#Marketing for #eBooks and Kindle - #AtoZChallenge

Today is the “M” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.

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.

Now you want to get paid!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

Lifetime Loser – #Crime #Mystery (How to Steal a #Golf Course) Amazon BESTSELLER #AtoZChallenge

Today is the "L" Day in the A to Z Challenge - 2016. 

My debut novel – Lifetime Loser – 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Try Lifetime Loser! Beware of civil fraud. Don’t let it happen to you.

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  website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

Kindle, Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Owners Lending Library (KOLL) #AtoZChallenge

Today is the “K” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 James Ross – A Young Adult Trilogy and James Ross – A Character-Based Collection.

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  website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

J Dub and Julie – The Main Characters in the #Golf Pro Shop #AtoZChallenge

Today is the “J” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 James Ross– A Young Adult Trilogy and James Ross – A Character-Based Collection.

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  website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

A #Golf Setting For My Cozy #Mysteries - #AtoZChallenge

Today is the “G” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. In that regard we will honor golf.

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.

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.”

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.

His reply was frank. “The book.”

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 – Lifetime Loser. A year and a half later after some rewrites and extensive editing my first novel was published. The feeling was indescribable.

.

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.

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.

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 LifetimeLoser. I’d be interested to hear back from you.

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 website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

The #eBook Explosion and the eBook Bundle #AtoZChallenge

Today is the "E" Day in the A to Z Challenge - 2016.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 JamesRoss – A Character-Based Collection and James Ross – A Young Adult Trilogy. Try one!

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 websitehttp://www.authorjamesross.com/home.html for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

Dementia – Memory Loss Makes For Memorable Characters #AtoZChallenge

Today is the “D” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016.

Creating characters is my favorite thing to do when I write a book. A lot of thought goes into their name, physical characteristics, and situations which with they are placed. In the course of writing my novels I’ve had the opportunity to create over 300 characters. The nice thing about that is that my characters reappear in my stories. They must be unique and memorable to keep the pages turning.

Dementia is a term that describes the decline in mental ability so much so that it affects daily life. The memory loss can reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Short term memory loss can affect a person’s ability to pay bills, remember appointments, focus, and reason. Technically the brain cells become damaged and the disease prohibits those cells from communicating with each other. Treatments vary depending on how quickly the disease is treated.

In Pabby’s Score one of the regulars in the pro shop brings his elderly father into the clubhouse to meet the guys. The character suffering from the disease quickly obtained a nickname – Uncle Woo – because he reminded one of the war veterans of a guy that he knew when stationed overseas. His antics and recollections force grins. The outlandish behavior is not only sad, but comical.

As the plot develops Uncle Woo winds up playing a pivotal role in the story. Give the book a try. It is available on Amazon or on Kindle in eBook format. This book rose to the #2 Overall position on Kindle during a promotional period. It was also the Number 1 most downloaded book in the Crime Fiction, Legal Thriller, and Teen categories.

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 website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

Buford's Tree - Next #Fiction #Book in the Prairie Winds Golf Course Series #AToZChallenge

Buford's Tree, the 7th book in the Prairie Winds Golf Course series is currently under construction. A middle-aged high school football coach is stricken with a deadly form of cancer. The regulars at the golf course rally around one of their own. Charity, hope, and a tearful reunion deliver a lot of nostalgia to a sobering situation.

This is a difficult book for me to create. Writer’s block has firmly entrenched itself into this project. First, it was my desire to get more involved in the marketing of my books. One promotional month has become eighteen. My mind got sidetracked.

Secondly, this topic hits close to home. Not only am I a cancer survivor, but I have lost a very dear friend – perhaps my best buddy - to the disease. My goal was to write a story that was a tribute to him. However I am finding that no wording is going to replace his loss or honor his friendship. Even though the story will be fictionalized tackling the topic rekindles memories that are personal.

One of these days when my mind allows I will go like gangbusters to get this story on paper. I'll apologize to my readers for not getting a book out this year. In the meantime visit authorjamesross.com and try some of my latest efforts.

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 website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.

Opur's Blade - #FathersDay Kindle FREEBIE #IARTG #ASMSG #CozyMystery

After penning six novels from fictional Prairie Winds Golf Course I started to utilize the wonderful free download option that Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) makes available to readers who own Kindle devices. The results on my first promotional book - Shari's Shot - were outstanding. So I quickly decided to schedule another free download on a different book.

On Monday and Tuesday, June 15 and 16, readers will be able to download free Kindle copies of Opur's Blade.

A young mother is anxious to provide an exciting opportunity for her son. Her enthusiasm enrolls the lad in a summer instructional program at the local golf course. During the first lesson the head golf pro realizes that he has a child prodigy in his midst.

