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I was born in Muncie, Indiana.  I have one brother, David, who is an attorney in the Los Angeles, California area.   My parents were both teachers, and I    followed their lead by graduating from Ball State University (BSU), Muncie, Indiana in 1961 with a B.S. degree in Education.  Two years later I completed my Masters Degree at BSU in guidance and counseling. 

I taught for seven years then entered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent.  I left the Bureau ten years later to write and record Gospel music.  After eight years I returned to education, and was a high school guidance counselor for nineteen years before retiring in 2005.  My wife, Nicki, and I have been married forty eight years, and are both enjoying retirement.  We have three children and nine grandchildren.  In addition to writing books, I coach a girl's golf team at a local high school.   

Thank you Roger for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

My latest project is a book entitled, "The IKE Disease."  IKE is a one on one counseling session with the reader (teenagers) encouraging them to make decisions leading to a successful, happy life.  The main theme in the book is, "Honoring Father and Mother."  I devote one chapter in the book to, "Using Your Gift for Work."  In this chapter I encourage the reader to, "Figure out what you love to do, then figure out a way to make money doing it." 

The purpose of education is to train people for employment, and yet very few teenagers ever give thought to their futures in the work place.  When young people think about earning income by doing something they love to do, the educational process then makes sense.  I give examples of students who figured out what they loved to do, then figured a way to make money doing it.  After many years finding great joy in his work, one former student remarked, "I can't believe I make so much money doing what I love to do."  Every young person has a gift which can be identified by the things they love to do.  When teenagers fail to think about these things, they miss a great opportunity in life.         

Have you received any awards for your work?    

My book, "The IKE Disease," was selected in the top fifty new books for teenagers in a recent website evaluation.  When I was a high school counselor I was named, "Teacher of the Year," at my school.  I was also named, "Counselor of the Year," in the county in which I was employed.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?  

When I was employed as a high school guidance counselor I used, "The IKE Disease," in group counseling sessions.  Now that I am retired I continue to present IKE at speaking engagements.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?  

My education and profession have been envaluable in my writing.  I use many students to illustrate points in the book; however, the experience as a FBI Agent was the leading factor in perfecting my writing skills.  While an Agent I wrote many reports that had to be accurate for use in court.  So, my education gave me the information, and the Bureau gave me the skills to get the information on paper.  

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I have written one additional book which was actually written a few years before I wrote IKE.  The book is entitled, "The Little True Book." and is a Scriptural guide for young people.  For many years now I have held a Bible study at a Juvenile Detention Center each Sunday morning, and for those younssters who are interested, I send, "The Little True Book," to their email address.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Only when I make appearances to present IKE, and when I receive emails from my readers.  I recently received an email from a reader who stated the following:  "LOVED...LOVED...LOVED your book.  I told my daughet that it is a "must read" for her right now to improve her management skills.  I have quoted the book countless times already.  I could go on and on about how strongly I feel about all that you said.  Just know that I think it is an essential piece of literature for anyone old enough to read.  It should be read again and again to refresh the basic message that is the cornerstone of a successful life.  Thank you for sharing the book with me.  And thank you for putting your keys to a successful life into print for all those who are willing to accept it."

What will your next project be?

After writing the IKE Disease I became aware of how important it is for young people to obey their parents.  I devote a chapter to this issue; however, I believe a new book needs to follow because of its importance in the lives of young people.  I can say that as a high school guidance counselor, every student  I have known, who made it their business to disobey their parents, sufferd great hardship.  Juvenile delinquency including drugs, premartial sex, etc are not the problems.  These behaviors are merely symptoms of the real problem which is disobedence to parents.  Young people are having huge problems in our society, and no one is talking about the cause.  Kids that obey their parents do well.  Those that disobey have problems, and it has nothing to do with whether the parents are good parents or bad parents.  All a person has to do is look at, "family and friends," to see this reality. 

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

The person that inspires me most is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Through His word in the Scriptures I gain understanding, and through undertstanting I gain wisdom.  For me it has never been about religion, but rather a relationship.  

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Working with young people.  One way or another I've worked with young people all my life.  To see a young person grow and achieve is very satisfying for me.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

I would encourage new writers to be patient.  Success takes time, and hard work.  Don't lose faith in your work, and be happy when little things come along that at the time seem insignificant.  "Little Things," are the building blocks for success.

How did you get started as a writer?

I had experiences with kids in school, and my own kids, that I wanted to share.  I felt I had a message to share, and that it would be wrong to sit on the information, and do nothing about it.  I see my job as getting the information on paper, and marketing all I can.  The rest is out of my hands.  

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

My favorite work is the Bible.  In the Gospel of John, the 1st verse,  it says, " In the beginning was the word and work was with God and the word was God....."  In the 14th verse it says, "and the word became flesh and dwelt among us....."  With these Scriptures I am able to see Jesus with my eyes in His purest form.  When Jesus rose to be with His Father He left Himself on earth in His purest form.  "And the word became flesh and dwelt among us...."  My name is Roger, but we are not all Rogers, we are human beings.  His name is Jesus and He is word.  God's word in the flesh.  How do I see Him?  I see Him through His word.  Is not the Bible God's word?  Yes, and it's more than than that, it is actually Jesus Christ (The Word) in His purest form.  So every day as I read the word I am holding Christ in my hands, and His words give me life.  Once again, it's not about religion.          

What does a typical work day look like for you?

The first thing I do each day is read the Scriptures.  I then spend most of the day with my wife.  We still write and record Gospel music sending the songs out as email attachments.  So we do recording work to meet that goal.  We also spend time at the YMCA .  We are both seventy years old, and anything we do to keep active is a good thing.  Of course I spend time  marketing my book.  My favorite hobby is golf, and I play  three times a week.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

My mentor is my wife of forty eight years.  She was a music major in college, and spent most of her time in elementary schools teaching music.  Now that she is retired she spends one full day per week playing the piano and singing songs in two nursing homes.  She is indeed a special person, and I tell if I ever get to heaven it will be on her coat tails.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

My favorite author is the Holy Spirit, and my favorite books are,  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

"Little Darlin," by the Diamonds.  A friend of mine sent me their performance on UTube.

Thank you Roger! We wish you great success with your book for teenagers The IKE Disease!