Check Me Out on Facebook and Twitter

With three published novels and a fourth book that I am hoping will be released in the first half of 2010, I have learned quite a bit about the worlds of writing and marketing. I’m sure many authors will agree, particularly those who have chosen the self-publishing route, the hard work really begins after the final words of a book are written.

The entire writing process is fun! Once I develop my general plotline and character sketches, the books often take on lives of their own. The characters may even develop in ways that I don’t even expect when I sit down to engage them in a new scene. It’s enjoyable to create situations to place them in and experience how they interact with one another.

But, after the book is done and bound, how do you get people to take notice and spread the word to others?

Authors have so many publicity options that were not available to writers just five or ten years ago. Currently the social networking tools of Twitter and Facebook enable me to reach the reading audience. I am active on both sites and I would love for you to join me there.
You can simply look up my name on Facebook and search for James Ross from Saint Louis. On Twitter I am known as both @golfnovels and @JamesRossBooks. Please connect with me so that you can be one of the first to be notified of any book signings, radio appearances, or other events. I update all of my online information on a regular basis.

If you haven’t checked out any of my books yet, I hope you will do so. Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course all take place against the backdrop of the fictional Prairie Winds Golf Course. However, keep in mind that the story lines have universal appeal. They are not strictly about golf. That is merely the setting. Whether or not you are a fan of golf, I think you will enjoy the memorable characters you meet within the pages of my books!

James Ross Explains Why he Became an Author

One day you wake up and announce to the world that you would like to write a novel. Pardon the pun, but that is a novel idea. At some point in time that is what everyone dreams about. Let’s face it; we all have a story to tell, don’t we?

In reality though, how does it all really come about?

For me, the writing itself is relatively easy. The sentence structure; the punctuation; the correct spelling are all general tools that don’t cause much of a problem for me. And I assume that is true for a lot of other writers.

In my opinion the challenging part of writing is dreaming up the topic. It takes much thought to come up with a story line and develop a plot. Creating scenes is a taxing exercise of the mind. Putting the actions in a readable sequence is also tricky. The story must flow and force the reader to stay interested enough to turn the pages.

In my personal experience it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to figure out how I’m going to make a story work. Once I identify the subject matter that I want to write about a subconscious energy sort of kicks in. Even though I continue to live daily life, the inner thought process is constantly at work trying to figure out the details of the story.

One trick that I found was that exercise helps me to reach a state of relaxation that allows for my mind to reach an open phase. While jogging I have found that the demands on the respiratory system and muscle groups have allowed for me to reach a freedom from within.

Another valuable time of discovery is in the middle of the night or shortly after awakening in the morning. For some reason the mind is not clogged and burdened with the goings-on of everyday life. Still another mind-enlightening time is while I am driving down the interstate in my car. During those moments I have found that it is always a good idea to have a pen and pad of paper easily accessible to jot down ideas.

At any rate, as I mentioned earlier, the time that it takes to sort events out in my mind varies. One of the things that I love to do is create characters. I can actually see them and hear them. Once the scenes are figured out and put into the proper sequence, then I have the freedom to place my characters into the action and have them deliver the message of the story.

It is fun to create twists and turns as the story is delivered. It is enjoyable to place hard-to-attain hurdles in the path of a main character as he or she travels on their journey. It is pleasurable to exploit their weakness and make them vulnerable to the actions of the other characters. Most of the characters have some sort of a purpose. Even if it is merely wallpaper in the action of the story, they seem to fill out the scene is some way, shape, or form.

So, in a nutshell, even if you decide to sit down and write a novel, just remember that it takes a great deal of planning to actually decide how the story is to be told. It is so very important to have an orderly procession of events and actions that follow in a logical manner. Characters have the freedom to deliver the message. The trick is putting them in situations that allow for the message to be delivered in an entertaining and meaningful way.

Good luck! Writing is a fun exercise of the mind. You’ll find that it becomes a little easier if you do some sort of pre-planning before you start. After all, when you take a drive in your car it is always better to have a destination in mind. Otherwise you merely wander aimlessly.

