Mark Rogers isn't attending the Republican National Convention, but the first-time Milton author is well represented in Tampa.
"Smeared," a self-published work of political fiction about a man from the time of America's founding who suddenly appears in the modern day, was included in the welcome packages of 150 Georgia convention delegates and alternates. It also was given to 150 other guests and dignitaries.
"There are 15,000 books written every day in this country that they could've chosen," said Rogers, 65. "I just hope they will read it and like it."
Rogers donated the books after Brian Burdett, chairman of the Republican Party's 10th Congressional District of Georgia and a close friend, convinced party officials it was a good read.
"The only other book in the bag is [Mitt] Romney's so it's in good company," Burdett said.
Burdett suggested "Smeared" because "it's a really neat story" about conservative values and the need for limited government.
"I think a lot of our folks feel that way to one extent or another," he said.
Available on Amazon.com in paperback ($12.95) and Kindle form, "Smeared" addresses the question: What would an early American think, say and do when confronted by today's politicians?
"It contains a strong message which I felt would resonate more effectively as a work of fiction than as a commentary or a non-fiction," Rogers said. "Besides it's a lot more fun to read."
The debut novel embraces a positive future in a negative time, he added.
Rogers, who considers himself a conservative but not necessarily a Republican, said he decided to write "Smeared" soon after the economy tanked and he started to wonder if the American dream, entrepreneurship in particular, would ever again be within reach.
The author and his wife, Ann, operated an imprinted sportswear business first in Atlanta then on St. Simons Island, before selling it in 1993. At its height, he said, they employed more than 100 people and reached nationwide distribution.
Would that be possible today?
"Yes but I think it would be much more difficult," Rogers said.
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