbing pace. Thousands upon thousands of readers received a complimentary
copy. Number 1 rankings obviously followed in several sub-genres like Cozy
Mystery, Sports Fiction, and Teen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dI1sr5T5iq4/Vw7CQSVzkEI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/PUV6CTY7z1YkHrTJEAFevwjNTkQv_FXVQCLcB/s1600/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dI1sr5T5iq4/Vw7CQSVzkEI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/PUV6CTY7z1YkHrTJEAFevwjNTkQv_FXVQCLcB/s200/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was one of my favorite stories to write and I hated to
give it away, but what has followed has been well worth it. The freebies
introduced readers to my work and that has provided cross sales of many of my
other titles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally! It really happened. I’ve got the screenshots to
prove it. Indie authors have their work cut out for them. It was
encouraging to get the high ranking as well as the attention of Kindle,
Amazon, and new
readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is the story about? A young teen from a modest family
gets introduced to the game of golf during a summer break. His mother,
Rayelene, imagines lofty heights for her son. She arranges golf lessons
at the local course. The head pro notices golf talent immediately and
takes Opur under his tutelage. But Opur's folks go through a messy
divorce which clouds his future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years tick by and the young lad turns into a confident and
successful golfer. His opportunity beckons after winning a qualifying tournament overseas. How does he return the favor? He
asks his early mentor to be his caddie in the most prestigious golf tournament
in the world. When the day arrives however, something else is mysteriously
going on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYnTeooY950/Vw8NKJ69xXI/AAAAAAAAAb0/9Mx4v6HotC0W1-omt_t3M0jsjCNsidZGwCLcB/s1600/Amazon%2BBest%2BSeller%2BOverall_Opur%2527s%2BBlade_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYnTeooY950/Vw8NKJ69xXI/AAAAAAAAAb0/9Mx4v6HotC0W1-omt_t3M0jsjCNsidZGwCLcB/s200/Amazon%2BBest%2BSeller%2BOverall_Opur%2527s%2BBlade_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Back and forth action in a nationally televised match keeps
the pages turning. What will happen and how will the story end? The reader is
kept in suspense until the final pages. Give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur's Blade</a> a try. It has had
tremendous reviews and even though it has more golf than any of my other titles
it will afford a first time reader a chance to evaluate my writing style.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur's Blade</a>
is available in hard cover and paperback on Amazon and Kindle downloads
of the eBook are available. Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited members
can read it for free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-58160418748121351272016-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-22T20:00:03.006-07:00Tuey’s Course – A #CozyMystery and Satire #Fiction #AtoZChallengeThis is the "T" Day in the A to Z Challenge - 2016.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tueys-Course-Prairie-Winds-Golf-ebook/dp/B00GG62GJA/ref=la_B002889U1W_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460946079&sr=1-6" target="_blank">Tuey’s Course</a> was a challenging and fun book to write. The
idea came about after a good friend had read <i>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn</i> for the third time. He mentioned
that it was almost impossible to understand what Jim had to say because the
dialogue was so skewed. He suggested that I create a character that would offer
the same speech. So Tuey was created.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I literally laughed out loud as I wrote this book. It was
such fun to write. Because the character’s journey was disjointed I decided to
keep the events of the story foggy as well. Thus, it is a hard book to read for
two reasons. One, it jumps in and out of various scenes and two, the dialect of
Tuey is difficult to understand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmQS5C0OEdM/VxRH0DsUgoI/AAAAAAAAAcU/qweA3vXaPpQvn-Esi-MOsI8xw-cWBvMJgCLcB/s1600/TueysCourseThumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmQS5C0OEdM/VxRH0DsUgoI/AAAAAAAAAcU/qweA3vXaPpQvn-Esi-MOsI8xw-cWBvMJgCLcB/s200/TueysCourseThumb.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story? Tuey is a hardworking, but simple man. His
efforts to succeed are constantly throttled back by the politics of City Hall.
This provides problems as those around him experience success. Lots of it. Since
Tuey is on the bottom step of the food chain, life’s problems trickle down. He
spins in circles that magnify the frustrations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After landing a job at a local golf course primarily through
a friendship that a regular golfer had with the proprietor, Tuey begins a
work-related journey that spins in circles much like his life. Others make good
while Tuey becomes frustrated. An easy task experiences delays. Problems
surface. Personalities clash. Emotions boil over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The final pages are a surprise. You’ll have to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tueys-Course-Prairie-Winds-Golf-ebook/dp/B00GG62GJA/ref=la_B002889U1W_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460946079&sr=1-6" target="_blank">Tuey’s Course</a> to see why his fantasy is warped in time. Hard cover and
paperback editions are available on Amazon. Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle
Unlimited can read the eBook for free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds
Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and
have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space">
</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and contact
links.</span></i>James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-24164831820093060872016-04-21T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-21T20:00:19.034-07:00Shari’s Shot – No. 1 Crime #Fiction #Bestseller on FREE Kindle #AtoZChallengeToday is the "S" Day in the A to Z Challenge - 2016.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=la_B002889U1W_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460946079&sr=1-4" target="_blank">Shari’s Shot</a> surprised me. As I was writing it I thought
that it would end up being an entertaining book. After the proofing and editing
process was completed we went to work on the cover graphics. Since I had
written the book a firm image of the main character was planted in my head. In
an online search the right look caught my eye. We applied some interesting
touches. The final product looked great. We nailed the cover.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDj07ZkQgiE/VxRFhp2QBWI/AAAAAAAAAcI/boy_xnmL3kMy9wiOPikXkNoApiplGWRzwCLcB/s1600/ShariFrontThumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDj07ZkQgiE/VxRFhp2QBWI/AAAAAAAAAcI/boy_xnmL3kMy9wiOPikXkNoApiplGWRzwCLcB/s200/ShariFrontThumb.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s when I decided it was time to finally spend some
marketing dollars to promote. The manuscript was converted to an eBook. I
registered it in the Kindle Select program. The marketing service I used
strongly suggested that I give it away for free to entice readers. Since their
fee was paid I figured that I had better pay heed to the advice. The first
giveaway day was impressive. Downloads of the eBook soared past the 5,000 level
by late morning. I finally had readers! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a funny thing happened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The attention that the title received brought a host of
other marketing people out of the shadows. My Twitter accounts were bombarded
