Alex Rogers's Blog - Posts Tagged "i-m-only-human-after-all"
It's Been Awhile!
It's been awhile since I last updated the blog. I've been very busy with the book as well as finishing up my second to last semester in college. The documentary I posted about last year (Bullied)aired late January and was a tremendous success. It is still running on schedule across the world. Because of that documentary, I've acquired a lot of messages and feedback about my book and my other ventures. A lot of fans have been asking me for the release date for the 2nd book in the series. I'm still shooting for August, but I will admit, it's going to be tough with things the way they are now...but I digress back to the documentary. Unfortunately, it didn't gain immediate clearance to air in the States BUT hopefully by the end of this year a miracle can happen (fingers crossed). In the meantime, I'll be doing what I've been doing, trying to raise awareness about young adult issues one book at a time.
Inspire Me Today
"Inspire me today got back to me earlier today about a response to a query they issued out. The prompt for the feature is "If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others..."
All of the insight I can give in 500 words... it's going to be an interesting essay and I want you all to take in what I put out once it's released.
I wrote that March 2nd on my Facebook Page. Today, I received an email saying that my feature has been approved by the CEO of the Company and that she was delighted to read my segment. I was also given the date for my feature, April 10th, 2012. On this day I will be featured on their homepage and RSS feeds, sharing my insights. I can't wait. It's going to be amazing hearing feedback and learning from the rest of the community. I'm counting down the days for both this and another event: On April 16th at 6:30 pm I will be doing a reading of I'm Only Human After All at the Sims Memorial Library located at Southeastern Louisiana University. Hope to see you all there.
Remember in life you'll only go as far as you're willing to travel.
Until next time,
Alex
All of the insight I can give in 500 words... it's going to be an interesting essay and I want you all to take in what I put out once it's released.
I wrote that March 2nd on my Facebook Page. Today, I received an email saying that my feature has been approved by the CEO of the Company and that she was delighted to read my segment. I was also given the date for my feature, April 10th, 2012. On this day I will be featured on their homepage and RSS feeds, sharing my insights. I can't wait. It's going to be amazing hearing feedback and learning from the rest of the community. I'm counting down the days for both this and another event: On April 16th at 6:30 pm I will be doing a reading of I'm Only Human After All at the Sims Memorial Library located at Southeastern Louisiana University. Hope to see you all there.
Remember in life you'll only go as far as you're willing to travel.
Until next time,
Alex
Today's Brillance - Alex I. Rogers (My feature on Inspiremetoday.com)
It's archived but they are taking it down from the front page at midnight so I'm posting it via request. =) Thank you everyone for supporting the message I carry in my writings! P.S Book #2 (Become Legendary) is coming along great! Expected release this summer.
You'll only go as far as you're willing to travel. ~ Alex Rogers
If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...
If today were my last day on earth, the words I would share wouldn't necessarily be something that hasn't been said before, only something simply forgotten, more or less, buried, tucked away, locked inside our hearts.
It's a message that we have all heard: a creed that we've all sworn to at some time in our lives. A burning desire that was placed in us a birth. I'm referring to our purpose and the power that it holds once it is embraced and acted upon.
If today were my last day on earth, my only regret in this life would be that for too long I was afraid. Deep down I knew that I was destined for something, but more often than not I found myself hesitant towards what I knew I was called to do. In my mind it was always some fallacy holding me back. It was always something negligible as the scapegoat.
For some time these irrational binds forged a strong hold in my mind, blinding me from the vision I once had for myself. Things started to get foggy, and I started to find myself drifting aimlessly in life... that is, until I determined that I had enough. I was tired of being limited by my fears, other people's opinions, and my own negative self-talk.
Through this life I have come to understand that fear is natural. It's there to protect us and to ensure our survival. At times, fear is good. It's rational to have a fear of heights or a fear of drowning. Fearing your destiny... not so much.
After my initial plunge into the unknown, things didn't change overnight. I was still uneasy about my next move. The only difference from back then and where I am now is that I refuse to let fear inhibit me.
"For no reason should you fear what you should become."
That was a lesson I had to come to terms with throughout my life, and is the final message I would pass along to others. For no reason should we inhibit ourselves with limiting beliefs. No one is "average". We are all brilliant and filled to the brim with potential.
Instead of thinking "Why me?" think "Why not me?". We were all put on this planet for a specific purpose. Unleash your brilliance to the world. Find your passion and change the world. Don't be afraid to make a difference. When we follow our aspirations, it gives leeway to blessings from above that are incomprehensible. Enjoy life, do what you love, be confident in your abilities, and remember the golden rule.
You'll only go as far as you're willing to travel.
Become Legendary.
You'll only go as far as you're willing to travel. ~ Alex Rogers
If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...
If today were my last day on earth, the words I would share wouldn't necessarily be something that hasn't been said before, only something simply forgotten, more or less, buried, tucked away, locked inside our hearts.
