Dames, also known as Junior Man, began his downward spiral into crime as a young teen, and by the age of 17 faced charges for murder, conspiracy to commit murder and violation of probation.

Dames’ deep introspection of his life propelled him to write his first book entitled “Collecting My Thoughts,” which is several short stories that reveal his pain, multiple incarcerations, transformation and the eventual path of inner revelation that led to his recent success.

“Collecting My Thoughts” is an anthology of 17 short stories and one poem entitled “Redemption” that tells the author’s journey revealing his raw feelings, emotions, and issues that plague black men every day.

In the story “Peace to the Dead Homies,” Dames remembers and prays for the souls of those who are no longer with us, while in “The Prison Within,” he stresses to guard your mind against mental confinement at all cost.

“‘Collecting My Thoughts’ is my story of redemption and a compilation of short stories that will walk readers through my journey of evolution.”