Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

This book is the true story of an ex-felon who found salvation in prison. It deals with the challenges and problems she went through while in prison and when she was released and how she overcame those challenges by faith in Jesus.
This is my memoirs written in fiction style.
The book is a good, easy read.
Sentenced to Life is available at Amazon.com , Barnes&Noble.com and at http://kaybaker.tateauthor.com
Excerpts and more details can also be found on my website. Hope you get a copy and enjoy.

Excuse me Kay. With all due respect, there's no such word in the Mirriam-Webster dictionary (or two others I checked) as "ex-felon." According to the Oxford Dictionaries a felon is: "…a person who has been convicted of a felon." Unless the person was cleared in a subsequent trial, found innocent, the only way to be an ex-felon would be by executive order, such as a presidential pardon. I was a crime and courts reporter for many years and never before encountered the term you're using.

Well, Larry, that is term that is generally used by those who have been released from prison. Whether it is in the dictionary or not I really don't know. I just use the word that the prison staff used. As this is my true story and I was there, I know this was the word used. It may not be a dictionary word but this is the word used to describe people released from prison. It might be a made-up word :)
If you will google the word ex-felon you will see that it is generally used, also ex-offender, to mean felons released from prison.

Kay wrote: "Well, Larry, that is term that is generally used by those who have been released from prison. Whether it is in the dictionary or not I really don't know. I just use the word that the prison staff..."

Kay, I understand your viewpoint and am glad you're a changed person. But, being a professional writer, incorrect usage drives me crazy as it erodes the language. An example that comes to mind is the Rolling Stones: "I can't get no satisfaction." Argh, it's a double-negative and atrocious grammar. :-)
Best,

I understand your point Larry but even the media uses this word (ex-felon)in their articles, their news reports, etc. I don't know how long ago since you have been a court reporter but reporters do use this word when they talk about a released felon/prisoner.

Actually I have not used this word in my book at all. I use it in my promotions because it is the simplest and "most accepted" term to describe a released felon/prisoner.