It's a message that we have all heard: a creed that we've all sworn to at some time in our lives. A burning desire that was placed in us a birth. I'm referring to our purpose and the power that it holds once it is embraced and acted upon.
If today were my last day on earth, my only regret in this life would be that for too long I was afraid. Deep down I knew that I was destined for something, but more often than not I found myself hesitant towards what I knew I was called to do. In my mind it was always some fallacy holding me back. It was always something negligible as the scapegoat.
For some time these irrational binds forged a strong hold in my mind, blinding me from the vision I once had for myself. Things started to get foggy, and I started to find myself drifting aimlessly in life... that is, until I determined that I had enough. I was tired of being limited by my fears, other people's opinions, and my own negative self-talk.
Through this life I have come to understand that fear is natural. It's there to protect us and to ensure our survival. At times, fear is good. It's rational to have a fear of heights or a fear of drowning. Fearing your destiny... not so much.
After my initial plunge into the unknown, things didn't change overnight. I was still uneasy about my next move. The only difference from back then and where I am now is that I refuse to let fear inhibit me.
"For no reason should you fear what you should become."
That was a lesson I had to come to terms with throughout my life, and is the final message I would pass along to others. For no reason should we inhibit ourselves with limiting beliefs. No one is "average". We are all brilliant and filled to the brim with potential.
Instead of thinking "Why me?" think "Why not me?". We were all put on this planet for a specific purpose. Unleash your brilliance to the world. Find your passion and change the world. Don't be afraid to make a difference. When we follow our aspirations, it gives leeway to blessings from above that are incomprehensible. Enjoy life, do what you love, be confident in your abilities, and remember the golden rule.
You'll only go as far as you're willing to travel.
Become Legendary.
Just Thinking...
Working on this series thus far has been an amazing experience. I was flipping through some of I'm Only Human After All and was amazed at what I had written and how far I'd come. Not in terms of the value of a product but in terms of how transparent and open my story is portrayed. To know that my story and my experiences have helped others move on to where they want to be in life is both a humbling experience and an honor.
The Release of "Drifting", Reflections, and Other Things
It's been awhile since my last post... a couple of months actually. My absence, however, was not without reason. About a week ago I released my second book,Drifting which is a direct sequel to I'm Only Human After All. The story follows immediately after where the first left off and details my battles with peer pressure, self-esteem, and ultimately finding my own identity. Not giving to much away, I start to hang out with the wrong crowd and try to fit in for the shake of popularity and choices are made.
Thus far in my journey it has been a blessing working on these books and seeing how it has positively affected others. Since the initial release of I'm Only Human After All I have been featured in web articles, magazines, radio shows, blogs, a documentary aired by MTV, and other sources of media discussing my views on the issue of bullying and other issues that young adults face. Most recently, the book has made its way into the school system. Already I've been contacted by a quite a few teachers who have read I'm Only Human After All and implemented my story into their classroom. Hopefully in the futureDriftingfollows in its footsteps. Regardless,it's humbling to know that through my trials I can be a light to others. Its one of my main motivators behind why I write and I will continue to do so until I no longer have anything to give. For everyone who has been supporting me thus far, thank you.
Until next time,
Alex I. Rogers
Airobooks@gmail.com
Thus far in my journey it has been a blessing working on these books and seeing how it has positively affected others. Since the initial release of I'm Only Human After All I have been featured in web articles, magazines, radio shows, blogs, a documentary aired by MTV, and other sources of media discussing my views on the issue of bullying and other issues that young adults face. Most recently, the book has made its way into the school system. Already I've been contacted by a quite a few teachers who have read I'm Only Human After All and implemented my story into their classroom. Hopefully in the futureDriftingfollows in its footsteps. Regardless,it's humbling to know that through my trials I can be a light to others. Its one of my main motivators behind why I write and I will continue to do so until I no longer have anything to give. For everyone who has been supporting me thus far, thank you.
Until next time,
Alex I. Rogers
Airobooks@gmail.com
My University Newspaper Did A Story On Me! (Check it out!) =0
Student novelist publishes second book
Alex Rogers leaves college a twice published author
*original post link http://www.lionsroarnews.com/a-e/stud...
A graduating senior, who also happens to be a novelist, published his second novel earlier this month, titled “Drifting” continuing his “Empowerment” series.
Alex Rogers began writing in 2008 with a desire to share his insight and life experience with the world. The first novel, “I’m only Human After All,” as well as “Drifting” are based on Rogers early adolescent struggles with bullying, identity, confidence and self-esteem. Published by CreateSpace Independent Book Platform, “Drifing” was released April 2.
“I wrote the series for other kids who are going through the same thing in that age group,” said Rogers. “I want them to gain their own confidence and self-esteem. The novels are a source of inspiration for other people, like a beacon of light for people who are going through things.”
A direct sequel to the first novel, “Drifting” takes place after Rogers comes out of being bullied, and focuses on identity crisis.
