About the Author – W. James Stoness

William James Stoness

Meet the Mind Behind the Stories

William James Stoness grew up on a farm in Eastern Ontario. After graduating from Queen's University he started into a career teaching Chemistry. A youthful interest in geography and geology encouraged him to travel by RV across Canada and the United States where he photographed scenery and geological phenomena.

It was this travel which developed an interest in the Old West, an interest which has led him to write several novels about the never ending fight between the 'good cowboys and the bad hombres'.

In his westerns, Mr. Stoness writes with an exciting descriptive style, emphasizing the beauty of the southwest, and matching the stories to the terrain to create a feel of reality.

In his novel 'The Yellowstone Hotspot', the author fashions his tale around the geologically active volcanic hotspot that exists under the famous park.

Mr. Stoness is also writing a series of scenic driving tour books, "Touring North America". He has completed three guide books and is working on a forth. Those completed are: The Lure of Pine and Sage, Cactus and Canyons, and Canada:Beyond the Far Horizons.

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Jim Scenic Moments

Jim, catching another scenic shot on his travels

Jim at lake

Taking a little relaxation and trying to scare up a few bass for supper.

Jim at Yucatan

Investigating the ruined Yucatan pyramids with trusty camera close at hand.

Jim cleans up downed maple tree

It’s sad to see a maple sap producing tree succumb to the wind. These trees are old.

Jim flying over Indian Lake

Flying is interesting and fun, but it’s also expensive. Also booking ahead for a rental plane is difficult when you can’t be sure of the weather. One day, after being assured by the airport company that the weather looked great, I flew and found myself looking for the airport during a heavy snowfall.

Jim in Jeep in Europe

Jim was fortunate to make two trips to the sites of the battles of the South Alberta Regiment. He and his wife Sylvia were invited by Major Danny McLeod, to photograph the Veterans’ Tour as they visited places where they had been in battle. They erected plaques and visited cemeteries to honour the lost comrades.

Jim on Rocky Mountain Train

Jim and his wife, Sylvia, fully enjoyed the scenery and hospitality of this special Western Canada touring railroad. The mountain scenery is terrific from the top level of a luxurious dome car while snacking on some freshly made chocolate chip cookies.

Jim Shop

Jim takes time to manufacture of shaped baseboard using his own lumber from his farm.

Jim squeezing

Jim is still learning how to play. Whether he ever accomplishes that, is debatable.

Jim Tapping maple trees

Tapping the maple forest is enjoyable, but difficult and time consuming. Once the sap is collected and boiling begins, things begin to look better, or rather smell better. Nothing can match the odour from a vat of finished maple syrup. Of course there is the enjoyment of using fresh maple syrup at the table.

Jim when the motorhome won’t fit

Nothing else will do, the building needs to be made longer. In this case an early morning trip to the woods provided a large timber to square up for the header on the doorway. It was lifted into place with the help of a couple of tractors.

Jim writing

Sometimes outside work has to take its turn. Writing takes a lot of time and a comfortable environment is the key to enjoying what you are doing.