Q: First tell us something about yourself?
Hi, My name is Megan Rogers, author and owner of MasonStrong Publishing and Apparel. I am the mother of 2 amazing boys, Mason and Christopher. Mason, my first born, was born with an extremely rare genetic syndrome called Lenz Microphthalmia Syndrome causing him to be blind with other health issues. There are only 12 reported cases of it in the world. My family’s journey in the special needs world has been a roller coaster of emotions. I have experienced some of the most beautiful moments of life and the hardest days of my life. Through it all I can say my sons and I are blessed. My faith has carried me through this journey and somewhere along the way I discovered what I believe is my purpose in life, to not only give my children the best life I can but to also help, encourage, and inspire anyone who may walk our path.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
I have always been a creative person in life, I began journaling early on in my oldest son Mason’s life, it was therapeutic to myself and necessary to document everything that was going on in our “new” world. As we experienced many hardships and miracles it was often said to me that I needed to write a book, the seed was planted and I knew one day I would.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I wrote my first book “Meet Mason” in 2020 and I self-published it in 2021.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
Meet Mason is currently my only published book. It is a sweet poetic story that explains who he is , what it is like to be blind, and what makes him so uniquely special. As I mentioned, I was always encouraged to write a book about Mason and our journey, I didn’t quite feel like it was time. I began shifting my focus to a children’s book. The testimonial books will come later, they are in the works.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
I switched my focus to children because as Mason grew up everywhere we went other kids had questions about Mason, his cane, his glasses, why he was different, etc. Many times the parents of these children would hush their kids not to ask (probably thinking it was rude) but in reality these were great teachable moments and really the only way for them to learn. Disabilities and differences are not everyday topics in households, I wanted to be able to provide an easy way for children to learn about them
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
Meet Mason is based on his life, everything and everyone in the story is real. Its purpose is for children to understand not only children who are blind but may have a special need.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
I pray Meet Mason helps teach others to understand special needs children or anyone that may be different from you and to treat them kindly. To show empathy but not pity.
