Ever after for me, was the day the poet Shel Silverstein beguiled me in 3rd grade. Following by example I spent my childhood mimicking his poetic tales - finding inspiration in experience as I moved across the country with my gypsy mother and learning how to tell stories by the most creative man I've ever known - my father. through curious rhymes and black-comedy tales I found a voice for the first time.
I was born Tahnee Jane Dunlap in a small Indiana town. I had a troubled childhood but there was a lot of love and no resentment as many of those turbulent memories have become the scenes in my favourite stories. I am the grandaughter of Lena Roze. A tough, kind, tender woman who was my home. My grandfather, Everett, was an ever patient man. A warm smile in chaos. As a child one hug from him made me feel that the darkness which seemed to surround me held a bit of light as well. For this reason, I took the pen name Everette Roze -a constant reminder of the kind of person I dare to be. I am known by my closest family and friends as Everette.
On My 13th birthday I was given a video camera. With this generous and life-changing gift from my extended family, they also unknowingly signed up to become stars of the home movies I would make; (Some awesome memories were made during these primitive shoots). I Used a boom box for my soundtrack and edited in-camera, even making sure to film my own commercials between shows. The desire for creating visuals from the stories I wrote was planted early and the willingness of those around to partake, crafted motivation to continue for the rest of my life.
I began the professional training of my career by graduating from film school while also working at a production studio that created content for some of the industries leading celebrities. Starting as an intern, I worked alongside the chief editor Ian McDaniel, who taught me to edit film like the boss he was. Over the next three years, I worked my way from editing intern to one of the key writers and line producers for the company, eventually working directly under the CEO. With focus on writing scripts for music videos as well as show content, I was writing professionally before I graduated college.
Upon graduation from film school I won the UCF capstone award for a senior project and thought my career path was set.
Then I got greedy. I began to desire purpose over stability. Freedom, over a paycheck. This was a trait instilled by my father which I feel very blessed and cursed to take on as my own. I felt that by writing for other peoples dreams, I was losing a part of myself that was meant to flourish.
I took off to Haiti shortly after the earthquake in 2010 to assist Dr. Without Borders and lose myself in helping others.During my time there I wrote constantly. For the first time in a long time I wrote free of directions or timelines or expectations. I wrote about the incredible people, the hard truths i was learning and I began the first few chapters and outline of the story that would become my most important to date. I was also pulled in a completely new direction when I began writing & performing my own songs for the Haitian Community as well as the soldiers at the UN.
When I returned home, I found I no longer had a job. So for a while I had some fun. I began bartending and spent long days recording in the studio to find my own voice. Using sleepless nights to write creative fiction that poured out until dawn. After my year off, I decided to take a leap and start my own company with my music producer. at the newly formed Studio1128- we spent ten years building clientele. I began writing, directing and producing for local and global companies and for local artists. The best part was I chose the work and made the decision to make my own writing a top priority.
For personal accomplishments in the past few years I have finished an EP album, a television script series, as well as my greatest personal goal : A completed manuscript for a Fantasy Saga called 'Everything Evi '.
"A change is gonna come" - Ottis Redding
Following 2024 my goal as a writer shifted a bit. I have since gotten married to a hunter, gave birth to a wild boy and I left Studio1128 behind.
My sole focus professionally is on turning my manuscript into an audio production using every God-given talent I have as well as the help of some new crew.
I am certain the best is yet to come...
Perhaps our paths will cross along the way.
Until then, thank you for taking an interest in this writer and may your ink never run dry.
-Everette Roze