with offers from other services promising numbers that would be more
impressive. Since I had a few more giveaway dates left I thought they I would
give them a chance as well. One in particular blew me away. On their day eBook
downloads of Shari’s Shot topped 20,000 by lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was impressive enough to put the title into the Top 50
Overall on Amazon’s FREE Kindle. In the sub-category of Crime Fiction those
numbers pushed it to the Number 1 position. It happened so fast that I didn’t
have a chance to take a screenshot of the success. I wouldn’t make that mistake on my other titles that were promoted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=la_B002889U1W_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460946079&sr=1-4" target="_blank">Shari’s Shot</a> about? The mid-life itch hits Shari,
the wife of a self-made St. Louis real estate mogul. Her affair leads to
divorce proceedings. However her lover isn’t keeping a secret very well. His
live-in is suspicious of his infidelities and doesn’t want to let him go. To complicate
the situation Shari’s husband, Tyler Cy, doesn’t want to let her go either. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a boyfriend that Shari had earlier in her marriage
turns up dead from a gunshot wound in a carpool parking lot while waiting to
join golfing buddies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two detectives go to work. Shari’s country club life is not
altered even though the membership is cancelled. Her spoiled disposition allows her lifestyle to continue and Tyler’s
Cy’s money derails the investigation. Then a break in the case changes the
scenery. There’s no need to ruin the ending. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feel free to read the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=la_B002889U1W_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460946079&sr=1-4" target="_blank">Amazon reviews</a>. Right now there are over 50 with a 4.2 star rating. The story is entertaining and full of twists and turns. Members of
Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can download the eBook for free. Give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=la_B002889U1W_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460946079&sr=1-4" target="_blank">Shari’sShot</a> a try!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-81864525195274925792016-04-20T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-20T20:00:24.501-07:00Realistic #Fiction – That’s What I #Amwriting - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “R” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. We’ll
try realistic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every author has his or her comfort zone. Mine happens to be
realistic fiction. I tip my hat to those that can write in the more exotic
genres. My mind just doesn’t happen to operate that well when I have to write
about a topic with which I am unfamiliar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe that’s because I’m a keen observer of real life. Daily
living feeds me real characters on a regular basis. When my mind is operating
in a setting that I can envision, placing the characters in situations that
drive the story is relatively easy. I can see them in their regular gathering
spot. I can hear their conversation. I can anticipate how they will react. And
that’s my baby --- spreading that message to the reader.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xkwCfsihMdw/Vw7kYdtL3SI/AAAAAAAAAbc/EGGAZcDMy_kLCKcYIyG8FlY9V48gjDnAwCKgB/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xkwCfsihMdw/Vw7kYdtL3SI/AAAAAAAAAbc/EGGAZcDMy_kLCKcYIyG8FlY9V48gjDnAwCKgB/s200/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living in this day and age in time is an absolute blessing.
We have so much going on in the world and with the media and the new forms of
communication we get to read and experience all that life has to offer
instantaneously. Fortunately I get to put a spin on those activities and add a
little humor and irony and hypocrisy. By writing with a tongue-in-cheek style I can
weave a tale that is a little off-center, but close enough to real life to make
the reader question whether or not something like that could really happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all of the “I-can’t-believe-its” that we witness on a
daily basis my stories force readers to wonder if the story that they just read
could actually occur or did at some point in time. Since my mind is capable of adding a twist
or two a unique writing style developed. Perhaps that flair evolved from my
days as a kid. I loved to read non-fiction. That led to an interest in
journalism and a matter-of-fact writing style. Of course that carried on to my
first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a>, where I had to back fill a lot of the past in an
attempt to explain the actions of the present.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At any rate, that’s the style of writing that you will get
with me. The plots are structured so the reader believes that they actually
could occur. The stories are rich with characters that are memorable and
believable. The chapters are short and are strung together like pieces of a puzzle. I don’t
tell you exactly what is going on. I force my readers to think and connect the
dots. If that’s the type of material you like to read then give my writing
style a try.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_umOST7WZI/Vw7ka7EPQzI/AAAAAAAAAbg/xBfh6AOb_cAWmLQtPjhFZHJL_G496tLNACLcB/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_umOST7WZI/Vw7ka7EPQzI/AAAAAAAAAbg/xBfh6AOb_cAWmLQtPjhFZHJL_G496tLNACLcB/s200/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" width="155" /></a>Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited customers can read my
stories for free with a simple click. My participation in the Kindle Select program
allows for their availability. A good place to start would be with the eBook bundles
that I’ve put together. The pair is available on Kindle and titled - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross– A Young Adult Trilogy</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross – A Character-Based Collection</a>. Either
one would be a good place to get acquainted with my cast of recurring
characters. They certainly don’t cheat life and have something going on at all
times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned
several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are
character-based, cross many genres, and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-54488011201039324172016-04-19T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-19T20:00:13.802-07:00Quirky Characters Have Put Me On the #BESTSELLER List - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “Q” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no doubt about it. Creating quirky characters is my
favorite part of writing. Obviously we authors have to have a plot to drive the
story. However character creation and placing those personalities in a sequence
of events is equally important in my opinion. It has put several of my titles on Amazon BESTSELLER lists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lot goes into character creation for me. Once I get the idea for a story I
have to dream up a way to tell it. Once that comes to me I have to create
fictitious characters that have memorable features. Giving them unique traits
is where my mind goes on overdrive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9c6TeVaIqk/Vw7Tb_CuADI/AAAAAAAAAbI/aB4I78E0v3QWVdRscw4RxbticR6z6hVJQCKgB/s1600/Best%2BSeller_Lifetime%2BLoser_Golf_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9c6TeVaIqk/Vw7Tb_CuADI/AAAAAAAAAbI/aB4I78E0v3QWVdRscw4RxbticR6z6hVJQCKgB/s200/Best%2BSeller_Lifetime%2BLoser_Golf_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my first book I needed to create the core characters.
