Dave Balcom

Since my retirement after a 35-year newspaper career that covered 11 newspapers in eight states, I have authored and published eight Jim Stanton Mysteries, and, after a two-year hiatus which involved, a hopefully final move, this time to Alma, WI overlooking the Mississippi River, I am currently wrapping up my first non-Jim Stanton mystery. We won't be discussing " Chasing Regrets" until the -30- is typed on the final page.

Like his character Jim Stanton, Balcom is not only a retired news guy, but also an avid outdoorsman; fishing, hunting and foraging as often as possible. That has led some to wonder just how autobiographical those stories might be. The facts: Jim is 6-foot, 5-inches tall and a sleek 235 pounds, extremely attractive to women, agile and fearless in combat, smart as a whip, and dedicated to the discipline of tai chi. Other than those things, the rest of the character is all me.

I have been blessed to be married for 50+ years to Susie, and we have two adult children, who are both married, and three grandchildren. We both work for and are dedicated to a yellow Labrador retriever, Kris Kringle.

I believe a writer only gets better if he keeps working, and sharing his efforts with critical readers. To that end I welcome and appreciate all comments and criticism. You can follow

me at www.davebalcombooks.com (under construction) or talesfromoutthere.wordpress.com.

I look forward to hearing from you...