“Drifting is mainly about how I got taken up by a more popular kid at school,” said Rogers. “I came to a choice where I had to decide if I wanted to keep going along a bad path with him or come into being my own person. It’s about how I came to be who I am today and how I gathered my self-esteem. I came out of the crowd to be my own person.”
The “Empowerment” series was written as a memoir with inspirational undertones.
“While the themes Alex is talking about are not by any means simple, the way he presents what he is trying to say is very simple and straightforward,” said Devan Hariford, a senior history major. “You can really feel him talking to you through the pages. I think almost anyone could read ‘Drifting’ and get something from it.”
The first two novels target the middle school and high school demographic. Most recently, Northumberland High School of Virginia featured “I’m Only Human After All” as the schools’ common read in an anti-bullying campaign.
“If the goal was to enlighten people on the issues of peer pressure and finding yourself, I believe that it did a fantastic job of achieving its goal,” stated Kara Barnes, a teacher at Otken Elementary in Mississippi, in a book review on goodreads.com. “The author did a wonderful job of making the story very relatable. It is easy to see how others can apply this story to their life.”
While Rogers’ originally intended to write a trilogy, he now considers lengthening the series to cover more recent years of college life.
“I’m keeping the third novel a secret, and I’m also thinking about turning it into a five-novel series,” said Rogers. “The third book will focus on the end of high school and the beginning of college. That novel will be more applicable to college students.”
While Rogers’ current success as a writer is apparent, the early days of writing were met with obstacles of disbelief.
“When I started this thing, I was 18 or 19 years old. I wanted to take the experience that I’d gained from life and make something of it. I had a lot of people who didn’t believe I could do it,” said Rogers. “But now, I’ve written two books, and I’m changing lives through them. I consider myself to be a visionary because people couldn’t see it done, but I made a path and walked through it.”
Both novels can be purchased on Amazon.com. For more information regarding the series, contact Rogers at airobooks@gmail.com.
Alex Rogers leaves college a twice published author
*original post link http://www.lionsroarnews.com/a-e/stud...
A graduating senior, who also happens to be a novelist, published his second novel earlier this month, titled “Drifting” continuing his “Empowerment” series.
Alex Rogers began writing in 2008 with a desire to share his insight and life experience with the world. The first novel, “I’m only Human After All,” as well as “Drifting” are based on Rogers early adolescent struggles with bullying, identity, confidence and self-esteem. Published by CreateSpace Independent Book Platform, “Drifing” was released April 2.
“I wrote the series for other kids who are going through the same thing in that age group,” said Rogers. “I want them to gain their own confidence and self-esteem. The novels are a source of inspiration for other people, like a beacon of light for people who are going through things.”
A direct sequel to the first novel, “Drifting” takes place after Rogers comes out of being bullied, and focuses on identity crisis.
“Drifting is mainly about how I got taken up by a more popular kid at school,” said Rogers. “I came to a choice where I had to decide if I wanted to keep going along a bad path with him or come into being my own person. It’s about how I came to be who I am today and how I gathered my self-esteem. I came out of the crowd to be my own person.”
The “Empowerment” series was written as a memoir with inspirational undertones.
“While the themes Alex is talking about are not by any means simple, the way he presents what he is trying to say is very simple and straightforward,” said Devan Hariford, a senior history major. “You can really feel him talking to you through the pages. I think almost anyone could read ‘Drifting’ and get something from it.”
The first two novels target the middle school and high school demographic. Most recently, Northumberland High School of Virginia featured “I’m Only Human After All” as the schools’ common read in an anti-bullying campaign.
“If the goal was to enlighten people on the issues of peer pressure and finding yourself, I believe that it did a fantastic job of achieving its goal,” stated Kara Barnes, a teacher at Otken Elementary in Mississippi, in a book review on goodreads.com. “The author did a wonderful job of making the story very relatable. It is easy to see how others can apply this story to their life.”
While Rogers’ originally intended to write a trilogy, he now considers lengthening the series to cover more recent years of college life.
“I’m keeping the third novel a secret, and I’m also thinking about turning it into a five-novel series,” said Rogers. “The third book will focus on the end of high school and the beginning of college. That novel will be more applicable to college students.”
While Rogers’ current success as a writer is apparent, the early days of writing were met with obstacles of disbelief.
“When I started this thing, I was 18 or 19 years old. I wanted to take the experience that I’d gained from life and make something of it. I had a lot of people who didn’t believe I could do it,” said Rogers. “But now, I’ve written two books, and I’m changing lives through them. I consider myself to be a visionary because people couldn’t see it done, but I made a path and walked through it.”
Both novels can be purchased on Amazon.com. For more information regarding the series, contact Rogers at airobooks@gmail.com.
I'm Only Human After All Q&A with Dominion High School
Here is a write up of a Q&A I did with the students of Dominion High School in Sterling Virginia on my book, I'm Only Human After All.
