Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Deshaies II.
Hi Robert, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started in Paris, the city of love.
I searched for myself, studying the typical undergraduate requirements, and found myself yearning for more than just a day-to-day job, and hell forbid corporate life. I was looking for inspiration, whether in the art scene around me, the persons I associated with, or even the beautiful history that pumped through the city’s veins, yet nothing arose from the abyss of existential longing.
Then, one day, after living there, adjusting to life, I remembered I had a journal. I sat out on the porch with a pen and a freshly-forgotten page of blank possibility and began writing poetry. From the blue. Wow.
Fast forward a bit, the inspirational spark of Promethean fire coursed through my fingertips, and the next thing I knew, the people around me started responding pleasantly to my work. At this point, it wasn’t much, other than ten or so poems. They were good, but I needed to scratch the surface of my psyche even further and dive into the role of “the writer.”
Quickly but oh so fulfilling, I finished the manuscript to my first book, Blackjack-22: Modern Poetry, a collection of poems detailing the story of “who I am versus who I want to be.” It’s told in a secret journal, novella, freestyle hybrid, and I’m very proud of it. Pitching to publishers quickly began, I talked to a few, and Fulton Books became the best fit.
Book marketing began, then the pandemic hit. The world was put on halt, but my mind pushed on. I began penning two books, an anthology series of eleven short stories, ANTHOLOGY, focused on the theme, “does the truth set you free.” The Streets Ran Red followed and focused on themes of damnation, redemption, and the all-too fun supernatural/occult scene in late 60s England.
Finishing those projects, sending them off to my publisher, and looking for the next endeavor, I aimed towards the beloved comics industry. Comic Books and Graphic Novels have always been my love, and now, it was time to begin that journey. I started Rogue Comix, my comic publication designed to uplift new and unheard-of creators. I quickly began networking and assembling a team for my debut series, Adam & Eternity. Alongside Dominic Pinto and Jake Gustafson, a year full of hard work, coordination, and triumph produced a 152-page Original Story. And once I had a taste for serial publications, I couldn’t stop. Short comic stories, Siblings, The Cave Below Seaside Manor, Breathe, and many more, all found in Rogue Comix Presents: Volume One, culminate to the various stories I wrote and “directed” for my ensemble of fantastic talents. Rogue Comix was booming, and my future beckoned.
Of late, my newest collaboration Will Fyfer, the Graceless Ferret, with the upcoming talent, Isaac Child, has recently published its second chapter, with its third and final chapter to the volume hitting shelves in late February. It’s the first time I have ever written comedy and superhero satire, and I hope you would all love to check it out.
The passion within me burns to remain boundless, to refrain from locking myself within genres borders. I look to continue to make an inspirational, creative, and lasting legacy of work for anyone who needs help with the question, “who am I?”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle is always oneself. It takes consistent, unadulterated motivation to write every day. At times, a flurry of emotions swarms me. It feels like wandering the existential desert as my mind floods with a maze of indecipherable feelings. It puts me on a halt, but I’ve learned it takes resilience to get back up and tell oneself, “Hey, I’ve done it before. Let’s do it again.” It’s a battle not to compare oneself with another artist, to think you’re not enough for this world, this life, yet words of recognition are few and far between in this industry. Thank everyone who compliments you. Keep your head up, and write, write, write. Remember, you’re doing this for yourself, and imparting your story to others could be a tool for them to find who they are.
This story you’re penning is your world, take it, and wield a pen of fire.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been very fortunate to work on a decent library of books. From my debut poetry collection to a series of horror-centric short stories to a supernatural crime novella and a coming-of-age fantasy graphic novel, I aim to write it all. I am proud of all my work and wouldn’t dare to pick one of my favorite children. They’re all parts of me, and they guide me into future themes, stories, and tales to behold.
If you were to ask me what I’m known for, I would reply, “I’m not entirely sure.” My outreach at book signings, conventions, and networking events has formed a well-rounded audience. From male to female, young adult and older, I strive to make a story for everyone. I like the idea of eternity, a timeless nature, boundless from the genre. I like to write everything, and want to write everything. Comics and Art are my true passion, and I plan to take Rogue Comix to future heights in my career. The traditional publication market of prose will also never lose my eye either.
I’m currently working on another collection of longer short stories and another graphic novel. The “funny book” I expect to pitch in early 2023. My prose book, Passages, will also follow.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Listen to the voice in your head, let intuition guide you, and be aware of the creative spark that forms daily. Grasp it, and never let go.
Pricing:
- Adam & Eternity Volume One – $19.99
- Blackjack 22: Modern Poetry – $12.95
- ANTHOLOGY – $15.95
- The Streets Ran Red – $14.95
- Will Fyfer, The Graceless Ferret – $4.99
Contact Info:
- Email: rjdeshaiesii@roguecomix.com
- Website: rjdeshaiesiiwriting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robby_deshaies_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/robby_deshaies_
