Ask the Author: Roger DeBlanck
Answered Questions (7)
Roger DeBlanck
My favorite fictional couple is Sethe and Paul D from Toni Morrison’s landmark novel Beloved. They’re my favorite because I admire and cherish their courage, strength, and fortitude to have survived the horrors of American slavery, and still they have their dignity intact and they retain their hope for a better tomorrow. When the adversity of their haunting memories tests them the most, they find a way to see beyond all the inhumanity done to them and also beyond their own personal mistakes and wrongdoings, and still they find a way to believe in love, compassion, and forgiveness. Paul D’s final decision is perhaps the greatest ending to a love story in all of American literature. For those who have not read the book, I will refrain from giving it away.
Roger DeBlanck
For my next novel, the story is based very loosely on the life of my brother-in-law. He is an Apache Mescalero Indian, and he had a very rough childhood and upbringing. He shared with me some memories, and I instantly knew I had the starting point for a novel. However, as with each of my novels, the story takes on a life of its own and I merely become the conduit through which the narrative is told.
Roger 8-)
Roger 8-)
Roger DeBlanck
My next novel, The Destruction of Silence, is about a Native American character with an Apache Mescalero heritage. He suffers from an abusive childhood and substance addiction. To overcome his traumatic past, he goes on a journey of self-discovery. Right now I want to reserve from saying too much more about the plot because there’s still about a third of the narrative that needs to transpire. I have an idea of what will happen in these latter stages, but circumstances may dictate unexpected outcomes. I will say that I’ve developed great compassion for the two main characters. They have found a special place in my heart.
Roger 8-)
Roger 8-)
Roger DeBlanck
Writing is what I do. I love to be immersed in the art and beauty of language and stories. Reading, writing, and literature are an integral part of my daily life, and I embrace writing as part of the work I must do.
Roger 8-)
Roger 8-)
Roger DeBlanck
Writer’s block has never been an obstacle I’ve encountered. I’m a reader first, and reading always keeps me motivated and my ideas whirring. Additionally, I prepare to write every day. I do research, I make notes and outlines, and I’m constantly thinking about whatever project I’m currently working on. I’m committed and excited to write each day. I treat the craft of writing with kindness, dignity, gratitude, and respect, and it has always given back to me a wealth of ideas.
Roger 8-)
Roger 8-)
Roger DeBlanck
My family's history has most definitely inspired my books. I’ve extrapolated from the experiences of family members in order to create fictionalized versions of their lives. On a more daily basis, inspiration comes to me from reading my favorite writers or from discovering the brilliant work of a writer I hadn't previously had the honor of reading before. When that happens, I feel a compulsion to produce something that resembles the same great breadth and beauty as the work I have been reading. The need to work hard motivates me. And a surefire place to find immediate inspiration is to return to the work of my favorite writers and read them loyally. Listening to music and watching movies that touch my soul are also other guaranteed ways for me to find inspiration.
Roger 8-)
Roger 8-)
Roger DeBlanck
My best advice for aspiring writers can be summarized in these seven mantras, which I remind myself of every day:
1) Read as much as you can and as often as you can. Make your reading goals more important than your writing goals.
2) Support other writers at every opportunity available to you.
3) Stay committed to your project and dedicated to your craft.
4) Start with your writing each morning and keep it going through the next day.
5) Be passionate about your work and nurture it with patience.
6) Work hard and the muse will find you.
7) Remain true to the vision of your art.
Roger 8-)
1) Read as much as you can and as often as you can. Make your reading goals more important than your writing goals.
2) Support other writers at every opportunity available to you.
3) Stay committed to your project and dedicated to your craft.
4) Start with your writing each morning and keep it going through the next day.
5) Be passionate about your work and nurture it with patience.
6) Work hard and the muse will find you.
7) Remain true to the vision of your art.
Roger 8-)
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