From Edwin: "I want to know why Alex I. Rogers is important in this book we read." [I asked him to explain, and he said that he wants to know more about the circumstances that led me to write the book.]
To Edwin: I wanted to write this book because at the time of the events of the story, I knew things weren’t supposed to be the way that they were. It wasn’t right to be bullied, it wasn’t right to treat others unfairly. I knew these things in my heart but during that course of events I was somewhat reluctant to share. As I got older (junior/senior in high school) I got the idea to publish my thoughts and experiences to share with others that things get better. I hoped that through my writings and life story, others would learn to treat people with respect as well as gain insight in their own lives.
From Daniel R.: "What makes you write [this] book?" (Paraphrasing--What makes you write? What does it satisfy in you?)
To Daniel R: I write because ever since I was a young boy, I always had the need to express myself in writing. Written language is powerful thing. Aside from that, with I’m Only Human After All and the rest of the series; I feel a conviction to share my story to help others going through or have went through similar situations that I have faced. It brings me joy to know that through an unpleasant time in my life, something positive can come from it.
From Mehdi T.: "What are you doing in your life now? Are you thinking of doing something else?"
To Mehdi T: Currently, I am finishing up my undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. I’m actually about a week and a half away from graduation. I’m 22 now, so after graduation I may go back home for a bit before planning out my next career move. Book wise, I just finished the second book in the Empowerment Series, Drifting, and hope to kick-start a completely new series that involves a young man fighting to start a revolution against a tyrant who controls the world through his legion of super-humans. The good guy(s) have powers too, but are outnumbered. I can’t spoil too much just yet. If you’ve ever heard of “The X-men”, it’s a good reference point.
From Alexis C.: "What I want to know about you is, how do you support all [the people being] bullied? Why didn't you do (how did you manage not to do) anything against the people who were making jokes about you? When I grow up, I want to think like you."
To Alexis C: I support people who are being bullied by sharing my experiences through my book. Recently I was on TV with MTV UK for a documentary with Firecracker Films in which me and other people around the world shared our thoughts on the issue. I have also done some speaking engagements locally. In the past it has been hard to travel and speak because of me being enrolled in college courses, but now since I am graduating, I hope to be able to do more.
During the events when I was bullied in I’m Only Human After All, I didn’t physically fight back because I knew that it would only lead to more violence. I didn’t have to hit them to stand up for myself or prove a point. I do admit that I acted to late with telling the principal or another authority about what was going on with my bullies and me. If I would have told on them earlier, things would have been a lot different for me during those years.
From Saikat K.: "Who encouraged you the most to write this book?"
To Saikat K: I wrote this book because I felt the need to share what happened to me with others in a unique way. In a nutshell, I wanted to help people. I knew that other people had gone through what I had gone through, but yet, nothing was being addressed in schools. It wasn’t till recently that bullying has been brought to the forefront of issues with the school system.
From Ilia J.: "Why is there a girl on the cover of the book and what do she & the sunset have to do with the story?"
To Ilia J: The girl that is on the cover of my book is a representation of Jessie. The sun in the background, to me, represents hope. At that point in my life during my early high school years, hope was all I had. With each new day comes a second chance. Each day is a new beginning.
From Grover C.: "How did you feel when you found out that Jesse had cancer? How could you help her fight it even though you knew that she would die?"
To Grover C: Jessie was a character in my book that actually represented two people that I knew at one point in real life. In the time frame of I’m Only Human After All I did meet a girl who was a friend’s cousin but she didn’t have lung cancer. She had Cystic Fibrosis. The stories are somewhat similar but in order to keep certain events of my life personal and to respect others; some details had to be altered. ( As you can tell there was more to this question that was addressed in the session but not in the write up. For personal reasons I'd rather not have it mainstreamed.)
I had an amazing time reading your questions and answering them. Hopefully I tied up all of the loose ends you had about me and my book. You guys seem to be an amazing class, as well as amazing people. Thank you for taking the time to read my book and I wish the best for all of you!
From Edwin: "I want to know why Alex I. Rogers is important in this book we read." [I asked him to explain, and he said that he wants to know more about the circumstances that led me to write the book.]
To Edwin: I wanted to write this book because at the time of the events of the story, I knew things weren’t supposed to be the way that they were. It wasn’t right to be bullied, it wasn’t right to treat others unfairly. I knew these things in my heart but during that course of events I was somewhat reluctant to share. As I got older (junior/senior in high school) I got the idea to publish my thoughts and experiences to share with others that things get better. I hoped that through my writings and life story, others would learn to treat people with respect as well as gain insight in their own lives.
From Daniel R.: "What makes you write [this] book?" (Paraphrasing--What makes you write? What does it satisfy in you?)
To Daniel R: I write because ever since I was a young boy, I always had the need to express myself in writing. Written language is powerful thing. Aside from that, with I’m Only Human After All and the rest of the series; I feel a conviction to share my story to help others going through or have went through similar situations that I have faced. It brings me joy to know that through an unpleasant time in my life, something positive can come from it.