Since my setting is a golf clubhouse they had to add color and humor to the
environment. It was fun to have them represent all walks of life and parts of
the world for that matter. Fred is an opinionated blue-collar worker; Paul is
an ex-military perfectionist. Paco, who came from Mexico, runs a landscaping
business. Elia is the barber from Beirut. And so it goes. Captain Jer is a
retired airline pilot and the witty drunk. Pork Chop never walked away from a
meal. Trot is a vaudeville comedian. Doc is an elderly vet. YouWho is a
transplanted businessman from Japan. They’re my regular characters and
complement head pro, J Dub and the number one assistant, Julie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a> we met a manipulative, neurotic, paranoid
scam artist. His associates include a sleazy lawyer, a fidgety accountant, and
a slick title company executive. Top investigators include a black IRS agent
and nerdy numbers technician. And the list continues. Over 130 characters in
all were created for that book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6_YxIn19kM/Vw7G23tmYlI/AAAAAAAAAaU/uYId6mZ0iQYS96_xFDHElEeDTOemFGf3gCKgB/s1600/Amazon%2BBest%2BSeller%2BOverall_Opur%2527s%2BBlade_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6_YxIn19kM/Vw7G23tmYlI/AAAAAAAAAaU/uYId6mZ0iQYS96_xFDHElEeDTOemFGf3gCKgB/s200/Amazon%2BBest%2BSeller%2BOverall_Opur%2527s%2BBlade_resized_thumb.png" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuey was an impoverished black man who wore a lime green
skull cap in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tueys-Course-Prairie-Winds-Golf-ebook/dp/B00GG62GJA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Tuey's Course</a>. He stole the spotlight in my third book. The overgrown child was
frustrated by the manipulative tactics of City Hall yet his low IQ prevented
him from rectifying the situation. The Board of Aldermen consisted of a unique
cast of characters, each bordering on fantasy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Opur had a stuttering impediment in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur’s Blade</a>. Pabby and
Shae were special needs kids in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a>. Pamela Porter, their caretaker,
had an obnoxious voice in that story. Shari was a greedy, spoiled,
self-centered bitch in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Shari’s Shot</a>. However the secondary characters that only
have brief moments shine as well. If they don’t have a physical limitation then
their name may say a lot about what they stand for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJFwzP8EFPU/Vw7RLGjnvfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/FY4lc0Q6VuQhxOGxODMakKCbdpJng31GQCKgB/s1600/Amazon%2BBest%2BSellers_%2BBest%2BLegal%2BThriller_Pabby_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJFwzP8EFPU/Vw7RLGjnvfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/FY4lc0Q6VuQhxOGxODMakKCbdpJng31GQCKgB/s200/Amazon%2BBest%2BSellers_%2BBest%2BLegal%2BThriller_Pabby_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to make the characters memorable I try to give them
characteristics that are either annoying or attention getting. Accents, bad
habits, and physical restrictions are devices that I use.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At any rate I can go on and on about the characters that I
see in my mind. A lot of that comes because I am a very astute observer of
life. Many of them have nicknames or names that describe their standing in the
world. We see my characters daily. Luckily I get an opportunity to describe
them in my stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of my books are available on Amazon in hard cover and paperback editions. Kindle eBook downloads are also available. Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can read the eBooks for free. Perhaps the eBook bundles would be a good place to start. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross - A Young Adult Trilogy</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross - A Character-Based Collection</a> are in eFormat only and are packaged as 3-book bundles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-86237261519468504562016-04-19T16:00:00.000-07:002016-04-19T16:00:03.988-07:00Pabby’s Score – A Kindle Overall #Bestseller #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “P” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a> had its moment to remember in October ’15.
During a free promotional period thousands of downloads pushed it into the
number 2 Overall position on Kindle. Consequently the book reached the number 1
ranking in Crime Fiction, Legal Thriller, and Teen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqhqHacX_DI/Vw7QYl7vJEI/AAAAAAAAAao/ZF_h-XPE8lY_wjDyJY3-22hj5iZR2_e1wCLcB/s1600/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqhqHacX_DI/Vw7QYl7vJEI/AAAAAAAAAao/ZF_h-XPE8lY_wjDyJY3-22hj5iZR2_e1wCLcB/s200/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" width="114" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This story is very complex in that there are several
subplots that keep the reader guessing what will happen next. The creation of
several memorable characters made this a fun book to write. That cast was led
by Pabby and Shae, two orphaned teenagers with special needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Essentially an Internet dating site fuels the desire of an unfaithful
lawyer. His young, adventurous online friend skillfully manipulates his libido.
