I began writing as a teenager. I was a bit of a loner as a kid and I found my refuge in books, losing myself in the made up worlds between the covers of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Edgar Allen Poe, et al. It was probably a logical next step that I’d start creating my own worlds. I won a National Sunday school short story writing contest when I was around 13, and from then on I was hooked.
When I joined the army in 1962, I wrote poetry for the European Stars and Stripes newspaper, and over the years began writing for newspapers near the bases where I was assigned and getting published in national and regional magazines. I’ve moonlighted as an editorial cartoonist and columnist for local papers, been a contributing artist for a now defunct magazine, and had cartoons, photographs, and articles published in magazines all over, such as Ebony, Asia Magazine, Newsweek, Tarheel, etc. Some of the publications I appeared in haven’t survived the digital revolution, while others have changed dramatically. Having been in print journalism for decades, the transition to e-Books was difficult, but I took the plunge, and now that’s my mainstay, although I still like the feel of a paper book in my hand, and my books are available in paperback as well as electronic format.
I worked as a government employee (military and civilian) from 1962 to 2012, and during that time, I wrote at every opportunity. I retired in 2012 (50 years was long enough, don’t you think?) and am now devoting full time to writing, art, photography, and public speaking on leadership and international affairs. That, of course, calls into question the term ‘retirement.’ Maybe a better word is ‘transitioned’ from public to private life.
I have a broad range of interests, and they’ll be reflected in this blog, as well as my other blog at http://charlesaray.blogspot.com. Hopefully, what I post will educate and inspire you, but most importantly, I hope it will entertain you. Reader feedback is always welcome – even the negative stuff, but, please, no rotten tomatoes.
Charles Ray's Ramblings 
September 14, 2012 at 5:14 am
Thanks for the visit. Blessings to you;)
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October 15, 2012 at 1:49 am
I’ve always been amazed and jealous about great writers I meet thru blogging. But you’ve been writing since 13? Genius!
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October 20, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Thank you for stopping by.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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December 14, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Thank you following Trade News in Brief, it a pleasure to make new connections! Bogdan
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November 18, 2015 at 8:21 pm
Hi Charles! The One Lovely Blog Award will be live in a few minutes at http://thelindenchronicles.com/2015/11/18/one-lovely-blo…ward-thank-you/ Thank you so much for the award!
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November 18, 2015 at 8:36 pm
Thank you!
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November 18, 2015 at 8:26 pm
[…] would like to thank Charles Ray‘s fantastic book review blog and also everyone that takes the time to read my blog. I am […]
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November 18, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Hi Charles…it is live at http://thelindenchronicles.com/2015/11/18/one-lovely-blog-award-thank-you/ and thank you again for the honor!! Take care and stay safe out there 🙂
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December 31, 2015 at 8:29 pm
My grandfather was Wilford Johnson,from black mountain. Will you contact me
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December 31, 2015 at 11:59 pm
Okay, I’ll email you.
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January 27, 2020 at 6:29 am
Review request: “Your VIP Biography”
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m writing on behalf of USA Today bestselling author Alinka Rutkowska and Hollywood Producer Ken Atchity. They’re coming out with a groundbreaking book “Your VIP Biography: How to Write Your Autobiography and Land a Hollywood Deal” on January 11.
Since you reviewed “Writing Vivid Settings: Writer’s Craft”, I thought you’d appreciate me reaching out with a free copy of Alinka and Ken’s book.
Just go to https://leaderspress.com/your-vip-biography/ to start reading your free review copy now.
I bet you’ll find some trade secrets in it that will completely change your memoir-writing game,
In appreciation,
Glenda Mae
PR Specialist, Leaders Press, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling press
Recent releases: Pocket Mentor, Supreme Leadership, Write and Grow RichFeatured article: Entrepreneur, 17 Steps to Creating a Best-Selling Business Book
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