From Mehdi T.: "What are you doing in your life now? Are you thinking of doing something else?"
To Mehdi T: Currently, I am finishing up my undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. I’m actually about a week and a half away from graduation. I’m 22 now, so after graduation I may go back home for a bit before planning out my next career move. Book wise, I just finished the second book in the Empowerment Series, Drifting, and hope to kick-start a completely new series that involves a young man fighting to start a revolution against a tyrant who controls the world through his legion of super-humans. The good guy(s) have powers too, but are outnumbered. I can’t spoil too much just yet. If you’ve ever heard of “The X-men”, it’s a good reference point.
From Alexis C.: "What I want to know about you is, how do you support all [the people being] bullied? Why didn't you do (how did you manage not to do) anything against the people who were making jokes about you? When I grow up, I want to think like you."
To Alexis C: I support people who are being bullied by sharing my experiences through my book. Recently I was on TV with MTV UK for a documentary with Firecracker Films in which me and other people around the world shared our thoughts on the issue. I have also done some speaking engagements locally. In the past it has been hard to travel and speak because of me being enrolled in college courses, but now since I am graduating, I hope to be able to do more.
During the events when I was bullied in I’m Only Human After All, I didn’t physically fight back because I knew that it would only lead to more violence. I didn’t have to hit them to stand up for myself or prove a point. I do admit that I acted to late with telling the principal or another authority about what was going on with my bullies and me. If I would have told on them earlier, things would have been a lot different for me during those years.
From Saikat K.: "Who encouraged you the most to write this book?"
To Saikat K: I wrote this book because I felt the need to share what happened to me with others in a unique way. In a nutshell, I wanted to help people. I knew that other people had gone through what I had gone through, but yet, nothing was being addressed in schools. It wasn’t till recently that bullying has been brought to the forefront of issues with the school system.
From Ilia J.: "Why is there a girl on the cover of the book and what do she & the sunset have to do with the story?"
To Ilia J: The girl that is on the cover of my book is a representation of Jessie. The sun in the background, to me, represents hope. At that point in my life during my early high school years, hope was all I had. With each new day comes a second chance. Each day is a new beginning.
From Grover C.: "How did you feel when you found out that Jesse had cancer? How could you help her fight it even though you knew that she would die?"
To Grover C: Jessie was a character in my book that actually represented two people that I knew at one point in real life. In the time frame of I’m Only Human After All I did meet a girl who was a friend’s cousin but she didn’t have lung cancer. She had Cystic Fibrosis. The stories are somewhat similar but in order to keep certain events of my life personal and to respect others; some details had to be altered. ( As you can tell there was more to this question that was addressed in the session but not in the write up. For personal reasons I'd rather not have it mainstreamed.)
I had an amazing time reading your questions and answering them. Hopefully I tied up all of the loose ends you had about me and my book. You guys seem to be an amazing class, as well as amazing people. Thank you for taking the time to read my book and I wish the best for all of you!
Auburn Anti-bullying Summit, Moving, Turning 23, and Soaking Jeans
Hey guys! What's up? It's been awhile since I last updated my blog. In July I went to my first conference EVER! It was an Anti-Bullying summit in Alabama. I got a chance to be a sponsor/exhibitor for the summit and got to show my face as well as make some awesome connections will some awesome people =)!.
School is back in session it seems so things are expected to pick up again around my neck of the woods. This summer was what I like to call "Off-Season" with both of my books revolving around social issues in schools...with no schools to read them I kinda got a break and got to work on somethings going on in my own life such as adjusting to life after college. I graduated in May and since then I moved into my own apartment. That was an interesting experience to say the least, and I'm still getting adjusted to it, but that's life, right? It's all about change. For those looking asking for hints about the subject matter of the next entry in the empowerment series: yes, book 3 will cover tid-bits of the recent changes that have gone on in my life. Of course on hear I'm only scratching the surface but a lot of things went down these past couple of months and I'm eager to share them all with you when the time is right. You guys have went through middle school with me, high school with me, and now maybe some college in the future. The third book in the series is going to be centered around some issues that are very close to me so I'm not exactly sure how I want to tackle the project. With books 1 & 2 I had some distance time wise to put between myself and the issue, but the things that I'm thinking about writing about now have happened fairly recently...granted timeline wise it would happen towards the middle of book 3. (Book 2 ended with me still in high school);)
Um...so yeah I don't want to say book three is on the back burner. I think about it fairly often and have notes and whatnot but it is a sensitive issue so I'm being very careful about it. HOWEVER I am planning to release another title before the end of this year. I talked about it briefly in a Q&A I did awhile back and I hinted at it on FB a couple of times. Yeah that book is coming out in the near future but it will not be under my name. Sad to say but do know that I am working on another series and if you pay close attention to my posts in the future you can take a pretty good guess at what the book is and where you can find it.