In the meantime Pabby and Shae along with their handlers happen upon Prairie
Winds Golf Course. The purpose of their involvement is to orientate them into
life after they leave the children's home and transition into society. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the story unfolds the lawyer calls the shots for the
trust that owns the children’s home. It is operated by the wife of a prominent
judge who has made countless class actions decisions that have benefited the
attorney. The close connections border on civil fraud. In the meantime the same lawyer has filed an injury settlement against the golf course proprietors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;">Pabby’s infectious personality makes him a favorite among
the regulars in the clubhouse. He and Shae are the show stoppers. But a sudden
event changes the direction of the story. A secret law society holds the trump
card in a cover-up that affects all of the characters. Readers have to stay on
their toes to piece together the clues. I challenge anyone to figure out the
end of the story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJFwzP8EFPU/Vw7RLGjnvfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/FY4lc0Q6VuQhxOGxODMakKCbdpJng31GQCKgB/s1600/Amazon%2BBest%2BSellers_%2BBest%2BLegal%2BThriller_Pabby_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJFwzP8EFPU/Vw7RLGjnvfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/FY4lc0Q6VuQhxOGxODMakKCbdpJng31GQCKgB/s200/Amazon%2BBest%2BSellers_%2BBest%2BLegal%2BThriller_Pabby_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a> a try. There’s virtually no golf in this
tale. Instead readers have a great opportunity to meet all of the characters
that I’ve placed in the clubhouse. You’ll have to stay alert to figure out the
main plot and the ending.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book is available in hard cover and paperback on Amazon and eBook downloads from Kindle are available. Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can read the book for free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie
Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres,
and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and contact
links.</span></i>James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-35205268514828428312016-04-19T15:00:00.000-07:002016-04-19T15:00:10.083-07:00Opur’s Blade – A Top Overall Kindle #Bestseller #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “O” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur’s Blade</a> really took off this past summer. During a
promotional period in July free downloads started early and continued at a mind
numbing pace. Thousands upon thousands of readers received a complimentary
copy. Number 1 rankings obviously followed in several sub-genres like Cozy
Mystery, Sports Fiction, and Teen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dI1sr5T5iq4/Vw7CQSVzkEI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/PUV6CTY7z1YkHrTJEAFevwjNTkQv_FXVQCLcB/s1600/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dI1sr5T5iq4/Vw7CQSVzkEI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/PUV6CTY7z1YkHrTJEAFevwjNTkQv_FXVQCLcB/s200/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was one of my favorite stories to write and I hated to
give it away, but what has followed has been well worth it. The freebies
introduced readers to my work and that has provided cross sales of many of my
other titles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally! It really happened. I’ve got the screenshots to
prove it. Indie authors have their work cut out for them. It was encouraging to get the high ranking as well as the attention of Kindle, Amazon, and new
readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is the story about? A young teen from a modest family
gets introduced to the game of golf during a summer break. His mother, Rayelene, imagines lofty heights for her son. She arranges golf lessons at the local course. The head pro notices golf talent immediately and takes Opur under his tutelage. But Opur's folks go through a messy
divorce which clouds his future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years tick by and the young lad turns into a confident and
successful golfer. His opportunity beckons after winning a qualifying tournament overseas. How does he return the favor? He
asks his early mentor to be his caddie in the most prestigious golf tournament
in the world. When the day arrives however, something else is mysteriously
going on.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYnTeooY950/Vw8NKJ69xXI/AAAAAAAAAb0/9Mx4v6HotC0W1-omt_t3M0jsjCNsidZGwCLcB/s1600/Amazon%2BBest%2BSeller%2BOverall_Opur%2527s%2BBlade_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYnTeooY950/Vw8NKJ69xXI/AAAAAAAAAb0/9Mx4v6HotC0W1-omt_t3M0jsjCNsidZGwCLcB/s200/Amazon%2BBest%2BSeller%2BOverall_Opur%2527s%2BBlade_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Back and forth action in a nationally televised match keeps
the pages turning. What will happen and how will the story end? The reader is
kept in suspense until the final pages. Give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur's Blade</a> a try. It has had
tremendous reviews and even though it has more golf than any of my other titles
it will afford a first time reader a chance to evaluate my writing style. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur's Blade</a> is available in hard cover and paperback on Amazon and Kindle downloads of the eBook are available. Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited members can read it for free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-65151051243672849922016-04-15T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-15T20:00:23.680-07:00Number 1 - How to Get a FREE Kindle BESTSELLER #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “N” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. Let’s use Number 1 to tie into the letter N. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was hopeful that someday that lofty status might happen,
but as my novel count reached six I seriously doubted that I would ever be able
to make that claim. The competition is fierce. The volumes of books that are
published daily are hard to fathom. Breaking out of obscurity is next to
impossible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you get noticed with so many writers on the scene?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer is: Marketing and Money. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a bunch of marketing people that want to help an
author. These gurus charge a handsome amount. Basically their advice is to
convert the written word to an eFormatted edition and sell it – or should I
say, give it away - on Kindle. However, that is only half of it. After authors
make their eBook available on Kindle they really need to participate in the
Kindle Select program. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two options are available. The Countdown Deals program allows
for an escalating price. The second choice allows for five free days during a
sign up period. Pick out 5 days and get organized. That takes care of a
marketing choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next step is where the money comes in. There are a
number of services that charge fees to get the eBook downloaded on Kindle. They
are tapped into eBook reader sites and promotional lists. Typically the more
you spend the higher the download count. I did four of my books in a single
year. Needless to say I learned a lot and found out which services worked the
best.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the day of your free promotion just wake up and watch the
numbers soar. An author can follow the progress on Kindle as the reports are
posted hourly. It is fun to see your cover methodically climb to the top as the
eBook downloads accumulate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course social media plays a big part too. Twitter posts,
Facebook groups, Goodreads announcements, email campaigns to readers, an Amazon Author page, and website alerts help. The cover postings in the
various genres on Amazon and Kindle are equally as important. Publicity feeds
on itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all is said and done I can say that I am now a Number 1
Best Selling Author on Amazon Kindle. Here are some of the results that can be
