he author is a baby-boomer raised in Maine shortly after WWII. Raised in a rural town along the Kennebec River, graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy with an engineer's license, BS degree and an officer's commission for the United States Navy. Sailed the seas to the west coast of Africa from Dakar, Senegal to the Cape of Good Hope. He became disillusioned with many things that he witnessed, especially the harsh ways people were treated. From the trials and tribulations of life, he was inspired to enter a Benedictine Monastery and Jesus touched his heart. Under the Benedictine tutelage, he learned about spirituality, scripture and asceticism well under the name of Br. James.He left the monastery before simple vows and the trials and tribulations of life were thrust upon him once again. The result of his knowledge and wisdom gained from the monks and the continuation to practice his faith is the impetus of his writings. He worked for Union Camp / International Paper for 34 years as an engineer. Presently enjoying his retirement between his grandchildren and writing, hence the pen-name of James Benedict.