But back to the empowerment series. Yes, school is picking up so I expect to be getting and doing some follow-ups from my contacts. One of my main goals for the series is to get it in schools so that students can learn from my experiences and hopefully better themselves and their environment. I'm just trying to make a positive impact in the world, ya know?
Aside from that I think I covered everything. Oh, wait... my birthday is August 20th and I'll be 23. I celebrated yesterday with a bunch of my friends by playing laser tag and eating out at one of my favorite restaurants. Had a bunch of kids on my team and convinced them that my friends and I were a professional laser tag team! HA! Kids are awesome. Friends are awesome.
Yo and I totally just sat in my tub and soaked in a pair of jeans for the perfect fit. So worth it.
Contact for book information or school request: Airobooks@Gmail.com
FB:www.facebook.com/live.learn.and.prosper
Twitter: AlexIRogers
I'm Only Human After All / Dirfting : http://www.amazon.com/Alex-I.-Rogers/...
School is back in session it seems so things are expected to pick up again around my neck of the woods. This summer was what I like to call "Off-Season" with both of my books revolving around social issues in schools...with no schools to read them I kinda got a break and got to work on somethings going on in my own life such as adjusting to life after college. I graduated in May and since then I moved into my own apartment. That was an interesting experience to say the least, and I'm still getting adjusted to it, but that's life, right? It's all about change. For those looking asking for hints about the subject matter of the next entry in the empowerment series: yes, book 3 will cover tid-bits of the recent changes that have gone on in my life. Of course on hear I'm only scratching the surface but a lot of things went down these past couple of months and I'm eager to share them all with you when the time is right. You guys have went through middle school with me, high school with me, and now maybe some college in the future. The third book in the series is going to be centered around some issues that are very close to me so I'm not exactly sure how I want to tackle the project. With books 1 & 2 I had some distance time wise to put between myself and the issue, but the things that I'm thinking about writing about now have happened fairly recently...granted timeline wise it would happen towards the middle of book 3. (Book 2 ended with me still in high school);)
Um...so yeah I don't want to say book three is on the back burner. I think about it fairly often and have notes and whatnot but it is a sensitive issue so I'm being very careful about it. HOWEVER I am planning to release another title before the end of this year. I talked about it briefly in a Q&A I did awhile back and I hinted at it on FB a couple of times. Yeah that book is coming out in the near future but it will not be under my name. Sad to say but do know that I am working on another series and if you pay close attention to my posts in the future you can take a pretty good guess at what the book is and where you can find it.
But back to the empowerment series. Yes, school is picking up so I expect to be getting and doing some follow-ups from my contacts. One of my main goals for the series is to get it in schools so that students can learn from my experiences and hopefully better themselves and their environment. I'm just trying to make a positive impact in the world, ya know?
Aside from that I think I covered everything. Oh, wait... my birthday is August 20th and I'll be 23. I celebrated yesterday with a bunch of my friends by playing laser tag and eating out at one of my favorite restaurants. Had a bunch of kids on my team and convinced them that my friends and I were a professional laser tag team! HA! Kids are awesome. Friends are awesome.
Yo and I totally just sat in my tub and soaked in a pair of jeans for the perfect fit. So worth it.
Contact for book information or school request: Airobooks@Gmail.com
FB:www.facebook.com/live.learn.and.prosper
Twitter: AlexIRogers
I'm Only Human After All / Dirfting : http://www.amazon.com/Alex-I.-Rogers/...
4 Star Review of I'm Only Human After All from DubiousDisicple.com
Hey guys! This is a review from dubiousdisciple.com Be sure to check the site out when you get the chance!
This is an autobiography of author Alex Rogers’ years in middle school and early high school. When presented to me for review, it was billed as a book about bullying, with a Christian flavor. I was intrigued, as combating bullying is a hot topic in many churches today.
I didn’t really find it very intense. The bullying, while certainly worse than anything I experienced in my school years, was not enough to send anyone all Columbine … and Alex didn’t face it totally by himself, nor was he totally cowed. So, to set the proper flavor, let me quote from the forward: Alex writes, “[this is] the story of my early adolescent life and the issues that all of us can relate to at that stage in our lives. At some time we have all been in an awkward stage until, one day, we surface as something more.”
So what is the Christian bent? Minor spoiler alert: curiously, Alex is rescued from the bullying by an act of God. I’ll give you a hint: it occurred in 2005, in New Orleans. A short interlude in the book tells about Alex attending church as the hurricane neared, hearing from the pulpit about a “cleansing” that God was sending. Alex and his family evacuated, and when they returned, the high school circumstances had changed. It’s all presented as a sort of odd coincidence, just one of the ways the bumps in life get mysteriously ironed out, so I’m uncertain if we’re really supposed to read much into the fiery “cleansing” sermon.
