Preface * Books don’t just happen. While growing up, I heard stories that triggered my imagination. Stories are seeds to an author. When planted and nourished, they can become a bountiful harvest. In my case, there are several reasons why I wanted to research and write about the sheriffs of Reno County, Kansas. When I was growing up, I regularly watched weekly westerns on television. My favorites were The Lone Ranger, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, and Gunsmoke. The first show was … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: 1872-2022
Taking Back the Bullet
Lucky’s Sculpture Story
· Lucky's Sculpture Story: Lucky, the Daydreamer · “Oh, Alex, she’s beautiful!” squealed Jenna as she approached from the hallway. “Does she have a story?” “Thanks,” replied Alex. “Yes, let me read it to you,” Alex said as she turned Lucky so the sculpture’s back was spotlighted from the ceiling’s targeted lighting. Alex kept each of her hands resting on a porcelain shoulder. Meanwhile, Jenna studied the woman’s faux Mohawk red hair and smiled. Adjusting her glasses, Alex started … [Read more...] about Lucky’s Sculpture Story
Stories Are Everywhere
· Stories Are Everywhere: My Blogging Topics · MY PURPOSE in BLOGGING In 2017, when I sent my final draft of my novel, Taking Back the Bullet, to my editor, Jan Hurst, I started preparing drafts of written blogs for my new website hosted by Rosemary Miller, aka “The Tech Chick.” My unwritten mission statement was this: “To be in the moment, to enjoy the adventure, and to do my best for me and my readers.” The website was also designed to promote my books and be a public platform, a … [Read more...] about Stories Are Everywhere
Writing Memoir Workshop
The Honking Tree If you live or have lived west of Wichita, Kansas, then you might recognize this tree that grows on the south side of K96, a couple of miles west of the Maize exit. Some locals refer to it as the "Honking Tree." Others remember late nights of drinking beer when a pit stop was required in order to empty full bladders. They called it the "Peeing Tree." Still others recall it as "The Ten-Mile Tree," and "The Kissing Tree." I'm a writer and author who is currently developing a … [Read more...] about Writing Memoir Workshop
Characters from the Zodiac
· "What's your sign?" · "What's my sign?" "Yeah, what's your astrological sign?" "Oh, I'm a Libra." "Libras have a strong sense of justice and fair play." "Yes, social justice is important to me." When I was gradually imagining characters for my novel, Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery, I studied the astrological signs in order to get ideas on how I wanted my fictional characters to be different from one another. I already had most of the characters plotted … [Read more...] about Characters from the Zodiac
Characters and Setting
· The Beginning of the Story is Called Exposition · When you start reading a book, you want to know so many things all at once. The primary question I ask myself is, "Am I interested in reading this book?" because there are so many books to read and so little time to read them. The writing has to grab me, or "hook" me to keep me reading. You may be one of those readers that will give the author a very short amount of time or window before deciding that the book doesn't fit your style … [Read more...] about Characters and Setting
Cottonwood County
· Unintended Consequences · Previously, in Episode 1 (https://jimpotterauthor.com/cottonwood-county-kansas/), Tom Jennings was perusing a Facebook post with its many threads. The messages were overwhelmingly critical of the Cottonwood County Commissioners for considering cutting overtime pay for deputy sheriffs. Episode 2 Tom’s phone played music and vibrated. A county commissioner was returning his phone call. “Tom Jennings, may I help you?” “This is County Commissioner Guy … [Read more...] about Cottonwood County
Cottonwood County, Kansas
Let Them Eat Cake Tom Jennings was all riled up. Against his doctor’s advice, he continued to watch the news, search for news, and read the newspaper. His blood pressure spiked at each sitting. News! The doctor had also told him to lose weight, cut down on fatty food, and to exercise. Until then, as long as the national news was so confrontational, so divisive, he should just read a good nonpolitical book or listen to elevator music. As usual, Tom did what he wanted—selective listening. … [Read more...] about Cottonwood County, Kansas
Kansas Authors Club
· Author Ann Christine Fell · On Saturday I attended a district meeting of the Kansas Authors Club (KAC) in Hutchinson, Kansas. All writers and those interested in becoming writers are welcome to join. The main attraction was the guest speaker, Ann Fell, Winfield, KS. Her book, Sundrop Sonata: A Novel of Suspense (2016), was published two years following her memoir, In the Shadow of the Wind: A Story of Love, Loss, and Finding Life Again (2014). Each publication, in consecutive years, … [Read more...] about Kansas Authors Club
Michael Jackson or Me, You Decide
· A Book Reading at Hutchinson Public Library · Tomorrow night I have my first official book reading/signing for my debut novel, Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery. I’m looking forward to the interaction with the attendees—if anyone shows up. Well, I know some people will show. J. Alex Potter, my wife, she’ll be there. We’re riding in the same car. Kate Lewis, Marketing and Communications Manager of the Hutchinson Public Library (HPL); she’ll be there. That’s three … [Read more...] about Michael Jackson or Me, You Decide
