Writing is a form of therapy for me. I have a degree in journalism and used to be sports editor of a daily newspaper until my wife basically said it was the newspaper or her. The reason? I was working too many hours covering athletic events. Because I opted for her, we now have been happily married for over 39 years.

Unfortunately, I still miss writing on a daily basis. That’s why I now have published two books since 2006. The first one, entitled “Gauntlet Golf”, was a fiction novel. Even though it basically was my autobiography, I changed the names to protect the innocent and the not-so-innocent. I also modified some of the incidents in the book.

My second book was published in November, 2014. Its title is “Golf Is More Than A Score” and it is non-fiction. I wrote it in first-person format and addressed such subjects as etiquette, cheating, walking instead of riding, etc. Unfortunately, it has angered at least one of my friends and probably several others.

Unlike the typical writer, I don’t use an outline for my books. I am a creative individual and I merely write from my heart. Once I complete the first draft, I spend several more weeks going through it and carefully editing it. In other words, I check my grammar, punctuation and spelling plus add anecdotes to it. Hopefully, my books convey my love for writing to my readers.

Two guys intentionally injured my knee during a basketball game in 1980. It was a serious injury and it has prevented me from running distance and playing basketball the past 35 years. It also has had a negative impact on my golf swing and I am a much shorter hitter as a result.

Writing “Gauntlet Golf” was outstanding therapy for me because it allowed me to share my pent-up frustrations with my readers. It also permitted me to deal with my depression from the injury and become a more positive individual.

I am now 62 years old and plan to retire in another four or six years. Unlike my peers, who say they will be bored once they retire, I will have a life that will keep both my body and mind in good shape. Instead of merely sitting in a chair and watching television every day, I plan to continue playing golf, working out at the gym and authoring more books.

At this time, I have several ideas for a new book. However, I probably won’t begin writing it until I retire because I have a very demanding sales job.

Of course, it frequently is too cold or snowy to play golf during the winter months in Indiana. Maybe I will be able to devote my Saturdays to writing instead of playing golf during those months. If nothing else, it will make my winters pass faster.

 

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