verified through screenshots that were taken: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACwoRRqgi-U/VwkAbX__1aI/AAAAAAAAAZA/KEeZTav2L24fKQL7CONNNII4RAabc0ViA/s1600/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACwoRRqgi-U/VwkAbX__1aI/AAAAAAAAAZA/KEeZTav2L24fKQL7CONNNII4RAabc0ViA/s200/Opur%2527s%2BBlade%2Bthumb1.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opurs-Blade-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCPQMDG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Opur’s Blade</a> – No. 1 Overall<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Opur’s Blade – No. 1 Cozy Mystery<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Opur’s Blade – No. 1 Sports Fiction<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Opur’s Blade – No. 1 Teen Fiction<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joW51PBJvYU/VwkBYcFYjfI/AAAAAAAAAZM/CBqluThlPkcBmQ607PeBteIBucp8OsEBA/s1600/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joW51PBJvYU/VwkBYcFYjfI/AAAAAAAAAZM/CBqluThlPkcBmQ607PeBteIBucp8OsEBA/s200/Pabby%2527s%2BScore_thumb.jpg" width="114" /></a><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pabbys-Score-James-Ross/dp/1479786802/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" style="text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">Pabby’s Score</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> –No. 2 Overall</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pabby’s Score –No. 1 Crime Fiction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pabby’s Score –No. 1 Legal Thriller</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pabby’s Score –No. 1 Teen</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CANqV5YdDyE/VwjxqHRNoFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/-caGNNMWkag-lyljtwIsLr6jC18c-yk5Q/s1600/LifetimeLoser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CANqV5YdDyE/VwjxqHRNoFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/-caGNNMWkag-lyljtwIsLr6jC18c-yk5Q/s200/LifetimeLoser.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a> – No. 6 Overall<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Lifetime Loser – No. 1 Golf<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Lifetime Loser - No. 2 Crime Fiction<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Lifetime Loser – No. 3 Teen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharis-Shot-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00T0I7GHS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Shari’s Shot</a> was my first
promotion and did not fare quite as well only because I did not have my
marketing strategies perfected. It got into the Top 50 Overall and into the Top
5 in Crime Fiction. Had I figured things out a little earlier I’m confident
that this book would have reached higher download levels.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFAVC-0Jsl0/VwkC8hAQuNI/AAAAAAAAAZY/pgxHVj2h1_4nhVz7L5tmgPjFFgut-Ay-A/s1600/ShariFrontThumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFAVC-0Jsl0/VwkC8hAQuNI/AAAAAAAAAZY/pgxHVj2h1_4nhVz7L5tmgPjFFgut-Ay-A/s1600/ShariFrontThumb.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What was gained? A lot of new
readers and sales that continue to this day. Feel free to get in touch with me.
I’ll steer you in the right direction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-47285920001344249842016-04-14T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-14T20:00:14.566-07:00#Marketing for #eBooks and Kindle - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “M” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marketing: It’s something we all
hate to pay for but most definitely it’s a necessary evil. If you’re an indie
author like me probably the thing you despise most is giving your book away for
free. You spent months writing the story. The next step is the editing and
proofreading and the rewrites. You put a lot of work into developing the
finished product.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now you want to get paid!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not so quick. It’s tough to make
a buck if you don’t have readers. Chances are nobody has heard of you, let alone
able to find you among the thousands of unknown authors in the world that have
a product or two up for sale on Amazon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In some ways I made that mistake.
But what I did do was keep writing. When I did decide to pay for some marketing
advice the unanimous suggestion was to have a presence on Amazon and Kindle. By
that time I had 6 novels and a nice series going with recurring characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next piece of advice was to
give away the eBooks. I was distraught! All of my work was going to be given
away. What a rude awakening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went to work to understand the
various programs that are offered by Kindle Select. Countdown deals offer a
reduced price that escalates during the promotional term. In another program an
author can give away their title for 5 days during a commitment period. That
has a lot of advantages if social media is leveraged properly. Finally, Kindle
/ Amazon will match competing prices if an author decides to offer their work
for free on other eBook sites. That is where the Permafree option can be
advantageous because the free offerings last more than the 5 allowed days when
an author participates in the Kindle Select program.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I offered four of my titles for
free over the course of a year. Several marketing services and free eBook
services were purchased. With that paid exposure to eBook readers the thousands
of downloads of my titles literally shot off the chart. My book ranking rose to
the Number 1 OVERALL position on Kindle. Needless to say that Number 1 position
was held in several sub-categories as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did the final results mean
when the promotional periods ended? It got me a ton of readers and reviews.
Amazon helped to advertise my eBooks after the promotion. Sales and cross sales
of my other titles followed. When Prime members and Kindle Unlimited participants
read my pages royalties are earned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It never would have happened
without marketing. If you’re a writer that is serious about selling your books,
then educate yourself about what is out there from a sales standpoint. Pay for
some marketing and enjoy the success of being a published author.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-62300399856563897292016-04-13T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-13T20:00:21.839-07:00Lifetime Loser – #Crime #Mystery (How to Steal a #Golf Course) Amazon BESTSELLER #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the "L" Day in the A to Z Challenge - 2016. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My debut novel – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a> – was a book that needed to
be written. The nuances of the story had been swirling in my head long before
the white-collar meltdown occurred on Wall Street. Innocent civil fraud victims exist all over the country. Could these events happen to them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Essentially a small town con artist – Lewferd Zerrmann –
commits a heinous crime. He enlists the company of a deceitful accountant, a
deceptive title company executive, a dishonest attorney, and corrupt politician
to cover-up his actions. Their efforts are needed to steal a golf course and concoct a scheme to bleed cash out of the business.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CANqV5YdDyE/VwjxqHRNoFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/-caGNNMWkag-lyljtwIsLr6jC18c-yk5Q/s1600/LifetimeLoser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CANqV5YdDyE/VwjxqHRNoFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/-caGNNMWkag-lyljtwIsLr6jC18c-yk5Q/s200/LifetimeLoser.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two victims are recruited. One is a frail widow who gets
fleeced with a forged power-of-attorney form. The other is a young golf pro who
is hand-picked to open the doors on a 24/7 basis. Fifteen years pass. A host of
customers, business associates, and acquaintances have to tolerate the antics of
a neurotic, paranoid, manipulative control freak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it is time to turn over the business it seems that past
actions eventually catch up to the culprit. The fraud has created questions – most
particularly to the IRS. Two investigators from the Criminal Investigative
Division of the agency want to understand why the tax information doesn’t stack up.
