James Dwight Patterson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His parents were both born in Texas and the family made numerous trips to Texas, especially Brownsville, where his mother graduated high school. Texas made a fond and lasting impression on James which is reflected in his writing. A Matter of Will was inspired by an actual murder that occurred in 1936. The fictional Sheriff of Brownsville, Will Pearson, diligently pursues the killers who have sought sanctuary in Mexico. His efforts are frustrated by conflicting laws and attitudes in the bordering countries. The events in the zealous pursuit of the killers are pure fiction.

James is the author of a trilogy of books titled Dire Circumstances - The Great Depression; Dire Circumstances - The War; and Dire Circumstances - The Aftermath. He experienced the decades of the 1930's and 1940's, two of the most troubled and devasting periods in American history. The stories follow a smalltown Oklahoma family as they deal with the challenges of financial calamity, destructive war, and the adjustments to peace and an uncertain future.

He received his BA in Industrial Psychology from Tulsa University and his MS in the same field from Purdue University. His writing skills were honed through numerous business publications and 5 film scripts. DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES is his first novel. He now resides in Santa Barbara, CA with his wife Judith. He can be reached at jamesdpatterson31@gmail.com.