4 posts tagged “interview”

False Roads to Manhood: What Women Need to Know, What Men Need to Understand

Frank Chase Jr

★★★★★

Author-publisher continues his journey

Chasing life’s dream

takes perseverance

By SKIP VAUGHN

Rocket editor

skip.vaughn@redstone.army.mil

Writing an inspirational book presents a challenge itself. But try writing it, publishing it and promoting it on your own. That’s what Frank Chase Jr. has accomplished; and his journey isn’t finished. Chase, writer for PS Magazine at the Logistics Support Activity, hopes to see his book “False Roads to Manhood” become a play and a movie.

 “It may not be in my lifetime but I’m still pushing for that, aiming for that and I’m praying for that, too,” he said. “I think the most rewarding experience is to see people

come back and tell me how much the book changed their lives. If I had not followed the direction of the Lord, then I would not see the results I’m seeing today.”  His book was first printed in 2004 and had a makeover in January 2005. He originally directed the book toward men – to describe the pitfalls they can fall into along life’s road – but found that women also benefited from its message. So, he changed the book’s subtitle from “Breaking free from the false traditions of men” to a more-universal “What women need to know, what men need to understand.”

The book’s cover was also changed. Designed in New York by Marion Designs, the cover depicts a man walking on a road. Discussion questions were added to the book; and the interior was reformatted. The book’s layout was done by Lisa Gibson-Wilson of the Renaissance Studio of Design in New York.    Chase’s publishing company, FC Publishing LLC, has the slogan “Where words from the heart become books forever.”  “And that’s our mission,” the Baltimore, Md., native said. “Our mission is to publish books that will be insightful, encouraging and beneficial to men and women and youth.”   Some 2,500 copies have been ordered for the latest printing. The promotional materials include 5,000 book marks and 5,000 palm cards. About two months ago, the book became available at amazon.com. It’s also available at the publishing web site, www.fcpublishing.com, and at the Family Christian Bookstore on University Drive.

            “I’ve learned that perseverance is the key,” Chase said, “because the publishing world is a tough business.”

            There have been “pit experiences,” he said, but the bad have turned out good in the end. “So     I’ve had a positive journey.”

            He expressed his appreciation to all the people involved with him in this journey including the men who shared their stories in his book; his wife, Teresa; his pastor, Karockas Watkins of Emmanuel Church International in Decatur, and his fellow church members for their continued support. The Madison resident serves as editor of the church’s monthly newsletter, “The Flame,” and is being trained as a minister.

            Besides seeing his book someday evolve into a play and a movie, he hopes to become a full-time publisher.

            “I would describe the process of publishing this book as challenging,” Chase, 46, said. “You have to do your homework. If you don’t do your homework, you’ll make mistakes. With anything you’ll make mistakes but you don’t let those things stop you from moving forward. I’m learning more and more everyday about the publishing business.”

            And he’s drawing more and more satisfaction from readers like Brittney Ryce, 16, of Madison, who wrote him a letter last December asking his advice on becoming an author.