A complex and time-consuming investigation commences.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caught in the cross-hairs is the young golf pro and his older business
partner. Not only have criminal offenses occurred, but the civil wrongdoing begs for justice in a different courtroom. An unpredictable ending concludes the mystery.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9c6TeVaIqk/Vw7Tb_CuADI/AAAAAAAAAbA/VLaOBAcC_B0as0JqOp6m5_r6cXFtDaCSQCLcB/s1600/Best%2BSeller_Lifetime%2BLoser_Golf_resized_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9c6TeVaIqk/Vw7Tb_CuADI/AAAAAAAAAbA/VLaOBAcC_B0as0JqOp6m5_r6cXFtDaCSQCLcB/s200/Best%2BSeller_Lifetime%2BLoser_Golf_resized_thumb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book has reached lofty heights on Kindle. During a free promotional period thousands of downloads Made it soar to the #6 Overall position. Its success in sub-categories benefited as it rose to #1 in golf, #2 in Crime/Fiction and #3 in Teen.<br />
<br />
The book is avaiable in hard cover and paperback on Amazon and Kindle eBook downloads are available. Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can read the book for free. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a>! Beware of civil fraud. Don’t let it happen to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-14835687305876978332016-04-12T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-12T20:00:00.877-07:00Kindle, Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Owners Lending Library (KOLL) #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “K” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an indie author it has been a tough journey to get
noticed. There are literally thousands of writers in that category and most
have a great desire to feel some sort of presence in the book market. Kindle
changed all of that for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzT7c-kn7s/VwXVuT2T2FI/AAAAAAAAAYg/1M61Cwqe3_ET-Qo3VgPq09yIqqaVMpbGw/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzT7c-kn7s/VwXVuT2T2FI/AAAAAAAAAYg/1M61Cwqe3_ET-Qo3VgPq09yIqqaVMpbGw/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ebooks have exploded on the market the last few years. When
Amazon came out with their Kindle tablet they beat the competition to the
finish line. Literally millions of books were converted to eFormat to be read
on a Kindle. For authors it saved publishing costs and shipping costs. Still I
was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon until I learned the parameters of the
various programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve spent the last 2-3 years understanding the options and
have not looked back. Economically the eBook conversion makes sense for an
author. Kindle Select has made it attractive for indie authors like me to get
involved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Kindle Unlimited (KU) program is set up to benefit
Amazon, readers, and writers. For $9.99 per month readers can select from over
a million books to read. With a click the book can be downloaded onto a Kindle
device and is available to be read in seconds. Serious readers have to enjoy
that process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Kindle Owners Lending Library is available to all Amazon
Prime members. There again the reader can select from over a million books. I
won’t get into the nuances and restrictions that each program offers, but when
all is said and done the choices are very reasonable for all involved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGb-hvBE700/VwXVlS5w3QI/AAAAAAAAAYg/GVVcQ-i7ZPkwLQuKIt5mxBbQmOAINrCGQ/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGb-hvBE700/VwXVlS5w3QI/AAAAAAAAAYg/GVVcQ-i7ZPkwLQuKIt5mxBbQmOAINrCGQ/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like many authors I initially fought giving away my titles
for free. However I have found that the free offerings on Kindle have afforded
me an opportunity to get thousands of readers which have led to cross sales on
other books. I’m very grateful to Amazon and Kindle for providing the exposure
and marketing to boost my sales. Without their help I would be like most
authors – still searching for ways to get my written words read.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re a reader that is a fan of the increasingly popular new eBook
Bundle then feel free to try mine. Available now on Kindle are two 3-book
bundles at a reduced price. They are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross – A Young Adult Trilogy</a> and
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_351_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=513LUOuoDSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL320_SR248%2C320_&refRID=1DTEC7AYCKX09JSDMPGF" target="_blank">James Ross – A Character-Based Collection</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-28619714109154477542016-04-11T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-11T20:00:23.790-07:00J Dub and Julie – The Main Characters in the #Golf Pro Shop #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “J” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The letter J in the A to Z Challenge is represented by the
two main characters in my novels. J Dub Schroeder is the head golf professional
at fictitious Prairie Winds Golf Course on the east side of St. Louis. His
right hand “man” and chief assistant is Julie, the company bookkeeper and
clubhouse favorite.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGb-hvBE700/VwXVlS5w3QI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/VQS5r3229x4sB_uVAv3gRvLxKB22B3M1w/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGb-hvBE700/VwXVlS5w3QI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/VQS5r3229x4sB_uVAv3gRvLxKB22B3M1w/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" /></a>When I reached middle age my mind was itching to tell a
story. It was fun to develop a setting with which many readers could identify.