Check out his Recent List of Books:Especially if you love the game of Golf with extra adventure added.

Tuey’s Course

Lifetime Loser

Finish Line

I hope you enjoy them and please send me feedback or feel free to ask me any questions you might have about me or any of my books.

Controversial Issues Will Continue to Be a Focus When I Take on Teen Pregnancy

As I have shared many times on this blog, I do not shy away from tackling controversial topics in my three published books—Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course. Some of the subplots that take place on and around the Prairie Winds Golf Course have included alcoholism, racism, crooked politicians, illegal sports gambling, womanizing, and many other areas that provide great content for any writer. With my new book Opur’s Blade, which is scheduled to be released later this year, I will continue to address issues and develop characters that will make my readers think and maybe even shout back at the pages once in a while. One of the topics you can expect me to explore is the difficulty that comes with teenage pregnancy.

What are some of the problems associated with babies who enter the world when their mothers are still in high school? Young pregnant women are not as likely to get the proper prenatal care and are more likely to smoke than their older counterparts. The result of this behavior can manifest in low birth weight, which is often a contributing factor in blindness, deafness, and cerebral palsy. Teenage moms are also more likely to struggle financially, leave their own education unfinished, and create poorer “life outcomes” for the children they raise. You will have to read Opur’s Blade when it becomes available to learn the specific story and struggles of my character, but you can be sure the road is not easy.

What are your thoughts on teen pregnancy and how to decrease its occurrence? Should there be more sex education in schools? Are parents not being proactive enough in knowing what their children are doing? Is the media responsible for the beliefs that teenagers hold about sexual behavior? I know it’s not really related to golf, but I would love to read your thoughts on this hot-button topic. And, I look forward to your reviews on how I handled the issue when Opur’s Blade is released.

Bernie Madoff Finally Hears His Fate

A sentence was finally handed down today in a case that gained international attention as a symbol of the greed and corruption that sometimes go unchecked for long periods of time in our country. The packed courtroom and throngs of media waited anxiously to hear how long the mastermind of the largest Ponzi scheme in history, Bernie Madoff, would be spending in jail. Judge Denny Chin decided to give Madoff the maximum penalty of 150 years, as requested by the federal prosecutors in New York. Already seventy-one years of age, it is safe to assume that Bernie Madoff will spend the rest of his life behind bars. This will be a much different lifestyle than the one to which he became accustomed using all of his clients’ money.

Investigators have uncovered more than 1300 victims of Madoff’s investment scheme, with their losses totally more than $13 billion. This figure is likely conservative, as the damages are still being tallied and others who gave money to Madoff have until July 2 to report their own accusations of fraud. Judge Chin described Mr. Madoff’s crimes as being “extraordinarily evil” and a “manipulation of the system.” With this perspective, it is not surprising that the leniency of a twelve-year sentence, which was requested by the defense team, was not the decision of the court today.

While my three published novels center on the game of golf and the characters that spend their time at the Prairie Winds Golf Course, I also carry several ongoing commentaries and observations throughout my work. From the power grabs of local politicians to men who treat women as sexual objects to members of the banking industry who defraud their customers, I delve into some of the more unpleasant aspects of human nature. In fact, I believe you will find a few characters in Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course who bear some resemblance to Bernie Madoff. I hope you will check out my work and let me know what you think of my social critiques!

There Is No Shortage of Addictions at Prairie Winds Golf Course

There are a countless number of addictions that can claim a hold over our lives and alter our professional success, financial standing, and even relationships with other people. Some addictions may seem harmless, or even beneficial, on the surface. People who are devoted to exercise may find an inescapable pull to go to the gym for hours every day. Or, concerning an addiction to which I perhaps can relate a bit more, those with an utter devotion to golf cannot imagine a sunny Saturday morning that is not spent with a club in hand. What’s wrong with either one of these scenarios? The truth is, even healthy pastimes can become dangerous if time with family is compromised, other responsibilities are not met, or injuries are ignored.

