About the Author

Rudi Tautz is one of my 'pen names'. I have had many names in the nearly eighty years of my life: some for the convenience of my government and others, my pen names, because many people find it nearly impossible to spell my birth name, much more, pronounce it correctly. Hence, I use the name that I feel is most fitting for the contents of the book.

I was born in (what was then) Yugoslavia, taken to China while only several months old and brought to America when I was ten. Perhaps all these journeys influenced me to the point that I love to travel, meet different people and find out the many interesting things about their lives.

I have made many decisions in my life, some bad, most good. The best decision I ever made was also the easiest: my wife. Never have I encountered a person so loyal, so faithful, so willing to help no matter what. But, perhaps more important than anything she did for me is the remarkable way she raised our children. It seems that so many people can't wait to tell me how thoughtless their children are now that the parents are in their golden years. I've never seen a family as close-knit as ours and, for that, I thank my Erika.

My philosophy is, "Life is what you make it." Certainly, there is bad luck and good. But what you do with whatever circumstance hits you is what determines your character and happiness. A religious man once told me, "Man is to have Joy!" Yes, I believe it. I have been to places where people are so poor and downtrodden that one would think there is no way they could have joy; yet they can and do! My books are about people who have overcome severe hurdles in their lives but have managed to have joyful lives despite the many speed bumps.

My hope is that you will enjoy my stories as much as I have enjoyed writing them.