The Name Roger Winans

The name Roger Winans, the character based on my experience, was a little more conventional to come by. That is the name of a favorite boyhood friend from Fanwood, New Jersey, going way back. This is my way of remembering him, especially since our family moved when I was ten and I haven’t heard from him since. When we played together at LeGrande Park, or rode our bicycles to the borough limits, I WANTED to be Roger. He was outgoing, bubbling with energy, friendly to all, casually athletic, charming, smart, savvy—an all-around happy soul. That was better than my demeanor:  I tended to be more of an introvert, scared to reveal myself, more moody, more emotional. He’s the one who liked to eat green peppers as a snack (see page 48) which I picked up on and copied all my life. Of course many people today are familiar with the last name because of the Winans Family gospel singers, led by Bebe and CeCe Winans. So we know it’s pronounced Wi’-nans. But I also liked his name for my book because it is kind of nondescript . . . an American Everyman. I’m not sure of the heritage, but Aunt Betty on page 190 says, “You’re equal parts English, Welsh, Irish, and Flemish.”  So we’ll leave it at that.