In addition to writing “Last Door,” K. Raven Rozier is the screenwriter of numerous screenplays including biopics about Tiny Tim and The Andrews Sisters. She was commissioned to pen scripts for the Leslie Nielson comedy “Naked Gun 4.0: Pink Heat,” and the true-crime mystery, “Mail-Order Murder,” and she was Editor for the book, “Iron Desire: The Legacy of Notre Dame Football Coach Frank Leahy.” She has extensive background and experience in teaching Latin, English, and Theatre at the college level. She is impassioned by myriad genres of literature and writing and maintains a prolific work ethic fueled by her interests. Her life credo is “Fortus fortuna iuvat” (Fortune favors the bold).
You write screenplays and non-fiction works. Which do you find most challenging?
These are two completely different styles of writing, each with their own challenges. A screenplay requires writing in action and images that will be on screen, no thoughtful explanations or in-depth dialogue. Good book writing requires interesting ways of conveying characters and actions through words. Both genres necessitate writing that keeps the audience involved.
You have an enviable education (PhD in Literature/Latin). Do you teach? How has your education shaped your love of the craft?
I taught college English, Latin and Drama for nine years. I’ve been called a grammar Nazi more than once. I absolutely apply what I’ve taught to my own writing. Many of my own professors encouraged superb writing and researching skills; this motivated me to seek excellence in my work. So, in that regard, I love the challenge of the rewrite, making writing better and better with each draft.
Why did you choose to write Last Door?
The family portrayed in the book knew I was a writer. They told me their story and asked if I thought it would make a good book. I was speechless after hearing of their ordeal; it was so shocking, and I was hit with a plethora of emotions. I just nodded my head and then said yes. This story has drama, humor, heartbreak, demons, the occult, multiple personalities, struggle, redemption, spirituality, and more. There was no way that I was not going to plunge myself in to this project. It has been a fascinating story to immerse myself in.
Last Door tells the story of a family’s struggle with the dark side of faith. While we typically see .jpg)
demons and the like in movies, we never really think about the possibility of them existing in our lives. What are your thoughts on this possibility?
demons and the like in movies, we never really think about the possibility of them existing in our lives. What are your thoughts on this possibility? Most every culture and religion throughout history has acknowledged the existence of demons or an evil force in the world. Sometimes it is overt and visible; other times it is less obvious, and the effects are felt rather than seen. It is odd that today so many people believe in ghosts, spirit guides, etc. yet there is very little mention of demons. Perhaps, there is fear that prevents the discussion. No one wants to utter the words out loud, as if verbalizing them might manifest them.
My research has indicated that there are different types of demons with varying degrees of power and tactics. Satan was called the most subtle of all creatures. Often, it is in the subtlety that we miss the evil and deception. Full-blown possession is rare, but demonic influence can be witnessed all around.
To me, to believe in demons, one would first need to believe that all beings are innately good. It’s an outside force (demon) that causes evil. What do you believe?
Humans are not innately good. Children behave in ways that are not good, kind, or selfless. Adults can take this behavior to an extreme. In fact, it seems to be more of an effort for humans to behave benevolently; wickedness seems to come quite easily. Demons know our weaknesses and use that to an advantage in tempting us to make bad choices where, perhaps, we would not have.
When people start to listen to those inner demonic voices that encourage malevolent behavior, their lives can really spiral downwards, and it will be apparent in their actions. You shall know a tree by the fruit that it bears.
For your non-fiction works: how do you research your chosen subject?
The subjects find me. Once people know that I am a writer, they offer their stories to me. I have discovered that most people have amazing stories to tell. You can never presume to label someone’s life as mundane. Truth is usually stranger than fiction. Once I take on a project, I find out as much as I can about it. The internet has simplified this process. For “Last Door,” there was a lot of documentation that the family compiled. In addition, I read numerous books and articles on the subjects of multiple personality, the occult and demons.
You adapted Last Door into a screenplay. How do you decide what makes a topic right for the screen?
Actually, I wrote the screenplay first, which is unusual. However, this story, in particular, was so rich that I had to write a book that would go in to much greater detail and analysis. For a book or a screenplay, it all comes down to a great story, not merely a good story.
When did you first label yourself a writer?
I had various writing side jobs but always considered myself a teacher primarily. When I wrote my first commissioned screenplay, I felt like a writer. When I quit my teaching position to write full-time, I referred to myself as a writer. Of course, one does not need to follow that order; it’s merely the path that I took.
What are your thoughts on traditional vs. independent publishing?
It’s about time and control over a project. Some authors spend years trying to go the traditional route, often with unsatisfactory results. Writers frequently lose creative and financial control with traditional publishing.
If a writer is professional, self-disciplined, self-motivated, and business-minded, the independent publishing path can be more immediate. With internet marketing, especially, writers can reach a lot of consumers. Self-distributing rappers were the first to embrace this and find success.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Know your craft and the business of your craft thoroughly. It is not enough to solely be creative or to have an idea or a story. Writers must understand grammar and punctuation (sadly, too many do not). Secondly, keep writing; always have a project to work on, and get feedback as much as possible. When you think you are done with a project, that is when the editing and revision really begin. Be tenacious about the excellence of your work.
For more on K Raven Rozier and her works, visit her website.
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