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Ralph Cotton is one of the renowned authors from America who is famous for writing his novels based on the genre. He is particularly well known for writing down the successful novel series, Jeston Nash, Gunman’s Reputation, and Ranger Sam Burrack. Author Cotton began his writing career at a very early age, in fact, he was in his elementary school when he wrote his first story. At that time, he used to use writing as a hobby so as to escape from the boring school work. Another reason for him to get attracted towards writing is that he was not at all good at studies. Before beginning his writing career on the big platform, author Cotton worked for a number of other jobs. Some of those jobs include working on a commercial barge as a second mate and as Lutheran lay minister. He also worked as a teamster, as an iron worker, etc. Other than writing books and novels, author Cotton likes to spend his time playing guitar, sailing, painting, and indulging in photography. As of today, he lives along with his loving wife named Mary Lynn in Hernando County, Florida. Author Cotton became a published novelist in the year 1994 with the release of his debut novel titled ‘While Angels Dance’. Soon after its worldwide publication, the novel came to the notice of the committee of the Pulitzer Prize and it was eventually nominated for the prestigious award in the same year.
Author Cotton claims that he became a successful author only because of his experiences in the various jobs that he was associated with before choosing writing as a career. Later in his career, a number of books written by him successfully made it to the top 50 list by Ingram as well as to the bestseller list of the USA Today. Many of his older novels are still in print. Most of the previous novels written by author Cotton have been hailed by the critics as well as liked by many literary notables such as Walter Tilburg Clark, Steinbeck, Twain, and Jack London. Several other critics have praised author Cotton as a gifted writer, who is not just a Western writer, but happens to write those types of novels very often. Many of the works of Ralph Cotton incorporate time economy like that of the Greek times. The places and plots depicted in his novels range lyrical beauty to the macabre descriptions. It is believed that author Cotton happens to write all those kinds of stories that people hope to find within themselves. Along with writing books, author Cotton operated and owned a few businesses in and around Washington, D.C. Initially, he had completed his schooling only up to the 7th grade mainly because of his disinterest in studies. But, he later went on to receive his high school graduation in the military, where he completed a 2 year contract of service in the United States Army.
Throughout his writing career, author Cotton remained a self taught writer. During the later stages of his career, he even started attending classes in English, literature, and psychology at the Jefferson Community College, located in Louisville. As of today, he is a proud member of the WWA. Once in his career, he has even served as a judge for the well known Spur Award. Author Cotton says that he was always fascinated with the thought of how a writer makes use of works to describe an emotion or a scene, just like a painter uses colors and brushes. He also says that the initial success and praises that he received during the initial stages of his writing career motivated him to continue with the writing profession. As a result of that, he decided to give up all his other occupations and chose to focus full time on his writing works. Considering his age and the ideas that he has in his mind that are yet to be penned down, author Cotton believes that he will be able to release a couple of books every year for the next few years. He also hopes that till the time of his retirement comes, one of his books would be adapted into a film. If this happens any time soon, Cotton wishes to take his grandchildren to that movie and enjoy seeing the characters that he created in his books. As a noteworthy writer, he prays that he does not disappoint his readers with any of his works and give them what they expect from him.
The Gunfighter’s Reputation series written by author Ralph Cotton consists of 11 books in total, which were released between the years 2004 and 2010. The debut novel of this series is titled as ‘Gunman’s Song’. This novel was published in the year 2004 by the Signet publication. The story revolves around the character of Lawrence Shaw, who is depicted as the quickest gun around. Due the boost from this achievement, he starts telling stories about gunfights instead of living them himself. Every other ordinary gunfighter did not like Lawrence much and he is always on their hitlist. There is also a gamblers’ group who have laid a bounty of 5 grand on the man who is going to kill him. Another gang of saddle tramps looks to slay Lawrence Shaw’s wife while they search for him. When they become successful in killing her, Lawrence becomes very much disheartened. He gets filled with the guilt of not being able to save his beloved wife. He vows to kill all those who were involved in the murder of his wife. Lawrence Shaw also decides to deal with his enemies once and for all by showing them what he is really made of.
Another book published initially in the series is titled as ‘Between Hell and Texas’. This book was also released by the Signet publishers in the year 2004. This story described by author Cotton in this book revolves around the central character named Cray Dawson. At the start of the book, he is shown as helping to cause the downfall of the Talbert Gang. As a result of this, he becomes a reputed shootist. In spite of this achievement, Cray Dawson does not think of him as a gunfighter. The only thing he wishes to do is to move back to his home in Somos Santos, Texas, and chase dogies. But, he Cray does not seem to have the knowledge of the fact that Somos Santos has changed a lot since the time he left. After reaching home, Cray comes to know that a new sheriff has been appointed named Lematte, who forces his own laws on to the people. It appears that the whole town is under Lematte’s thumb as he has employed vicious outlaws as his deputies. After knowing the whole matter, Cray Dawson decided to the take the matters in his own hand and deal with Lematte in his own style. For this very purpose, he wishes to show his bad reputation as a gunfighter to all those who think of coming in his way.
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AWESOME! Feel in love with man upon reading the first book! It amazed me that he had such a time in school. The man is pure talent. I praise him every chance I get. I only wish he wasn’t grouped with “westerns”. His writings are much more than that, few women read him because of thinking of Louis Lamour. Even though Mr. Lamour is talented , the two are nothing alike. I would love to see Ralph Cotton on the big screen. Rated pg with all the comedy and true emotions. So glad he writes. Bravo!!
Love Ralph Cotton books, awesome writer