Thus begins a journey through family hardship, a future without aim, and a sudden love affair. When the chance of a lifetime beckons the young man calls on the advice of an old mentor. Try to figure out the ending in this cozy mystery. It will come as a surprise.

James Ross has penned six character-based novels. Laugh, cry, and feel the emotions portrayed by the Midwestern cast of regulars. More importantly, help yourself to a free download and enjoy the read!

Shari's Shot - #Book #Giveaway on #GOODREADS

With the release of my newest book I'm dedicated to new promotional efforts in an attempt to utilize the exciting tools that are available to authors. One of those marketing programs is the FREE book giveaway promotion that is offered by GOODREADS, a popular site for readers. In this offer I'm giving away an autographed copy of Shari's Shot in a very attractive 6 X 9 Trade Paperback with high gloss cover.

From February 23 to March 18, 2015 I'm offering 13 free copies of Shari's Shot to a global audience. This character-based, murder-for-hire thriller is set at the Prairie Winds Golf Course, a familiar venue for frequent readers of mine.

Feel free to visit the Author James Ross website to register for a free copy. For alternative registration please travel to GOODREADS to sign up for a free book there - US residents and worldwide readers.

Stay tunes. There will be more offers available in the coming months!

Cover Reveal For My New Release

Shari's Shot, the latest in the series of books from Prairie Winds Golf Course is due to be released in late January. Purchase information from Amazon should be available sometime in February. Here is the front cover which has received favorable comments.

More excitement arrives at Prairie Winds Golf Course on the east side of St. Louis when former Mrs. Missouri, Shari Daniels-Donnelly, in a fluke twist of a bottle cap earns a chance to win $1 million at America's greatest golf tournament, The Classic.

Shari is among the fashionable nouveau-riche, a member of prestigious Olde Blueblood Country Club, and seeking excitement outside a stale union with real estate mogul, Tyler Cy Donnelly. After her high powered and influential attorney, Leslie Potter, serves divorce papers it appears that Shari is on the path to a luxurious lifestyle that includes young lovers, a multimillion dollar settlement, and freedom from the balls and chains of a boring marriage.

Events become complicated when a young Latin lover supplants a longtime friend who vies for Shari's attention. Between threatening texts, arrests, jail time, confessions, and a liaison with a U.S. Congresswoman Shari's pending divorce delivers chaos. When a lover is found shot to death in a carpool parking lot prior to a golf outing a detective duo is determined to find out who fired the shot.

This story promises to bring controversy!

The Continuing Vaccination-Autism Debate

Another school year is now underway in classrooms all around our country, as our kids resume their studies of math, science, English, history, and hopefully much more.  If you have children in a public school, you know that one of the many pieces of paper you had to submit in order to get them registered was an immunization form.  School administrators want to know that the kids walking their hallways are not going to be harboring measles, rubella, chicken pox, or other diseases that medicine has largely eradicated.  But, there are an increasing number of children who reach school age and whose parents have opted out of having them vaccinated.  They are placed right in the middle of a debate that extends way beyond simply whether or not they should be allowed in a classroom.

Many parents worry about the publicized link between vaccines and autism, even though the scientific community has repeatedly come out against there being any evidence of a connection.  Others don't like the idea of their infants being inoculated at such a young age and choose to develop their own vaccination schedule.  The topic even has earned some attention among the current contenders for the Republican presidential nomination, as Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke out about her concerns that the HPV vaccine may cause mental retardation. 

In my upcoming book, Pabby's Score, I look at the serious issue of autism and the stigma it receives in our country.  I am hoping that my writing on this topic will inspire some conversations among readers about the causes behind this affliction and how best to help families who are dealing with this special need in their homes.

If you have some thoughts about the great debate over the vaccination-autism connection, or if you have experience with autism in your own circle of family and friends, I would love to hear your story.  I know that I can learn a great deal from what you have to share.

Who Makes You Laugh?

Have you ever been tempted to take the stage during one of those "open mike" nights at the local comedy club?  If just one friend has mentioned during an evening out that you should take your show on the road after keeping everyone in the table laughing throughout dinner, I imagine the idea has crossed your mind.  In some ways, it's a great life!  You get to travel the country and vent about people and things that irritate you in front of (hopefully) hundreds of people. 

There is a diverse set of styles when it comes to stand-up comedians.  There are some who make their living talking about relationships, because there is certainly no shortage of material there.  Others choose to focus on current events and politicians . . . again, plenty of opportunity to make fun there.  And, there is the group that relies on props (think Carrot Top or Gallagher) to get the laughs.

