Short Tales by "The Putz" is Ballard's second book and he uses his nickname,"Putz Ballard" as the author, a name given by son Gary. this is a collection of 48 short tales and stories about life events and has humor and though provoking stories with which many will resonate. Bloom Where Your Planted is the first chapter and Ballard shares some of his disappointments and failures and offers encouragement to others just to be themselves.