Monday, August 16, 2010

FEATURED AUTHOR: d. E. Rogers


d. E. Rogers is a dynamic, charismatic, magnetic, powerful and intelligent person who has been successful in all facets of his life. Coming from humble beginning, he has accomplished a lot in his short time on earth. Rogers has a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Management and Production from Purdue University and an MBA from Bethel College. He has also attended Stanford University for Project Management, the University of Notre Dame for Executive Leadership and Management, and the New York Film Academy for filmmaking.

d. E. Rogers has written five great novels (White Lie, Color Line, Just Like Your Daddy, I Know She Didn’t, and Counterfeit Friends). His books have had increasing and incredible sales records. On every project, Rogers has taken his writing skills to the next level where few have gone. His stories are rich in reality and tell of real life love and drama that all can relate to. The characters jump from the pages and into your life as though they were long time friends. After reading one of his books, you will want to read another.

His short film titled, The Aftermath has been screened at several film festival across the country. The Aftermath was a finalist at the Motor City Film Festival in Detroit. He is now in preproduction of a film project and documentary that he plans to shoot during 2010.

The intangibles that he brings to the table are an outstanding background in the entertainment industry, exemplary expertise in screenwriting, and solid experience in directing and producing films. To complement these qualifications, he has strong problem solving talents, and exceptional organizational abilities which should prove instrumental in producing this film.

Crossing Color Lines focuses on racial relations, comes at a good time, as people around the country have a renewed sense of hope regarding this issue since President Obama s election. Now that he has taken office, people are beginning to talk about the need for equality based on opportunity, and about how his winning the election has changed things, explains d. E. Rogers, author of the book, which is being published by REGI Books and is available online and in bookstores. Race in America is an issue that we may finally be able to start addressing. Crossing Color Lines follows the story of Chase Cain, someone who as a child witnessed the brutal hanging of his father. Since he has lighter skin, he is able to use in a way that he believes will be his advantage, and pass as a white man. He sets out to gain all the things he desires friends, love, and wealth but ultimately the way he has chosen to live his life ends up causing his demise. The novel asks a candid question that many of us have pondered: If you had the opportunity to choose your race, would you remain true to your birthright, or would you opt for the race that you believe can provide you with the greatest benefit? That is a question that the main character must answer, live and experience. We always think that other people have it so much better, adds Rogers. But would you want to make such a fundamental change, or would you choose to stick with the race into which you were born? It s a hypothetical question, but one that we should all consider. This latest book focuses on real-life drama. By taking this approach, Rogers shows that he has the ability to look race issues in the eye, bringing them to the forefront in a compelling and riveting manner.

How did you start out your writing career?

My first writing job came after I graduated from Purdue University. After college, I moved to LA and worked as a screenwriter for an actor and comedian.

What did you learn while writing this book?

This book challenged me more than most of my books due to the sensitive nature of racism in America. The issues around racism and how people of color are treated has always been a hotbed issue that remains unresolved. Even though the book is fiction I did research the history of race relations and incidents in the past to stay true to issues that arose throughout my novel.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

Outside of making it to the Best seller lists, my main goal is to open up eyes to racism and begin a positive constructive discussion. I hope those discussion could lead to developments of more equality amongst races and a better understand of us all.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

Trying to create a powerful fictional story with real life truths is a difficult task. When you deal with issues like racism people tend to want more fact not fiction because we live it each day. Making a compelling story around it is a very tough test that I believe I passed with flying colors.

If you had the opportunity to talk with three writers, who would you choose and why?

James Baldwin – because he was such a literary genius who was able to tap into the social issues of his time and write some of the most brilliant stories that helped changed minds and social behaviors.


Zora Neale Hurston – because of her style of writing and for remaining true to what she knew. Her stories were a depiction of how race relationship were and how people interacted during those periods in time.


Marcus Garvey – because of his spirit and belief that black people could achieve greatness with unity and self-empowerment. His vision of black Americans rising above their plight and achieving equality is still alive today by standing up for what’s right.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

1. A greater understanding of the publishing industry
2. Better ways to market books
3. Additional writing conferences across the nation

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

1. Do – Take control of how you want to be marketed. 1. Don’t – Never let someone tell you to stop writing.

I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?

Talking about being on the New York Times Best Sellers List while on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

It’s very hard to think, develop, write, edit and then edit some more until a great story is produced. Writing is a getting naked process – where you expose your mind to people who you have never met. Then you wait for their judgment that will praise you or try to destroy you.

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?

The best advice, I’ve ever got was that you should always follow your heart and write the things that you want to. The worst advice, I’ve received was that I needed to write like other writers that are selling a lot books.

If you could visit any place in the world where would you travel to?

Africa.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Is that I’m an avid tennis player.

Our theme for this month is STAYING OUT OF THE SLUSH PILE? What advice would you give someone to make sure their manuscript stays out of the slush pile?

Self-publish your own material if possible. If you have the funds to do it, you will be able to market and sell your book the way you see fit. This gives you more control of the publishing process.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

I’m arguably one of the best writers alive today.


Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

DR@theworldofdavid.com
http://www.theworldofdavid.com/
1-877-212-7344


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1 comment:

LaShaunda said...

d.E. thank yo ufor being our featured author for today. Wishing you many blessings with your writing career.

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