Golf is a sport that many have tried, but few have mastered. In my fictitious
world the characters play a role that forces the setting to play second fiddle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Business owner J Dub runs the operation. Make no mistake
about that. However the register and counter top needs a suitable replacement
when the main man can’t be around. Julie adds feisty fodder to an assorted lot
of golfing misfits who are predominantly male.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my first story was completed the characters were
screaming to tell another. They have continued voicing their political
opinions, conservative viewpoints, and humorous anecdotes over the years. Hypocrisy
is alive and well in American society. The golfing regulars will remind
everyone who walks through the door of that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzT7c-kn7s/VwXVuT2T2FI/AAAAAAAAAYU/SGc97k4GeroFxClKdRsKS_hkxPIqJJctA/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzT7c-kn7s/VwXVuT2T2FI/AAAAAAAAAYU/SGc97k4GeroFxClKdRsKS_hkxPIqJJctA/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" /></a>There is mystery, drama, intrigue, laughter, irony, and
hypocrisy as the stories cross a variety of genres. At the center of the tales
are J Dub and Julie who my readers have come to love. They serve the letter J
well. If you’re an eBook fan try one of my eBundles. They are titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">James Ross– A Young Adult Trilogy</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_351_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=513LUOuoDSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL320_SR248%2C320_&refRID=1DTEC7AYCKX09JSDMPGF" target="_blank">James Ross – A Character-Based Collection</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></i></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;">
<i><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i></i></div>
<o:p></o:p>James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-70415639716756363832016-04-10T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-10T20:00:23.548-07:00IRS – 3 Letters to Fear in a #Crime #Fiction #Mystery #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “I” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a> was my debut novel that focused on the
white-collar crime of fraud in a small business. However the story transcends
civil wrongdoing when criminal tax laws are broken. Events can suddenly change
in life when the IRS knocks on your door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lewferd E Zerrmann, an egocentric, control freak, committed
a heinous crime when in the company of three party goers. To cover up the
offense he enlists the company of a deceitful accountant, a deceptive title
company executive, a crooked lawyer, and a corrupt politician</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlNVetc15Q/VwXR6KWHXKI/AAAAAAAAAYE/qyuX_s4vwG8n2jax9CilMmABtrWu1-mDg/s1600/LifetimeLoser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlNVetc15Q/VwXR6KWHXKI/AAAAAAAAAYE/qyuX_s4vwG8n2jax9CilMmABtrWu1-mDg/s320/LifetimeLoser.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the deception is put into place he recruits a naïve rube
– golf pro J Dub Schroeder - to be the managing minority partner of a golf
course operation. An unlawful death, an estate swindle, and bogus accounting to
funnel dollars out of the business are buried behind years of dishonesty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For fifteen years the sham goes unnoticed until the CID
(Criminal Investigative Division) of the IRS follows up on some accounting
improprieties. The criminal side of the law lays the foundation for a lengthy
legal battle in civil court between two business partners.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will the IRS prevail? Can the crook get away with the
fruits? How will the fraud victim fight back? Are remedies available in the
U.S. Justice system?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I won’t spoil the ending but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Loser-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCM6OY6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a> has enjoyed
enormous success with tens of thousands of Kindle downloads. During a recent
promotional period it reached the #6 Overall position on Kindle as well as the
#2 position in Crime Fiction and #1 ranking in Sports / Golf. Pick up an eBook
copy and let me know if the IRS is an agency to be feared. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-55420490909392307922016-04-08T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-08T20:00:08.250-07:00#Hashtags – Who Would Have Ever Thought About Their Effectiveness? #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “H” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. Let’s
discuss hashtags.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Computers and social media have changed our world. Okay,
I’ll stop the understatements. Who would have ever thought that our
communication would be altered so dramatically in the process?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twitter was born. Tweets with 140 characters took over our
online presence. With that new form of communication the hashtag was invented.
For those that are new to this label, a hashtag is the # sign that is used in
front of a word. It is treated as a metadata tag to make it easier for users to
find content that they are searching for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hashtag is vital for those that use social networking
and microblogging services. Topics that are of interest to an online user are
easily found. Groups with similar interests are easily identified. The infinite
world of cyber space can be navigated more simply.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Online users that comment on articles or write blogs or post
regularly on the internet can tag a word or group of words and more easily
reach out to an audience. Make a point to understand the value of the hashtag.
Their use reduces the online world to a manageable entity. Who would have ever
dreamed of that concept two decades ago?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i> <o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-48772646463868312522016-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-07T20:00:11.468-07:00A #Golf Setting For My Cozy #Mysteries - #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “G” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. In that
regard we will honor golf.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Middle age does different things to different people. Moods
change. Behavior is altered. Opportunities once available seem to disappear.
For me, that time in my life provided an opportunity to tell a mysterious story
from a golf setting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That occasion came in a roundabout way. Events and
characters were swirling in my head. One of my golfing buddies suggested that
the story would make a good movie. So after a golf trip he asked me what I was
going to do after we returned home. I replied, “I’m going to write that movie.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Needless to say he was skeptical. However it was the start
of my writing career. After doing some online research I joined an internet
screenwriting site. Soon after I purchased the proper software and the
characters and plot came alive. It was agreed after several rewrites and
critiques that the basics for a story were present. When the final version of
the screenplay was finished I asked my consultant what would help it sell in
Hollywood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His reply was frank. “The book.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I digested that for a couple of months and then admitted
that I had nothing else to do at the time. I opened the screenplay and used it
as the outline for my first novel – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GCM6OY6/ref=series_rw_dp_sw" target="_blank">Lifetime Loser</a>. A year and a half later
after some rewrites and extensive editing my first novel was published. The
feeling was indescribable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMJxAXe1OwU/VwB6x-9sABI/AAAAAAAAAXc/9qoSI4d-tNk55BlDcstSSktL3Ch4j62sg/s1600/LifetimeLoser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMJxAXe1OwU/VwB6x-9sABI/AAAAAAAAAXc/9qoSI4d-tNk55BlDcstSSktL3Ch4j62sg/s320/LifetimeLoser.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then a funny thing happened. The characters were
screaming to tell another story. One novel has become six. The recurring
characters at the golf course serve as the perfect foils for the intrigue and
mystery that surround the clubhouse. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The stories are realistic, character-based fiction. The
setting is Prairie Winds Golf Course high atop the Mississippi river bluffs
east of St. Louis. The screenplay won a lot of awards at various indie film
fests but is now gathering dust. However the books are available on Amazon in
hard cover and paperback version and on Kindle in eBook format.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give my books a try. The genres vary but most lean toward
the cozy mystery area. There is no doubt that you will like the characters.
