Title Characters are Highlighted When the Letter "O" is Discussed

Opur is the main character of my fourth novel. The young boy is dropped off at the golf course for summer lessons and his very first swing broadcasts his gift to the head pro. The ball clangs off the 100-yard marker and the lad is deemed a prodigy. We follow his journey to discover himself by way of his talent throughout Opur’s Blade. The story is as much about teen strife as it is the adventure and desire planted in all of us that drives us to overcome obstacles. Opur’s path eventually takes him to The Classic--The Masters--America’s golf pinnacle. But, golf proves to be only a sideshow considering the other events that unfold.

Ostrahemial Puld is a black evangelist preacher that I created in Tuey’s Course. He relocated to the St. Louis area from the banks of the Red River in Arkansas and Oklahoma. We find the local pulpit is merely a conduit for his true desire, which is to spread the gospel via satellite TV. Praise the Lord!

The main character in this same novel is a man named Tuey O’Tweety. His professionals aspirations are continually hindered by the powers-that-be at City Hall. The harassment by these elected officials becomes too much for the impoverished minority businessman. He reacts in ways that make sense to him but are radical to the mayor and aldermen. With a growing sense of solitude, depression follows. How will Tuey O’Tweety handle the pressure?

Finally, Owen Purler is the name of both father and son in my fourth book, Opur’s Blade. Owen, Sr. is an over-the-road owner/operator of an eighteen-wheeler who is away from home for weeks at a time. Not surprisingly, Owen, Jr. finds himself in need of a better and more present father figure. The head golf pro at Prairie Winds Golf Course enters the picture and their relationship flourishes. Will Owen, Sr. abandon his son forever, feeling that his abandonment is justified by this new replacement? Read the surprising outcome.

James Ross
Author of Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, Tuey's Course, Opur's Blade, and Pabby's Score
jamesross@authorjamesross.com
Website: http://www.authorjamesross.com/
Publisher Websites: http://www.xlibris.com/ and http://www.nightengalepress.com/
Blog: http://www.authorjamesross.blogspot.com/
Purchase: http://golftwitt.com/46ey

Golf Takes Center Stage in All of My Writing

Making her debut in Tuey’s Course is Ginny Slater. She is a young FBI agent who catches the attention of Curt Schroeder when the government holds a charity fund raiser at Prairie Winds Golf Course. Her athletic body, brains and quiet confidence are appealing and, for a period of time, it seems that she may become a wonderful partner for Curt. But, the relationship stalls before it ever has much of a chance.  At least she provides a nice diversion for a while from the regulars at the club house!

Ginny returns for brief appearance in my next novel, Opur’s Blade. Honestly, I don’t know what the future holds for this character. If the GRS killer who floats throughout my work remains on the loose, then Ginny Slater will become more involved, as she heads the task force investigating the serial killer.  Only time and where my characters take me as I sit at my computer screen will tell.

When it comes to the letter "G," though, the most important character in all of my books is the game of golf.  While you don't have to be a fan of the sport in order to read my work, it certainly is one of my passions.  There is not much better in life than walking onto the greens just after dawn, with that crisp morning air and beauty of the landscape surrounding you.

And, the game of golf is often one over which political and business deals are brokered, making for great book material.  How many presidents do we see playing golf regularly?  I can guarantee that a golf outing is planned for nearly every corporate retreat.  A deal that is reached through a handshake on the 14th hole is one that is as solid as it gets.

Are you a fan of golf?  (If so, you may be watching the Masters this weekend instead of reading this blog.)  What are your thoughts about the sociology and the politics of the game?

James Ross
Author of Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, Tuey's Course, Opur's Blade, and Pabby's Score
jamesross@authorjamesross.com
Website: http://www.authorjamesross.com/
Publisher Websites: http://www.xlibris.com/ and http://www.nightengalepress.com/
Blog: http://www.authorjamesross.blogspot.com/
Purchase: http://golftwitt.com/46ey