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I’ve worn many hats throughout my writing career, including working as an assistant newspaper editor, as the head of a publications department at a large teaching hospital, and as the co-founding partner of a public relations agency. Twenty years ago, I went back to school to get a master’s degree in fine arts (MFA) in creative writing. From there, I became a certified high school English and writing teacher, and I founded and ran the St. Louis Writers Workshop. But of greatest importance in this bio, I also have pursued and accomplished my lifelong dream of becoming a (two-time) published novelist.
My first novel, THE MIDDLE STEP (High Hill Press, fall 2015) tells the story of a middle-aged white suburban woman who impulsively accepts a job to be a foster mother to four at-risk teenage girls, who have been pulled from their homes. Almost immediately, Lisa Harris discovers how little she knows about urban poverty and living with children of a different race, religion, culture and background. The novel explores the intersection of race, poverty and family-- a topic more important and more timely than ever. While it is a work of literary fiction, this novel draws on my personal passion and experiences of the past 15 years as a writing and English teacher in a Title One charter middle and high school in downtown St. Louis, Lift For Life
My second novel, AFTER ELISE, debuts August 1, 2018, published by Ardent Writer Press. It is the story of a woman whose car skids in the rain, killing twenty-year-old Elise. The tragic accident leaves the driver reeling with guilt and the rest of her family in disarray as they struggle to adjust to this new reality. AFTER ELISE confronts readers with the most everyday tragedy -- an accident that could happen to anyone. Ultimately, the novel is a story of forgiveness and healing. AFTER ELISE was named a finalist in the 2017 Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, novel in progress. As with THE MIDDLE STEP the story is set in St. Louis and the book is literary fiction.
I’ve also been published in, among others, The Oklahoma Literary Review, Newsweek, Lady's Circle, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and Teacher Magazine, and two of my essays have been anthologized.
Check out my website for more info, book club discounts, and special promotions: www.denisebogard.com. To pre-order AFTER ELISE visit Amazon.com.
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