Alton Pryor

Meet Alton Pryor, Author.  86 years old and still writing.  So far he’s published 52 books, many in print form but as the world of publishing is changing he’s publishing more in e-book form these days.  Prolific!   His best selling book is his very first one too– “Little Known Tales in California History”.  It’s sold over 150,000 copies.

Pryor began as a journalist, writing for newspapers, magazines and handled international affairs for United Press International in the Sacramento bureau.  He also did a bit of radio news.

One of his favorite stories is how he had a ten minute one on one interview with Ronald Reagan on the day he announced he was running for governor.  “There were dozens of journalists in the room.  Being with Reagan I felt like I was the only person there.  That’s how he was.”  Pryor was working for a magazine at the time and had no idea Reagan would go to win a governorship  and ultimately the presidency.  His big lament– “I didn’t get a photograph with him!”.

After 27 years in the business he found himself out of a job and a chance experience changed the course of his life.  At his son’s suggestion Pryor began doing a bit of freelance work, which included a 500 word article on Southern California settlers.  During his research he found out so much more about California history in general he began collecting the stories.  Again his son offered sage words “You’re a writer, write a book.”  Pryor’s love for California history encouraged him to take a leap and a book publishing business was born.  Stagecoach Publishing.  www.stagecoachpublishing.com

Along with author Naida West he was one of the founders at the authors booth at The California State Fair.  You’ll find him there most days this year too.  Stop by and say hello and look at his amazing array of books.  I’m pretty sure you’ll find one you want!  I did.  I bought a boxed set for my dad who is having his 85th birthday in September.

The Legacy Project

Author Alton Pryor

Author Alton Pryor

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About charr

Charr Crail is a Northern California photographer and artist with an avid passion for creating unique digital imagery. Charr, a full-time freelance photographer, spans the divide between photojournalism and extraordinary art via photography and can trace back her evolution as an photographer/artist from three dominant sources. Her father made his living as a newspaper photographer and as soon as he could, was taking young Charr, then four, on assignments to capture a lifetime of experiences and images. He instilled a sense of adventure and curiosity in her as they would often meander down unknown country roads of the South – just to see and capture what was out there. Soon after, Charr would develop her eye for photography and journalism as “the river that runs through everything she does”. Charr’s mother blessed her daughter with the ability to appreciate art in its various mediums. Further, her mother was able to pass along the joy, satisfaction and excitement one can experience in actively creating something beautiful. It’s no surprise, then, that Charr would become a photojournalist and later a photo editor spanning two decades working for Northern California publications including The Sacramento Bee. Often, her assignments would include community events with a “close to home” theme woven into every image and story she captured. Her photojournalistic experience has therefore been nuanced through everything she produces. She’s also drawn to the wonder of color and the beauty that can be found in the composure of a face and the make-up of the human bodyscape. Charr has won countless awards for masterful pieces including; the Professional Photographers of America LOAN Collection for two consecutive years, WPPI Grand Award and her work has been featured in the Di Rosa Museum in California’s beautiful Napa Wine Region and is also part of the permanent collection. Separately, she instructs digital photography workshops that teach students how to blow out the creativity of their photography in simple methods using programs like Adobe Photoshop and how to market using mobile devices-- Visual Content Creation using Mobile Devices.. Charr lives in Sacramento with her husband Chris and kitties Leeloo and Sadie.

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