The writing is simple, easy for young readers to follow (it would make a great young adult book), and it holds your attention. I enjoyed sharing Alex’s young life and getting to know him. Beyond that, given my own stage in life (I’m 52), it didn’t make a deep impression … my bullies have all grown up and my kids are out of high school.
This is an autobiography of author Alex Rogers’ years in middle school and early high school. When presented to me for review, it was billed as a book about bullying, with a Christian flavor. I was intrigued, as combating bullying is a hot topic in many churches today.
I didn’t really find it very intense. The bullying, while certainly worse than anything I experienced in my school years, was not enough to send anyone all Columbine … and Alex didn’t face it totally by himself, nor was he totally cowed. So, to set the proper flavor, let me quote from the forward: Alex writes, “[this is] the story of my early adolescent life and the issues that all of us can relate to at that stage in our lives. At some time we have all been in an awkward stage until, one day, we surface as something more.”
So what is the Christian bent? Minor spoiler alert: curiously, Alex is rescued from the bullying by an act of God. I’ll give you a hint: it occurred in 2005, in New Orleans. A short interlude in the book tells about Alex attending church as the hurricane neared, hearing from the pulpit about a “cleansing” that God was sending. Alex and his family evacuated, and when they returned, the high school circumstances had changed. It’s all presented as a sort of odd coincidence, just one of the ways the bumps in life get mysteriously ironed out, so I’m uncertain if we’re really supposed to read much into the fiery “cleansing” sermon.
The writing is simple, easy for young readers to follow (it would make a great young adult book), and it holds your attention. I enjoyed sharing Alex’s young life and getting to know him. Beyond that, given my own stage in life (I’m 52), it didn’t make a deep impression … my bullies have all grown up and my kids are out of high school.
October Recap: New Book On the Way,the 15,000 Copy Giveaway, NaNoMo, and What's Next.
Hey guys! It's been awhile. As always things are busy and ever-changing here on my end. I took some time off from blogging during the month of October to get somethings out of the way, both for in personal life and of course in my career as a writer.
To start things off,in mid October I finished the first book in my new series which I'll refer to as Project Last Light until the project has an official title. I've been playing with a couple names as well as a pen name for it and the books to come. Last week I sent it off to my editor so hopefully I won't slip into a massive depression from all of the red marks (kidding). Project Last light was supposed to be out before the end of this year but it looks like we are looking at late January 2014. Which is still good. Starting the year off with a new title in a new genre under a new name...that just screams epic journey.
Something else that went on in the month of October was National Bullying Prevention Month. If you guys check out my facebook https://www.facebook.com/live.learn.a...
or have read I'm Only Human After All you can see that bullying is a big issue with me. Can't stand it. Drives me CRAZY when I see people ending their lives prematurely because of pointless cruelty. I have always said this and I will continue to say this: We have so many other things to worry about in the world without coming at each other's necks. We should back each other up and aim to make the world a better place. Like seriously, we have world hunger and natural disasters happening left and right but people will rather mistreat you over your race or how you dress or how you look, anything. So many bigger issues. In the bigger picture does it really matter what my skin color, or my background, or how I express myself? We got to put all that baseless hate away. Whew, let me get off my high horse ;). Anywho, for National Bullying Prevention Month I decided to do a promo with Amazon using KDP Select to distribute the kindle edition I'm Only Human After All worldwide for free. The promotion lasted for 48 hours and in that time roughly 15,000 copies were distributed. To put that in perspective that is the population of a small town. If those people where to have shown up at my door it would have been a ridiculously long line, so thank you technology for making that possible and allowing me to stay in my PJ's all day. But seriously, it's an honor that so many people value my voice and I strive to stay true in delivering my message. It's amazing to know that even though I'm not writing the most exciting stuff, it's making a HUGE difference. Hopefully due to the promos the books fall into the right hands and there is once less death due to bullying or that a student picks it up and changes his/her ways. Hopefully, someone going through it like I did at that time, finds the light and gets help so they don't have to suffer anymore. That being said, it is still a goal of mine to have this book and series in schools worldwide.
Next up on the list is what I'm doing for National Novel Month, or NaNoMO for short. The goal for NaNoMo is to write a novel in 30 days. Sounds fun, right? It totally is haha! Something that I've been trying to do is work in different genres on my side projects to become more well rounded so for this year I've decided to make a paranormal thriller. The plot is essentially a female demon hunter vs a slew of things stemming from the supernatural. At the moment I'm less than 20 pages in so I don't want to give out any plot points just yet but do know that it is happening. This time last year I was working on Project Last Light and it made it so I expect to have this one come through and flourish into a series of its own in time. By the way Supernatural is the main inspiration for this one. It is my all time favorite show. I'm probably going to watch the latest episode after I'm done writing this.
So what's next?
A couple of months ago I moved up to Baton Rouge from New Orleans and now I'm considering another move to attend grad school. Got to do more research, but I think it'll do me good. I'm looking into going into I/O Psychology so I can be qualified to work more so in the field of human and organizational development. the field feels like home.