They are diverse, from all walks of life, and memorable. Start with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GCM6OY6/ref=series_rw_dp_sw" target="_blank">LifetimeLoser</a>. I’d be interested to hear back from you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-63589388606456217262016-04-06T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-06T20:00:00.290-07:00Finish Line – A #Golf Setting For a #Cancer Victim - Great For YA #Readers #AtoZChallenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the “F” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCOOD0G/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Finish Line</a> is the second book in the Prairie Winds Golf
Course series and I’m using the A to Z Challenge to do a little shameless
self-promoting. Some readers don’t care for the ending, but my view has always
been that the journey is far more adventurous than the final words in the
story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At any rate, Curt, a co-owner of the golf course is stricken
with colon cancer. His battle is personal and life-threatening. Just when he is
beginning his battle he receives a call from an old girlfriend that has since
remarried. Her son, Justin, who was a toddler when they dated, got into some
mischief with a friend at the start of their summer vacation. Their debt was
one that necessitated summer employment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tina, the old girlfriend, inquired about employment for the
two teens. Curt was anxious to provide the opportunity and the pair got jobs.
Thus begins a summer to remember for the two impressionable teenage boys.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQf88FPke2s/VwB3WsCihiI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/j4gVugivg74sSh3TwEil1VhTcEtDA0Dag/s1600/FinishLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQf88FPke2s/VwB3WsCihiI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/j4gVugivg74sSh3TwEil1VhTcEtDA0Dag/s320/FinishLine.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only does the duo learn that their problems pale in
comparison to a man fighting cancer, but they are exposed to a group of golfing
misfits that call the clubhouse their home-away-from-home. Lessons that they
will carry the rest of their lives are learned from the new acquaintances that
welcome them into their world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Prairie-Winds-Course-ebook/dp/B00GCOOD0G/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Finish Line</a> is available on Amazon in hard cover and
paperback versions as well as on Kindle in eBook format. Experience the
camaraderie. The book is recommended for adult and young adult readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie
Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres,
and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and contact
links</span></i>James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084579294207938037.post-2149377537611639172016-04-05T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-05T20:00:00.656-07:00The #eBook Explosion and the eBook Bundle #AtoZChallengeToday is the "E" Day in the A to Z Challenge - 2016.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7kf2-2NXkU/VwBz_oEKcxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/noS3GClSU0UGtmLASvfSMoR_JUAP_n7zA/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7kf2-2NXkU/VwBz_oEKcxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/noS3GClSU0UGtmLASvfSMoR_JUAP_n7zA/s1600/A%2BCharacter-Based%2BCollection%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" /></a>Who would have ever thought a generation ago that eBooks
would be replacing the published versions of books that have paper pages and a
bind? Those that did have that vision are now basking up the rays on some
desirable beach. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
eBooks have changed the playing field for authors. Instead
of spending lots of dollars and countless hours to bring a physical product to
market and then incur a shipping cost that oftentimes costs more than the book,
writers can bring their product to market in a fraction of time at an
affordable price. Amazon has been a pioneer in this industry. The Kindle reader
dominates the eBook market. Virtually millions of titles are available for
download in a matter of seconds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Authors now essentially get paid by the page. The eBook
program originally started with prices on each book. However since the eBooks
could not be physically examined the consistency varied. Sometimes eBooks with
very few pages cost as much as full blown novels. That discrepancy garnered
negative feedback from readers. So Amazon developed a Kindle Unlimited program
which allows participants to read for free any number of eBooks from
participating authors. These eBook pages can also be read free of charge by any Amazon Prime member. The number of pages read is tracked electronically on a
daily basis. That information is shared daily with the author.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUXkr2X62jY/VwB0OIENA-I/AAAAAAAAAXA/simeFGOz68AHq9aivglURmnTpAyFSWziw/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUXkr2X62jY/VwB0OIENA-I/AAAAAAAAAXA/simeFGOz68AHq9aivglURmnTpAyFSWziw/s1600/A%2BYoung%2BAdult%2BTrilogy%2B%2528Thumb%2529.jpg" /></a>The process is clean, swift, and cost effective. Readers do
not have to wait for a book to be delivered. Shipping costs are avoided. The
eBook concept has revolutionized the publishing industry. I suppose the longer you
live the more likely you might see everything. eBooks are gaining in popularity
and are the wave of the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, one thing that it has allowed me to do is create
eBook bundles. That is a 3-book package at a reduced cost. Now I’ve got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Character-Based-Collection-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00UFXBI6M/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">JamesRoss – A Character-Based Collection</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Ross-Trilogy-Prairie-Course-ebook/dp/B00TQBLNHI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_351_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41oJnMGPbbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=1Q3VNPH88PXQJZRVYDX7" target="_blank">James Ross – A Young Adult Trilogy.</a> Try
one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf
Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have
become Kindle favorites. Visit his<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">website</span></i><a href="http://www.authorjamesross.com/home.html" target="_blank">http://www.authorjamesross.com/home.html</a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">for detailed information, reader comments, and
contact links.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
James Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748038384189775094noreply@blogger.com0