Jim Kraus is a longtime writer and editor who has authored or coauthored more than 22 books, both fiction and nonfiction. His bestselling humor book, Bloopers, Blunders, Jokes, Quips & "Quotes," was published by Tyndale House and has sold more than 40,000 copies and inspired several spin-offs. Jim, his wife, novelist Terri Kraus, and their son live in the Chicago area. Also residing with them is a sweet and gentle miniature schnauzer named Rufus. Coincidently, Rufus is also the name of the dog in Jim's latest book, The Dog That Talked to God. "What a coincidence," Jim said. "What are the odds of that happening?" They also share space with an ill-tempered Siberian cat named Petey.Jim recently was awarded a master of writing arts degree from DePaul University. "Now I am able to write more better," Jim said. (Yes, that is supposed to be humorous.) Passionate about writing, Jim loves to create true-to-life characters. "I tend to be the one at the party who is on the edge of things—observing how folks act and react. Plus, I'm not that crazy about people in general—so it works out fine." (Again, it's supposed to be funny.)