In later years, he added science fiction books and Oz books to his list of publications. He published the First Edition of The Talking City of Oz in 1999 (The Vanitas Press) which later appeared as a self-published Second Edition with illustrations by Gwen Tennille at a previous Oz-Stravaganza. The First Edition of this book earned him an invitation to participate in the festival nine years ago, and he has attended many years since with various Oz books.
    Ron was awarded a Lifetime Membership to the All Things Oz Museum by the International L. Frank Baum and All Things Oz Foundation in 2016. He attributes his success with books for children and youth to having been an educator for 15 years.
    To sign this year, Ron brings with him a novel for young adults and adults which combines Southern literature with Oz fantasy, O.Z. Diggs Himself Out (YBR Publishing) and a commemorative edition of his fantasy graphic novel (for ages 10 and up) which stars a version of his Pembroke Welsh Corgi and takes place partially in Oz: Ziggy Zig-zags the Light and Dark Fantastic (YBR Publishing). Using Ron’s story, concepts, and scripting, Vincent Myrand created the ink and watercolor illustrations for the graphic novel (with help in lettering and layout by Ali Tavakoly).
    Ron earned in B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina in 1998. He took several creative writing and poetry classes in his major. He later returned to work on his alternative certification to teach English.
    He has been a member of the International Wizard of Oz Club, is a member of the Oz writer and illustration group The Oz Inklings online, and was a member of the now defunct Not Yet Dead Poets’ Society for many years.
    For more information on Ron, please see his author page at http://rbaxley37.wixsite.com/ronbaxleyjrofoz .