As for the inquiries about Book 3 of the empowerment series, it has not been forgotten, trust me. I do have a title for that one and I am still actively taking notes for it. Books that stem from my personal life take time because it takes a lot to write them. It's always heavy stuff. Blah...and you know we got some issues we have to discuss for the third go round because it's going to finish up my high school career and possibly all of my college career. So fro m Junior year of HS to graduating college is roughly six years. A lot of stuff...even though at the moment I want to focus the book on my college experience, more so along the lines of identity, acceptance, relationships, racial stereotypes/racism (yes it clearly does still exist), and my good ole' friend self worth.
Okay, well that was a lot but it is always good to keep every body up to speed.
PS: Drifting (Book 2 of the Empowerment Series) is available now at all major online retailers. I'm Only Human After All will no longer be exclusive with Amazon in the near future.
Until next time :)
I'm Only Human After All
Drifting
Contact: Airobooks@Gmail.com
To start things off,in mid October I finished the first book in my new series which I'll refer to as Project Last Light until the project has an official title. I've been playing with a couple names as well as a pen name for it and the books to come. Last week I sent it off to my editor so hopefully I won't slip into a massive depression from all of the red marks (kidding). Project Last light was supposed to be out before the end of this year but it looks like we are looking at late January 2014. Which is still good. Starting the year off with a new title in a new genre under a new name...that just screams epic journey.
Something else that went on in the month of October was National Bullying Prevention Month. If you guys check out my facebook https://www.facebook.com/live.learn.a...
or have read I'm Only Human After All you can see that bullying is a big issue with me. Can't stand it. Drives me CRAZY when I see people ending their lives prematurely because of pointless cruelty. I have always said this and I will continue to say this: We have so many other things to worry about in the world without coming at each other's necks. We should back each other up and aim to make the world a better place. Like seriously, we have world hunger and natural disasters happening left and right but people will rather mistreat you over your race or how you dress or how you look, anything. So many bigger issues. In the bigger picture does it really matter what my skin color, or my background, or how I express myself? We got to put all that baseless hate away. Whew, let me get off my high horse ;). Anywho, for National Bullying Prevention Month I decided to do a promo with Amazon using KDP Select to distribute the kindle edition I'm Only Human After All worldwide for free. The promotion lasted for 48 hours and in that time roughly 15,000 copies were distributed. To put that in perspective that is the population of a small town. If those people where to have shown up at my door it would have been a ridiculously long line, so thank you technology for making that possible and allowing me to stay in my PJ's all day. But seriously, it's an honor that so many people value my voice and I strive to stay true in delivering my message. It's amazing to know that even though I'm not writing the most exciting stuff, it's making a HUGE difference. Hopefully due to the promos the books fall into the right hands and there is once less death due to bullying or that a student picks it up and changes his/her ways. Hopefully, someone going through it like I did at that time, finds the light and gets help so they don't have to suffer anymore. That being said, it is still a goal of mine to have this book and series in schools worldwide.
Next up on the list is what I'm doing for National Novel Month, or NaNoMO for short. The goal for NaNoMo is to write a novel in 30 days. Sounds fun, right? It totally is haha! Something that I've been trying to do is work in different genres on my side projects to become more well rounded so for this year I've decided to make a paranormal thriller. The plot is essentially a female demon hunter vs a slew of things stemming from the supernatural. At the moment I'm less than 20 pages in so I don't want to give out any plot points just yet but do know that it is happening. This time last year I was working on Project Last Light and it made it so I expect to have this one come through and flourish into a series of its own in time. By the way Supernatural is the main inspiration for this one. It is my all time favorite show. I'm probably going to watch the latest episode after I'm done writing this.
So what's next?
A couple of months ago I moved up to Baton Rouge from New Orleans and now I'm considering another move to attend grad school. Got to do more research, but I think it'll do me good. I'm looking into going into I/O Psychology so I can be qualified to work more so in the field of human and organizational development. the field feels like home.
As for the inquiries about Book 3 of the empowerment series, it has not been forgotten, trust me. I do have a title for that one and I am still actively taking notes for it. Books that stem from my personal life take time because it takes a lot to write them. It's always heavy stuff. Blah...and you know we got some issues we have to discuss for the third go round because it's going to finish up my high school career and possibly all of my college career. So fro m Junior year of HS to graduating college is roughly six years. A lot of stuff...even though at the moment I want to focus the book on my college experience, more so along the lines of identity, acceptance, relationships, racial stereotypes/racism (yes it clearly does still exist), and my good ole' friend self worth.
Okay, well that was a lot but it is always good to keep every body up to speed.
PS: Drifting (Book 2 of the Empowerment Series) is available now at all major online retailers. I'm Only Human After All will no longer be exclusive with Amazon in the near future.
Until next time :)
I'm Only Human After All
Drifting
Contact: Airobooks@Gmail.com
