Our Authors
Gary L. Benton, a.k.a., "WR Benton"
W.R. Benton has previously authored twelve books, fiction, non-fiction and Southern Humor. Such notable authors as, Matt Braun, Stephen Lodge, Don Bendell, and many others have endorsed his work. His survival book, "Simple Survival, a Family Outdoors Guide," is a Silver Award Winner from the Military Writers Society of American. Additionally, this book was added to the prestigious Estes Park Library in Colorado.His hobbies include hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, cartooning, and reading. Mister Benton has an Associates Degree in Search and Rescue, Survival Operations, a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, and a Masters Degree in Psychology completed except for his thesis. Sergeant Benton retired from the military in 1997 with over twenty-six years of active duty.Mister Benton is a member of the Western Writers of America, American Authors Association, Military Writers Society of America, Southern Humorists Group, and the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Visit his website | Email
James Griffin
Jim Griffin developed an interest in the frontier West, and particularly the Texas Rangers, at an early age. He grew to be an avid student and collector of Ranger artifacts, memorabilia, and other items. His collection is now housed in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco.Jim's quest for authenticity in his writing has taken him to the famous Old West towns of Pecos, Deadwood, Cheyenne, Tombstone, and numerous others. While Jim's books are novels, he strives to keep his stories as accurate as possible within the realm of fiction. To that end, his good friend Texas Ranger Sergeant Jim Huggins, along with friends Karl Rehn and Penny Riggs, help him with the technical and historic aspects of his books.Melanie C. Benton, a.k.a., "Dahlia Patton"
Dahlia Patton is the pen name of Melanie D. Calvert-Benton is a retired respiratory care practitioner who now works with her first loves, photography and writing. While running a successful photography business for years, she only recently turned to writing a novel through the urging of Western Fiction Writer W.R. Benton. Melanie's photography has appeared on the covers of all four of Mister Benton's "The Drum Series" and soon will be gracing her own books. Her first book, "A Southern Moon Rising," was released in July, 2008.An avid outdoorswoman, she enjoys C. B. radio, deer hunting, fishing, camping, and of course, outdoor photography. She prefers the smell of wood smoke, the crackling of a fire late at night, and the serenity of nature, to a fast-paced life in a big city. Born and raised in Mississippi , most of it on a farm, she is a true Southern Belle. Visit her website | EmailRoy Frusha
Roy Frusha is a former Marine officer, Vietnam veteran, and high school English teacher. He served 24 years in the Louisiana State Police, during which time he completed DEA Basic and Advanced, Police Management from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the LSP Meritorious Service Award, Sons of the American Revolution Commendation Medal, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Life Saving Medal. Frusha and his wife of 30 years reside in Lafayette, LA.