Of course, there are also the addictions that we more typically view as dangerous—drugs, alcohol, sex, overeating, etc. We all know the dangers of getting caught up with any of these activities and there are support groups available for people who are struggling to break free from the chains of such unhealthy lifestyles.

No matter the type of addiction, putting yourself in a positive environment and surrounding yourself with a supportive network of friends is crucial. For those of you who have read one or more of my books, do you think that the Prairie Winds Golf Course and its regulars would be helpful to someone who is trying to get his life in order? There is no doubt that quite a few of my characters are struggling with some of those so-called monkeys on their back. From drinking to obesity to dangerous sexual practices, it is difficult to keep track of the addictions present in just one location.

If you haven’t already, I hope you will read Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course and discover the all-too-human personalities who spend their time on the fictional golf course I created.

Review of Tuey’s Course by James Ross

Ladies on the Tee Reviews
A Golf Community for Women by Sherry Tabb



Tuey’s Course is the 3rd novel in James Ross’ series of 3 that showcase the human spirit, flaws, resilience and frailties using a golf course as a backdrop and plot enhancer. I have already registered my opinion on Ross’ first 2 novels; Lifetime Loser and The Finish Line.

This 3rd novel was not my favorite of the three but that does not mean you should ignore it. Ross again displays his adeptness at showing how the world of golf mirrors life in so many ways. This story is about a hapless and downtrodden black businessman, WeWildapheet Ulisees O’Tweety, a.k.a. Tuey, who is targeted by the corrupt politicians at City Hall in St. Louis and a local bank president among others based on their personal greed and agendas.

Ross’ mastery of Tuey’s dialect is of note as it takes you deeper into Tuey’s mind and world. You really start to feel Tuey’s pain and frustration in a way that only his use of the special dialect can allow. At first the story line does seem encumbered with too many references of the key players’ physical characteristics to their animal counterparts. However, as the plot develops and the ending ensues it all seems to make sense.

The problem is that unless you hang onto the end you think Ross has gone down a totally bizarre path in Tuey’s Course. I am glad I kept reading as the ending clears up the confusion of the analogies and smacks you in the face with what Tuey does to deal with his discriminations and frustrations.

For an overall review of James Ross’ series, I rank Lifetime Loser as my favorite with its Grisham-like plot, The Finish Line is next but a close second to Lifetime Loser and that leaves Tuey’s Course coming in as my 3rd choice.

One of my favorite golf courses.......

One of my favorite golf courses is Lake Forest in Lake St. Louis, MO. That's a country club in the far western region of the STL metro area.

I had the pleasure to play in the Member/Guest tournament over the last few days. I warmed up with a practice round of 78 and then shot a 79 and 76 during the two day best ball tournament.

My golfing partner and I were one of ten teams in the 108 player field to qualify for the shootout.

The competition then switched to an alternating shot format.

Five holes later my partner sank an eight foot putt to win the event. That was one of the most satisfying golfing events that I have ever competed in.

What a day!

James Ross

Writing Novels Can Be a Great Release for Political Opinion

You do not need to be a seasoned politician with a well-rehearsed stump speech in order to express your opinion concerning current events and the decisions being made by our lawmakers. There was an endless supply of protest songs recorded during the Vietnam War, with the topic of war and peace becoming a popular topic again for songwriters in the past few years. Movie and television stars often use the honor of winning an award for espousing their political views from the podium. The same opportunity for expression holds true for authors.

In my three novels, I have used my characters to express a conservative perspective on a wide range of hot issues. There is prominent distrust of big government that is expressed my many of my characters, from the federal government’s desire to impose an ever-increasing tax burden to local officials who go to extremes with their small sphere of power. The government is repeatedly portrayed as an entity that causes more problems, not a body that can bring about effective solutions. With this in mind, I have to wonder—would any of the men and women in my books have participated in the recent “tea parties,” which protested the growing reach of the federal government? I have a feeling that a few of them would have been front and center with a bullhorn.