Quite a few comedians who started on the tour circuit translated their talents into popular television shows in which they were the featured character, such as Ray Romano in Everybody Loves Raymond, Roseanne in (appropriately enough) Roseanne, and Bill Cosby in The Cosby Show.  And, I know there are quite a few others I could mention.

In my upcoming release, Pabby's Score, the career of a comedian is a topic that receives some focus.  So, I thought I would take a moment and ask you who your favorite comedian of all time is.  What makes that person stand out for you?  Maybe you'll introduce me to someone new, and I'm always looking for reasons to laugh!  Look forward to reading your thoughts!

"Lifetime Loser" - About

About the Book:

For fifteen years on the outskirts of St. Louis, J. W. Schroeder (J Dub) ran a worn out golf course that sat high atop the Illinois bluffs of the Mississippi River. Then he learns that his partner had been skimming profits the entire time. But even worse, J Dub discovers that he was an unknowing participant in the swindle of an estate and that he was a victim of fraud.

J Dub is thrown into a civil justice system that is lengthy as well as costly to protect his family and correct an evil and sinister secret that had been withheld from him for years. The controlling partner, Lewferd E. Zerrmann, aligns himself with a dishonest attorney, a deceitful accountant, and a corrupt politician to derail a government investigation and an IRS audit. He survives title improprieties and outlasts an overzealous U. S. Attorney.

No one seems to be able to penetrate the isolated walls of Lew’s fortress until J Dub steps up and risks it all to fight for what is his. WHO SAID REAL LIFE WAS ANYTHING LIKE “THE GENTLEMAN’S GAME?”

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Review of ‘Lifetime Loser’

Review By:
Ladies on The Tee
A Golf Community for Women by Sherry Tabb
Website: http://www.sherrytabb.com/

First let me start by stating that I am in no way considered to be a book critic. However, I know what holds my interest and what does not. Having said that I recently had the opportunity to read, the James Ross book, Lifetime Loser. This book is the first in a series of 3 novels to date by Mr. Ross.

Lifetime Loser is a story about greed vs. honesty. Its backdrop is a golf course and there is a well woven plot that involves a naive golf professional, J.W. Schroeder and a very unscrupulous business man, Lew Zerrmann and his equally dishonest associates and acquaintances. Ross takes us on a journey that spans two decades and has enough twists and turns to keep you hanging on every word.

For me this book was as interesting a read as a John Grisham or Patricia Cornwell novel (two of my personal favorites). The character development was strong and effectual. The proverbial fight of good vs. evil plays well in this book especially with the focus on greed. It rings so true for today’s world. It is not until the end that you really find out what will happen. There are many surprises even at the end so don’t think you can figure out who wins. You’ll need to read the book.

The bottom line is that I ended up putting off some office work to finish this book. It is a real page turner, even if you are NOT a golf fan. I am anxious to begin reading the second of the series, Finish Line. But for now, I have to get back to my office chores. I may have to burn some ‘midnight oil’ tonight and get into the next story….

Recommendation: A hole-in-one!!

Teenage Pranks Can Have Serious Consequences

There are few among us who were not a participant in at least one silly prank as a teenager. From the wise decision to waste dozens of rolls of toilet paper by throwing them in a neighbor’s tree to using mailboxes as target practice to the time-honored juvenile practice of sticking a silly note on the back of an unsuspecting teenager, teenagers excel at ridiculous antics. We can hope that most of us grow out of this stage and that we are not still egging houses as we drop off our youngest kid at preschool.

Some of the acts in which young men and women are choosing to engage are no longer being viewed as harmless fun by certain robed members of our judicial system. So, if you are a high school student who is considering a prank or two to consume your free time, please pay attention to these real-life examples of the consequences you may face.

Two boys yelled “Fire in the hole,” threw their soda at the same drive-thru employee who had just handed them the beverage, and then wisely broadcast the incident on YouTube. They were charged with battery and were forced to air an apology on the same video sharing network.

A Connecticut teenager decided to bring her pony to high school one day. I guess that’s a spin on the “Mary Had a Little Lamb” story. She was suspended from school for ten days, charged with creating a disturbance, accused of creating the circumstances for a “possible riot,” and told that she would not be allowed to attend her prom.

In my second novel, Finish Line, teenage boys Justin and Keith decide to vandalize the home of an elderly neighbor with whom they had endured some unfriendly exchanges. To pay for the substantial bill of damages, the young men are sent to work at the Prairie Winds Golf Course for the summer. While there, the two learn valuable lessons about hard work, discipline, and the difficult nature of human relationships. There may not be any embarrassing videos or disruptive ponies, but the lessons Justin and Keith learn as a result of their actions are just as relevant and memorable.

