A Literary Playground - Short Stories, the third book in a Tribute Series to James Ball Naylor, is edited and annotated by Theresa Marie Flaherty, the author of Naylor's Biography, The Final Test. Naylor practiced the art of storytelling by exploring different topics and types of characters as a way to bring his own experiences to life. He used short stories as a literary playground where he learned to follow, and to bend, the rules of writing, and where he discovered his "voice." Written more than one hundred years ago, the twenty-three short stories in this volume reflect an era very different from today, yet reveal enduring heartfelt sentiments. Naylor drew on childhood memories of growing up in southeastern Ohio, his love for his family, and his profession in defining his characters and plots. Some of his most charming stories are written about children. A country doctor in rural Ohio, Naylor recognized the fascination of the uninitiated in matters of medicine long before CSI became a staple of prime time TV and peppered many of his stories with medical details. Born in 1860, Naylor also wrote several stories relating to the Civil War, where he lost his father.

The Final Test - A Biography of James Ball Naylor, is about one of the most well known men in the country at the turn of the twentieth century, who has since faded into obscurity. A country doctor exceptionally gifted with natural ability, Naylor's passion for writing led to his greatest success as the author of a 1901 best seller. He wrote poetry, short stories, historical and other novels, and became well known as an entertainer and speaker on the Lyceum and Chautauqua Circuits, as well as a political force both as a candidate and a newspaper columnist. His contributions and accomplishment as an educator, writer, poet, public speaker, entertainer, public servant, and politician were numerous. His involvement in politics brought him more than passing friendships with local and national politicians, including Warren G. Harding, whom he knew from their earliest days in politics. This association led to Naylor's thirteen-year stint as a columnist for the Marion Star, but his staunch support of Harding in the face of the scandals after Harding's death affected Naylor's reputation as well. This is an inspiring story of a remarkable man with strong moral character and integrity who was dedicated to his family and to helping others in his profession as a physician. The Final Test A Biography of James Ball Naylor was a FINALIST in the Biography-Historical category in the 2011 National INDIE Excellence Awards.