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After being repeatedly told "You should write a book", I sat down at my new laptop and wrote my first nonfiction book : "In-Laws and Outlaws - The DNA Mystery Of A Music Icon's Son". This true story of discovery - written in my informal style - has captured the hearts and minds of many. And, after a 50-year hiatus, my own story of finding my biological parents inspired me to screw up my courage to begin taking piano lessons again. Reminders of my First Father's six decades in the music business hang above my keyboard, and my piano instructor even surprised me with a gift - he designed the book's cover!
Writing inspiring true stories seemed to suit me, so I began my second book, "The Final Road Trip - Dust to Dust" with some help from my adoptive brother, Jim Bates. The book details how we cared for my adoptive parents in their last days and has inspired others to consider an old-fashioned home funeral. Ten years after our dad stepped on his rainbow, I felt the time had come to finally share this touching (and funny) story with the world, illustrated with photos from our experience. You'll laugh and you'll cry as you follow us on this most unusual journey - as one reviewer stated, "This book should be in every hospice facility and hospital gift shop in the country !" After reading this amazing true tale of love and respect for our elders, you'll never look at funerals the same.
My third book is yet another true story spawned by life experiences. "Vipers In Pinstripes" required more thorough research, as the story of mismanagement and corruption within the City of Arlington, Texas had lay dormant for over thirty years. In "Vipers In Pinstripes" you'll find out how I battled a powerful city government in a bid to keep my job, culminating in a run for City Council and a court battle that pitted the author against a team of three city attorneys. This story has more twists and turns than a Georgia mountain back-road, but if you enjoy a David & Goliath type true story, this book is for you.
I like to tell true stories that spark inspiration, tales that entertain and educate. As my adoptive dad was fond of saying, "I'm gonna tell you some stories, and some of them might be true."
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