St. Louis Author Hangs With Mark Twain

Some say that if you go back far enough in time everyone could very well be related to each other. Please don’t tell that to my “Aunt Marie.” She is now a retired schoolteacher in her late eighties. I don’t know if she would have enough time to research all of those connections.

Our family historian has been my dear “Aunt Marie.” She has spent the better part of her life researching county records, state documents, gravestones, periodicals, and anything else that is part of public knowledge. She has spent virtually her entire adult life composing the family tree. What she turned up in our gene pool was surprising to all of us that now live several generations away from our ancestors.

So as to not sound boring, I’ll simply cut to the chase. As the story goes a Colonel William Casey was born in Frederick County, Virginia in 1756. He migrated to Kentucky and had many fights with the Indians over the years as the property was being settled. Through adulthood he was appointed a county judge and served in local politics. Rumor has it that he was a mountain of a man, very kind, and the father of four daughters. This is the start of what I’ll call a mighty oak with several enduring branches.

His third daughter was named Polly. His fourth daughter was named Margaret, but nicknamed Peggy. The two branches of the tree that those two formed are what this article is about. They traveled through Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Iowa.

William Casey died in 1816 after serving in local politics in Adair County, Kentucky. He never lived to see his great grandson which had been placed on a limb of the family tree by his youngest daughter, Peggy. Born in Florida, Missouri in 1835, William Casey’s great grandson was christened Samuel L. Clemens…none other than Mark Twain.

Samuel Clemens was born roughly thirty-five miles inland from Hannibal, Missouri which was where he was raised during his younger years. Being from the Midwest it is quite believable that Casey’s youngest daughter Peggy and her siblings traveled up and down the states that were bordering the Mississippi River. Mark Twain made that tributary legendary in several of his tales.

As an added sidelight “Aunt Polly” was a recognizable character in Tom Sawyer. In all likelihood that was a name that Twain had heard his mother say often as he was growing up. To me the person identified as “Aunt Polly” would be my great, great, great, great grandmother.

At any rate the rest is history as far as Mark Twain goes. He is a legend in American folk yore as an author, philanthropist, statesman, humorist, and traveler.

I doubt that William Casey even cares that his great, great, great, great, great grandson wrote a novel after he turned fifty. That was the limb of the tree that his third daughter Polly helped to form. And I doubt if it matters that his far-removed relative grew up in modern-day St. Louis…only a driver and an eight-iron away from the Mississippi River.

But don’t tell that to my “Aunt Marie.” When she turned over all of the family tree information to me she said, “You know, Jim, you’ve done something that I’ve always dreamed about doing but never found the time.”

Naively, I asked, “What’s that?”

She said, “You wrote a book. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Something tells me that maybe she should start with William Casey. He’s the mighty oak in this tale and she’s on one of those limbs too.

James Ross has published a series of books that use the wonderful city of St. Louis as a backdrop. Lifetime Loser (2007), Finish Line (2008) and Tuey's Course (2009) all present a colorful cast of characters that come together on the Prairie Winds Golf Course. Situated high atop the Mississippi river bluffs on the east side of St. Louis the author uses his personal knowledge of St. Louis to fully incorporate the city into the plots of his novels. Residents of and visitors to the Gateway City will appreciate the author's fine storytelling and how he highlights his home city. All three novels from James Ross can be found at Xlibris.com or through his personal web site:

Author James Ross

"Tuey’s Course"

About the Book:

Racial tension had been building for years near Prairie Winds Golf Course on the east side of St. Louis. In 2007, black businessman, Tuey O’Tweety faced the brunt of the discrimination.

Can the game of golf resolve the issue?

Life becomes even more difficult for Tuey when the frustrations of harassment become a daily nuisance. Corrupt politicians, manipulated city hall employees, and hypocritical community leaders add to the unrelenting aggravation.

Through an odd connection Tuey lands with an eclectic group of golfing misfits. Daily visits to the golf course expose him to an unfamiliar slice of life. An unlikely player leads him down a seemingly innocent path. The world of black and the world of white become intertwined in a world of intricate fantasy.

Join head golf pro J Dub Schroeder and his brother Curt, as they open the clubhouse doors of Prairie Winds Golf Course to a man trying to find his way out of an impoverished situation. One by one a Catholic priest, greedy banker, local farmer, retired luxury car dealer, Japanese businessman, evangelistic preacher and college football referee weave their lives into Tuey’s plight. Explore the convoluted path through the fairways of Prairie Winds Golf Course that has become “Tuey’s Course.”

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