The Writer's Inn: Thank you so much for allowing us this interview, Roger. So tell us, when did you decide that you wanted to become an author and have your books published? 

Roger Brownlee: Actually, I did not set out to write a novel. I have always read “How-to” non-fiction books. Therefore, I found it quite odd, when I started writing this novel and 10 pages a day. I can only believe that this novel was put into my heart from the Man above. Apparently, there was something that someone needed to hear and I was outspoken enough to say it.

The Writer's Inn: What was your journey like to becoming a published author? Was it a rocky road or smooth sailing? 
 

Roger Brownlee: Yes and no, it did not become rocky, until I got deep into the story. I believe the hardest part was maintaining the point of view and not forgetting small details about the characters and their personalities within the story. 
 
The Writer's Inn: Do you have a specific writing style? 

Roger Brownlee: Since this was my first novel, I wanted the reader to get a sample of everything I have to offer. I wanted the reader to experience all the emotions of life. I would like to think that my style is funny, breezy, and crafty. I’m not shy about showing my characters’ weaknesses; my characters are real and flawed with extremely well drawn and believable bouts of jealousy, materialism, and lust. I chose a title that was light-hearted and catchy and seems to capture the romance theme of big women being lovable, and reflects the content of the book. 
 
The Writer's Inn: How long did it take for you to complete “We Just Have More to Love”? 

Roger Brownlee: Truthfully speaking, it’s was not complete when I released it. I had so much more to say, so many messages to work into the story. I really did not know how it was going to end. Then, I actually met one of my characters (Christina Jones) at a coffee shop. Her name was not actually “Christina” but this girl fit the mental sketch of her and had the same attributes as I described Christina at the beauty salon in the beginning of the story. She was just like my character; she needed someone to restore her faith in herself, people and in love. It was obvious that she needed the message that was in my book. Therefore, I knew that it was time for me to release it. I quickly rushed to my car to give her a copy of my manuscript and oddly enough, just last week I saw her for the first time since I gave it to her. When she recognized me, her face lit up she ran up to give me a big hug, and with tears in her eyes, thanked me continuously for sharing it with her. She said that I was heaven sent. Those were powerful words, so much that, it did not matter whether I sold a single copy or not. My message had touched someone’s life and possibly turned it around. What more could I ask for?

The Writer's Inn: Now, Roger, we’ve read the synopsis of your novel and it definitely sounds like a real page-turner. Please tell readers a little about your novel. 

Roger Brownlee: “We Just Have More to Love” is a story about acceptance. Accepting someone for who they are and not how they look. It primarily addresses the size issue when it comes to how we treat each other and what we consider when looking for love. It also touches on how we look for love, in all the wrong places, trying to find that one person who completes us. Yet, not opening our heart and minds enough to see, that sometimes what we have been seeking has been right under our noses, but maybe in a different shape or form. We occasionally let society set standards that are considered normal and we follow this social order seeking the approval of the masses just to fit in. 
 
     Yes, the two main characters both go on a self-healing journey that leads them to conquer the demons that haunt them. China Symone Peoples is challenged with accepting her size and getting others to do the same, has to realize that acceptance starts from within and radiates outward. She soon discovers that the only differences between a big woman and a smaller one, is that a big woman has a bigger loving heart. Nehemiah Moses Nebo (Nee) who normally runs from his responsibilities knows that there will be one day that he will have to stand up and face the music. That day arrives sooner than he thinks.  

     I believe that this story has an uplifting message that will reach out and touch my target audience. I also believe that within my target audience there are many full-figured women who have experienced similar situations such as China’s and can relate to her. I hope that  it will kick a few brothers in the rear also.  

The Writer's Inn: Is there a message in your novel "We Just Have More to Love,” that you would like for readers to grasp? 

Roger Brownlee: Yes, there are quite a few twisted up in the story.

The key messages are:

1. True beauty begins in the heart and radiates outward.
2. In order for someone to be accepted by others, they must accept themselves first.
3. You cannot judge a book by its cover nor can you tell the story, if you don’t know what page you’re on.
4. There really is someone out there for everyone, but one must first understand what they need and not what they think they want.

Lastly, Mama is always right. 
 

The Writer's Inn: Will you be doing any book signings in the near future and if so, what cities do you plan to visit?

Roger Brownlee: I have done three thus far, but I have been busy working on my next book. I have found that women of size seem to be accepted better on the east coast that any other region. I would love to change a few minds out west coast and I will one day. 
 
 
The Writer's Inn: Do you have other aspirations besides writing and if so, what are they? 

Roger Brownlee: Yes, I would love to saturate Hollywood with a bunch of movies about the type of women I like. BIG & BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Also, I would like to open a theme supper club. 
 
The Writer's Inn: As an author, how do you prepare for the criticism which is part of a writer’s life? 

Roger Brownlee: Well, I am young in this game and still growing. I have very big shoes to fill and writing is like life; you never stop learning. Nevertheless, any feedback to me, whether good or bad can do nothing but make me a better writer. 
 
 
The Writer's Inn: What is the most surprising thing that you’ve learned about the publishing industry? 

Roger Brownlee: Don’t take any shortcuts on your work! I know of one author who relied on people who rode his train and friends to proofread his work. I tried that and it did not work. When you budget money for publishing, set aside a large portion to hire a professional proofreader. DO YOUR RESEARCH! REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! 

The Writer's Inn: If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be? 

Roger Brownlee: Wow, that’s a good question. I would like my readers to inherit the Dreamer’s Spirit. We owe so much to the Dreamers of the world, past and present. Dr. King had a dream that he shared with us on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, here in Washington D.C. and from that dream, Barack Obama has a good chance to become president. That is an example of how POWERFUL a dream is to possess.

The Writer's Inn: The Writer’s Inn would just like to thank you for allowing us this interview with you, Roger, and wish you nothing but continued success in your literary career. We know that you will go far and can’t wait to see more of your work in the near future!