Kenneth Rodgers Jr.

Kenneth Rodgers Jr. is creating his future, one chapter at a time. The BGSU grad recently published his debut novel “Writing in The Margins.” For Rodgers, the publication of his novel through online publisher Eloquent Books, is the culmination of a lifelong dream.

“I have wanted to be a writer since I was 7 or 8 years old. I was reading a book a day through the Accelerated Reader program in school. I was always writing things down in my journal, which really got me through some tough times at home,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers knows a little something about writing in margins.

“Right now I’m working a few different jobs in addition to my writing. I get up at 3am every morning to write for two hours before I have to go to work, and that’s something I’ll remain committed as long as my body lets me keeping doing it,” jokes Rodgers.

“Writing in The Margins” isn’t Rodgers first foray into the world of publication. The 24 year old Peoria, IL native previously authored the short story collection “Thoughts in Italics” for the print on demand firm PublishAmerica, Inc.

Rodgers, who early on in his college career dropped out to focus on himself and his writing, is a national debate and public speaking champion. In fact, he credits that experience with helping him write more natural dialogue in his fiction.

“I would just tell other young writers in position to never give up, and that you have to believe that what you’re writing is going to find its audience. Don’t expect anyone to hold your hand, if you ask for it, people will help along the way. I’ve been very lucky in that, my family has always been very supportive, and I found a publisher who really cares about their authors..”

Rodgers, who graduated from Peoria High School District 150, is the first member of his family to ever graduate college. He is currently working on a number of other projects, including his next novel.

For more information, call (419) 531-8101, or visit www.eloquentbooks.com

This entry was posted on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Arts and Life, Books.
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