Arc of the Poet: A Poetic Memoir

With these words, Lila Ridings-Darnell moved her second kid to pursue his life's calling: "I write, and Dad wrote, but I think you're the one who's going to do something with it." After taking aim as an adolescent, at age 44, the author began compiling this poetic memoir to document his progress creatively. Connecting with global legends of entertainment, business, and literature on his journey in the film and TV trades, Roger's focus intensifies as his setbacks, near-misses, and moonshots add up. His illuminating existential payoffs are sure to inspire everyone who dares to dream big.

"For anyone who's ever doubted themselves or questioned their purpose in life, Roger reminds us of just how far the discipline of tenacity can take you. His journey is one of constant discovery, vulnerability, and being shared through tender prose and stories of a life richly lived." --Michele Kumar, CEO, Priya PR, Inc.

"Our dreams rarely look the way we thought they would. Roger shows us a beautiful example of honoring, embracing, nurturing, and celebrating the dream that is." --Joan Zimmerman, MA, LMFT

"For those who are staking out their own journeys in the creative-industrial complex, this book is for you. Roger shows how someone with the soul of an artist can successfully and confidently navigate that world, and at the same time displays his own considerable artistic talents. The book also shows another side of the 'industry' -- one that includes people who care very much about art and soul, who respect and highly appreciate the extraordinary courage of poets and artists everywhere." --Dr. John Minbiole, Assistant Teaching Professor, Penn State University 

As eloquently explained by the author's high school drama teacher Leslie "Jinx" Caulfield, life is temporary, "and details become more beautiful and profound when viewed through the eyes of a poet." In this poetic memoir, an adept writer deftly relates his life journey, where poetry arose within him first as a means of connecting with his mother, then served him well in shaping his adult life, and growing. At key points, he has felt he could become famous, and accomplish all his personal ambitions, through poetry. Time will tell.