I hope you will read my three books, Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course, all of which have the Prairie Winds Golf Course as a primary backdrop. Then, let me know what you think of my characters’ political opinions. Do you agree with the perspectives that were shared? What do you think some of the clubhouse regulars would have to say about some of the recent decisions made by government? I look forward to hearing from you!

How Would Prairie Winds Rank Among the Best?

Some people have goals like climbing Mount Everest, visiting every ball park in the National League (don’t get me started on the inferiority of the American League and their designated hitter position), or swimming across the English Channel. Personally, I would love to say someday that I have played a round on every one of the top 100 golf courses in our great country. Tackling the greatest international courses would not be so bad, either! What are the top five locations in the United States? According to Golf Digest magazine, the publication that has been rating golf courses for more than forty years, the best locations as of 2007-08 are as follows:

1. Pine Valley Golf Course in New Jersey
2. Shinnecock Hills Golf Course in New York
3. Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia
4. Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California
5. Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania

How many golf enthusiasts are out there reading this blog? Have you visited any or all of these courses? If so, I would love to know if you agree with these rankings.

My research on the top courses in the country got me thinking about how the fictional golf course I feature in my novels would measure up. Prairie Winds Golf Course is located in the beautiful state of Missouri, is managed and manicured by a staff that takes its responsibilities seriously, and hosts a cast of regulars that is certain to keep any guest entertained. However, its profile is not exactly as high as those beautiful locations we all see featured on CBS on Saturday afternoons. Prairie Winds is definitely more of an “every man’s” course.

If you have not read my three books that take place at Prairie Winds Golf Course, Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course, I hope that you will do so.

Contact me and let me know if Prairie Wings is a place that you would like to spend a day!

There are times when we are watching a professional athlete and our mouths fall open in awe at some of the unparalleled skill we are fortunate enough to witness. I know that I feel this way when I watch LeBron James break through three defenders to hit an impossible shot, Peyton Manning throw a perfect spiral fifty yards down the field, or Derek Jeter make a defensive stop with a hit should have brought in a couple of runs. These athletes certainly warrant our respect and the nightly praise that they receive as part of the nightly highlight reels on SportsCenter. However, sometimes the men and women who fight amazing odds in order to participate in the sport for which they have a passion deserve even more of our attention and applause.

I discovered one such inspirational individual recently named D.J. Gregory, and I wanted to share his amazing story with all of you. D.J. was born with cerebral palsy, and the doctors told his parents that he would spend his entire life as a wheelchair. He defied this diagnosis and, after reconstructive surgeries as a child, learned to walk with the assistance of a cane. D.J. could never play many of the sports of that he loved, but he was able to pick up the game of golf at the age of nine. Soon, he became a fixture at the Professional Golf Association tournaments that would visit his area. At the age of thirty, D.J. Gregory decided to walk every hole of the PGA season and document his experiences on a blog. His amazing journey is documented on the video above.

As a lifelong fan of the sport of golf, I love to see instances in which one man’s life has been so impacted by his time on the course. And, more importantly, I am touched when a man’s character and resolve leave their mark on each course that he visits.

I hope you will take a few minutes to watch this video about D.J. Gregory. He represents the best of what the game of golf can mean.

I Want to Feature YOU on My Blog

There is undoubtedly something therapeutic and fulfilling about sitting in front of a keyboard and spending hours alone with my ideas. Watching my three published books and their characters come to life has been an amazing experience, one that I am now enjoying with books number four and five. Stay tuned for those! While this solitary time is gratifying, I cannot express enough how much I have loved meeting countless numbers of people as I have worked to market Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course.

The online social networking in particular has been amazing. Many of you have shared your feedback and your encouragement through this blog, Twitter (follow me at “golfnovels” if you aren’t already!), Facebook, and other outlets, and I know that each comment has made my writing and my publicizing efforts stronger. I love the fact that I can sit in my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri (or on any golf course that has my attention at that particular moment) and establishment professional relationships with other writers, golf enthusiasts, and avid readers from around the globe.

