Ralph W Cotton

Ralph W. Cotton was an American author renowned for his western novels, with over 80 books published, including his debut *While Angels Dance* in 1994, which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Prior to writing, he worked as an ironworker, second mate on a commercial barge, teamster, horse trainer, and lay minister with the Lutheran Church. He also wrote several novels under the Ralph Compton byline after Compton's death.