Big Clifford Ray Saves the Day
is a short biography—written as a series of poems—that leads up to one of the most memorable events in Clifford Ray Jr.’s life. The story starts with Clifford as a boy learning to fish, dreaming of the ocean, and falling in love with dolphins and other sea creatures.
As Clifford grows, and grows, and grows, he becomes a very good basketball player. He plays basketball for the University of Oklahoma before he is drafted by the Chicago Bulls to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After playing for the Bulls three years, he moved to California to play for the Golden State Warriors. His exceptionally long arms were perfect for shooting, blocking, and rebounding the basketball and helping the Golden State Warriors win the 1975 NBA Championship.
A few years later, his incredibly long arms came in handy again, one extraordinary day in 1978. This is the true and unusual story of how a tall NBA basketball player helped save an animal’s life. (Children’s book—52 pages)
Click cover to buy!
A Most Improbable Millionaire
Within ten minutes of talking to Jim Schmit, you'll learn that he has a Teacup Yorkie named Gidget, he drives a rare Doval Shadow, he rides a road bike for exercise, he lost his $50 million real estate empire following the 2009 economic recession, and he might be the most authentically happy person you may ever meet. At one time, he traveled by private jet socializing with international celebrities while wearing tailor-made suits and shiny gold jewelry. Now, Jim makes business calls from a public picnic table by the San Clemente pier and chats with strangers walking by while wearing a tattered, spandex cycling outfit. He may also be found based in his motor coach in central Oregon or near Lake Tahoe wearing walking shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. With him always are a yellow pad, pen, mobile phone, and Gidget. "I'm the happiest guy I know, and I can't rub two nickels together," Jim says, amused with himself. And he sincerely means it. One may interpret Jim's amusement with his ragtag situation as a revelation. He openly admits that he's happier now living a simpler life, free from managing dozens of businesses, maintaining seven homes, and controlling countless collections. It is also quite possible that Jim is amused with his current state of affairs because of the projects he has underway that may leave him even wealthier than before. The truth is, no matter what he does or doesn't have, where he is or isn't, or who has or hasn't been good to him, Jim Schmit has a gift. He sees the positive in life and lives each day indisputably content. The life of Jim Schmit is a lesson in happiness and this book is his case study. (Biography—331 pages)
Click cover to buy!
Purchasing Information
Purchasing: Buyers are encouraged to purchase books at the following website: store.bookbaby.com (click covers to buy). When purchased here, 50% of the sales go to the creators, the other 50% covers production cost and service. At other websites, the creators receive only 5-10% of the sales.
Patience: Once ordered, please note that the publisher then has to print your order. Therefore, it can take about a week to print and then the book is mailed after that. In the publishing world, this is called “print on demand”. This type of publishing opens the door to many more writers and creators, like us, because it requires less capital and no need to warehouse a pile of printed books.
Cost of “Big Clifford Ray Saves the Day”: The hardback book is priced at $34 for two primary reasons. First, the quality of the book is very high. Second, this children’s book, at over 50 pages long, is nearly twice as long as a normal children’s book. Nearly doubling materials means nearly doubling production costs which ultimately means a higher priced book.
Bulk Orders for “Big Clifford Ray Saves the Day”: We are excited to offer bulk ordering options. To make bulk orders, you must contact the author at laynie@layniedweaver.com who can work with the publisher for a discounted price. Bulk order pricing is provided below and the savings (or your potential profit margin) are based on the $34.00 price available at store.bookbaby.com. Large orders of 250+ will take at least three weeks to print and ship, so please plan ahead if you have a deadline or special event in mind. Shipping costs will vary and we always work to get the best rate we can. Bulk order payments are most easily processed through: Venmo and checks. See “2025 Book Drive” page for a more detailed pricing table and the option to order by case (25 books per case).
Order 25+ books at the cost of $30.00 per book (save $4.00 per book) plus shipping
Order 50+ books at the cost of $28.50 per book (save $5.50 per book) plus shipping
Order 100+ books at the cost of $25.50 per book (save $8.50 per book) plus shipping
Order 250+ books at the cost of $22.50 per book (save $11.50 per book) plus shipping
Order 500+ books at the cost of $20.25 per book (save $13.75 per book) plus shipping
Order 1000+ books at the cost of $18.25 per book (save $15.75 per book) plus shipping
Thank you for your support and happy reading! -Laynie D. Weaver
About the Author
I am a technical writer by profession and a biographer by hobby. “Big Clifford Ray Saves the Day” is my second published book and first children’s book. I met the subject of this book, Mr. Clifford Ray, Jr., while researching my first book, “A Most Improbable Millionaire.” Clifford and I became quick friends and he mentioned in one of our early conversations how he had always wanted to write a book. While he’s had other writers reach out and request to work with him, he selected me to be his writer and I am so grateful.
We originally planned to write a full biography of Clifford’s very interesting life. However, Clifford cleverly suggested we turn his favorite life event into a children’s book for our first published project. It has been one of the most challenging and fun writing projects I have undertaken. Trips to Orlando, Florida to meet with Clifford were not all work; fishing, Orlando Magic basketball, and Disney World all made the itinerary.
Children’s books are not complete without wonderful illustrations. Fortunately, I know a rather talented artist, my oldest sister C. Courtney Weaver. This is her first, and certainly not her last, work of children’s book illustrations.
When not writing, I enjoy entertaining conversations and quality time in the great outdoors hiking, snow skiing, and surfing. I split my time between San Clemente, California and Mammoth Lakes, California. My special spy skills are sleeping on airplanes and saying the alphabet backwards.