To those of you who have been so supportive with their criticism, which I assure you I have used in my current writing projects, I now would love to share some of your feedback with other readers on this blog.

One of my favorite aspects of writing novels is creating multi-dimensional characters that are flawed but always have more to them than first meets the eye. I have introduced you to many colorful men and women in my first three novels, and I would like to know who stands out to you and why. With which character would you like to play a round of golf? Into which club house regular do you want to shake some sense, or at least a few manners? What do you imagine happening to one of the featured guys in my next novel? Please email me with your thoughts on any of these questions, or post your answers in the comment section, and I will share a series of blog posts that focus on your reaction to the characters in the near future.

If you haven’t read my books yet—Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, or Tuey’s Course—I hope you

will choose to do so. I look forward to hearing from you!

Every Great Story Needs a Loyal Dog

There are certain images that come to mind when I picture the all-American male. Naturally, I picture a group of good friends spending time on a golf course on a sunny Saturday morning. I also think of cruising down the back roads of a small town in a bright red convertible. And, of course, what guy is not complete without a loyal dog by his side? With this in mind, I certainly had to include man’s best friend in my series of books that take place at the Prairie Winds Golf Course. My readers will have the pleasure of meeting Bogey, whose dedication to his owner and his kind heart will be familiar to everyone who has a beloved pet in their own family.

Bogey is a bull terrier. For those not familiar with the breed, perhaps you will recall the fifteen minutes of fame earned by the dog Spuds McKenzie in those Budweiser commercials from the late 1980s. While Bogey certainly never led the party life experienced by his same-species counterpart, perhaps this comparison will give you the appropriate visual image as you picture this dog bounding around the golf course eager for attention and approval. Bogey was already ready to provide companionship first thing in the morning and made sure that all was well with the humans he adored before falling asleep at night.

Without revealing too much, I will share that Bogey’s story becomes interwoven with the other drama that unfolds on the golf course. I hope that you will read my three novels that have been published to this point—Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course—and then contact me and let me know if you have had any experiences similar to the ones the characters had with the irreplaceable Bogey. He is certainly an important part of my all-American story!

Interview with Michael Ray (Nationally Syndicated Radio Show)

Congrats goes out to Author James Ross

Author James Ross has an interview scheduled on Wednesday, March 18th a 9:00 PM CST.

Please visit www.DresserAfterDark.com to find out more information and be able to listen to the interview.

When Frustrations with City Hall Lead to Violence

I am sure that, for all of us, there have been instances over which we want to scream at those guys at City Hall. Maybe your house has been zoned out of the school district for which you moved to that neighborhood in the first place. Is the City Council advocating the building of a new Wal-Mart over the very location where you like to take your morning walks? Perhaps you are just angry that the same pothole has been creating problems in front of the local grocery store for over a year now. How many of us actually get involved in the political process when confronted with these issues? I imagine that, more often than not, we keep our complaints behind the closed doors of our homes and only our unlucky family members get to hear our rants over the dinner table.

In February of last year, a tragic event occurred just outside of my hometown of St. Louis, in Kirkwood, Missouri. A gunman by the name of Charles Lee “Cookie” Thornton entered City Hall and fatally shot five people while also leaving the mayor in critical condition before being killed by responding police officers. Thornton and the City Council had a long and tense history, with Thornton twice being convicted of disorderly conduct during public meetings. He believed that he was being unfairly persecuted by the government, as he had received multiple tickets for parking his commercial truck in his neighborhood. Whatever Thornton’s frustrations may have been, his violent revenge was certainly not the right solution.

In my new book, Tuey’s Course, readers will follow the fictional story of a man who finds himself in a similar situation to that of Mr. Thornton. The book addresses the racial and class divisions that are often at play in these political situations. And, as with my previous two novels, the Prairie Winds Golf Course provides the consistent backdrop and supporting cast of characters. Please click here to purchase Tuey’s Course. After you have finished the book, I hope you will contact me to let me know what you think