We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debra Jean Rogers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Debra Jean, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

For me, my mission is deeply personal. I believe stories are magic—and when women tell their stories, they don’t just rise… they rewrite what’s possible. That’s not just a tagline. It’s a truth I’ve lived.

Years ago, I was in the middle of a painful breakup that shattered my confidence and cracked open something deeper. I was the good girl, the supportive wife, the one who made herself smaller so others could shine. But when everything fell apart, I did the only thing I knew how to do—I wrote. That one book, “He Did You a Favor,” unexpectedly took off and completely transformed my life. It got me media opportunities, coaching requests, and visibility I never saw coming. But more than that—it helped other women find their voice through my voice.

That’s when it clicked.

After 25+ years in Hollywood developing stories for film and TV, voicing animated characters, and working with screenwriters, I realized the real gold wasn’t just helping studios tell great stories. It was helping women tell theirs—stories they were sitting on for years, sometimes decades. Stories that could heal, inspire, and change lives (including their own). I saw firsthand how writing a book or sharing a story could unlock confidence, credibility, community, and income. That’s when I pivoted and built my business around helping creative women uncover the treasure trove of stories they already have—and turn them into powerful books, brands, and messages that make a difference.

My mission is to help women stop hiding and start writing. To use their voice as their superpower. Because when women own their stories, they own their impact. And that changes everything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Debra Rogers—a story expert, book coach, and multi-award-winning author. I help creative women uncover their voice, share their story, and write books and content that not only move people—but sell.

I didn’t always know this would be my path. I started in Hollywood as a “D-Girl” (Script Development)—picking up stacks of screenplays from Showtime and other studios in the back of my red convertible for the “weekend read.” I worked behind the scenes, deciding which stories made it past the gatekeepers. I also voiced over 30 animated characters, which was a creative outlet I loved—but the truth is, I was still hiding behind the scenes.

It wasn’t until my own life fell apart (that crushing breakup that left me questioning everything) — that I finally stepped forward and told my story. “He Did You a Favor” turned me from “Hollywood helper” to award-winning author, relationship expert, and sought-after coach. And the best part? Women started reaching out to me—not just to thank me for the book, but to say, “I want to write my story, too… can you help me?”

That’s when my deeper mission was born.

Now, I help women—especially creatives, coaches, entrepreneurs, and emerging thought leaders—write books and stories that unlock visibility, credibility, and purpose. I run two signature programs:
📚 The Bestseller Book Course, which helps you write, publish, and profit from your book.
✨ The Story Magic Course, which helps you craft irresistible stories that connect, inspire, and convert—so you can grow your biz (and your income).

I also host the Writer’s Insider Club, a cozy and powerful membership where writers get community, coaching, story prompts, and support to actually finish the writing project they’ve been dreaming about.

What problems do I solve?
Many creative women have powerful ideas but are held back by perfectionism, overwhelm, or self-doubt. They’re not sure where to begin or whether anyone even cares about their story. I help them break through all of that. I provide the structure, support, strategy, and soul-centered coaching they need to move from idea to finished manuscript—and from hidden talent to visible voice. Whether they’re writing a memoir or a non-fiction book or using stories to grow their business, I help them show up with confidence, clarity, and impact.

What sets me apart?
I blend 25+ years of Hollywood story development and performance with deep coaching expertise. I’m known for being part fairy godmother, part story specialist—I’ll lovingly help you find the gold in your story and hold you accountable to get it out into the world. My clients have sold books and story ideas to major networks like ABC, FX, Disney, and Warner Bros. However, I also love working with first-time authors and creatives who are ready to stop hiding and start sharing their truth.

What am I most proud of?
I’m proud of the ripple effect I’ve created so far. Every time a woman tells her story, she gives someone else permission to do the same. I’ve watched my students go from feeling invisible to getting book deals, podcast interviews, speaking gigs, press features, and coaching clients—all because they finally said yes to their voice and wrote their story. That’s what lights me up.

What should people know about me and my work?
I believe you are sitting on a treasure trove of stories. You don’t have to be perfect, polished, or published to start sharing them. And when you do, your world opens up in ways you never expected. Your story is the bridge to your next chapter—and it’s time to write it.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is to help more women write and share their stories—because when women write, they rise. And when we rise together, we lift the world.

I believe we’re all sitting on a treasure trove of stories—many of which have been buried under self-doubt, perfectionism, and the belief that we’re not “ready.” My work is about unlocking that magic. Helping women tap into their voice, their vision, and the message they’re here to share—through books, stories, content, and creative expression that deeply connects.

My goal is to not only guide women to write powerful books but to help them discover the truth and strength inside themselves as they do it. I want every woman I work with to walk away not just with pages written, but with a deeper connection to herself: her purpose, power, and potential. I always tell my students that writing a book isn’t just about publishing—it’s about transformation. For you and your readers.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes—and it was both powerful and painful.

After publishing my book, my world changed overnight. At one point, thousands of visitors were coming to my website, and my social media audience was rapidly growing. Women kept reaching out to me for breakup coaching, and for a while, I leaned into that. But deep down, I missed the magic of writing, the thrill of shaping words, and the joy of helping women craft their own narratives. My lifelong love of story was tugging at me—and I knew I had to listen.

So, I pivoted. I walked away from that entire brand—including my website, my social accounts, and that massive following—and started over. From scratch. Letting go of all that momentum wasn’t easy. In fact, I still feel the sting. But it was the right move. That book needed to be written—it healed me and helped thousands of other women. But it wasn’t the final chapter. It was the doorway into my next one.

If you’re a writer with several book ideas and you’re not sure where to begin, here’s my advice:

Ask yourself: Which story do I want to grow into?
Write that book.

And one more tip from experience: always build your brand around your name, not your book’s title. Books come and go, but your voice—that’s the constant.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.debrajeanrogers.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrajeanrogers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debrajeanrogers/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-jean-rogers-54a1178/
• Other: Threads: https://www.threads.com/@debrajeanrogers?xmt=AQF029cLckHN7avphTBy_vCbEC8Bii5oQHnS5HXRDmILFg4

Image Credits

Image credit: Caroline White Photography