Welcome Roland Page to Mollies World
Welcome To Mollie's World, Roland Page, author of "Eating The Forbidden Fruit"
1. First and foremost, please give us a small synopsis of your book.
Eating the Forbidden Fruit is a fictional novel based on true events in my life of a St.Louis police officer convicted of federal drug crimes stemming from my childhood affiliation. It's a tale of karma and redemption. The book will take the reader on a roller coaster ride of humor, drama, crime, and romance. I confess how my immoral behavior lead to criminal acts.
2. WOW!!! Talk about a "Must read"...what prompted you to put your story on paper?
There are a few reasons. First, I wanted to tell my side of the story because when the public hears about a police officer being indicted they think of corruption, like who was he shaking down. My case wasn't like that, when I was in uniform I did my job well; however I do admit I didn't have the commitment to the badge. Another reason, writing served as therapy for my occasional depression from Lupus. I have been battling the disease for a while. All personal reasons which fueled my passion to complete the book.
3. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?
As a former tattoo artist I have a visual advantage to see things and put it on skin. My hand and eye coordination is off due to Lupus but since I began writing I realize I have a artistic talent to translate my words. I guess once a artist always a artist. With tragedy comes blessings. I anxious to see how its received once I drop it early 2020.
4. Have you received any backlash for writing "The Forbidden Fruit"?
No, I have not. I waited until my statue of limitations was up before releasing my book. I also changed names to protect people's privacy; therefore I won't get caught up dry snitching. Even though the story is true, I switched a few things up just to be safe. As far as repercussions from the justice system I don't bash the feds or the police department. My demise was my fault, so i don't shift the blame I keep real and took it on the chin.
5. Do you believe people embrace you more now that you've opened up and told your story?
I've always tried to be a stand up dude, even when I was a cop. My tattoo company, Black Pearl, has been around since 1995. I had people come up to me and say you locked me up years ago, but you were professional. All a person has is his word. My story illustrates that everybody falls from grace at some point. I believe the readers will relate to my honesty. The main approval I had to get was from my wife and kids because I don't want them to feel some type of way. I reveal a lot of shady things I did, so I had to get their nod. My wife actually proof read it for me.
6. If you knew then what you know now, what would you have done differently?
Well probably not be so trustworthy. A family member that I was trying to help out actually turned CI (Confidential Informant) and snitched on me. The situation tainted some of the relationship among my family. To this day I feel some type a way toward some. Let me say this though, I believe everything happens for a reason. I got away with some things I'm not proud of even before my career in law enforcement, therefore I felt I had it coming. God pushed me to get on the right track.
It was one of the factors that woke me up. You got to realize, you can't go through life always trying to hustle. I'm that type of guy that when I do foul things it comes back on me ten folds. Karma is real. The fed situation was a nightmare, yet I see guys locked up and all of the sudden they find religion or tell their loved ones how they're sorry for cheating and realize who's in their corner. As soon as they are released, they go back to doing the same old thing. I look at my family as a whole and think no one can ever replace them.
8. How has your family dealt with the lifestyle changes through the years?
We deal with problems together so their my support unit. When I discovered I had Lupus I didn't think I was going to make it. I still go through it that's one reason they encourage me to write. Even after my ordeal I still make mistakes the difference is keep open communication with my family. Majority of my family is in Japan so my immediate family is all I got and that's all I need.
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