Orphan Keeper

Camron met Taj through a mutual friend, Dave Pliler. Dave is a screenwriter (Forever Strong), who'd met Taj a dozen years earlier when exploring a possible screenplay. While the screenplay didn't work out, Dave had always remembered Taj's unusual story. One evening, as Camron and Dave were talking, Dave began to rehearse Taj's journey—his kidnapping, adoption and subsequent return to India. Camron's jaw dropped. A meeting was arranged, but Taj was still hesitant. However, after reading Camron's previous book, The Rent Collector, Taj said he knew he'd found the right author.

As was mentioned in the Authors’ Note at the end of the book, the story is based on the life experience of Taj Rowland (Chellamuthu). Barring a few minor changes (for the sake of plot and pacing), his real-life account was followed rather closely. Naturally, there were holes that needed to be filled for events and characters where information was lacking. For example, while Taj does not believe his father was involved is his kidnapping and sale to the Lincoln Home orphanage, he can’t be certain. With said events, the puzzle pieces were assembled with logical presumption.

Perhaps the best answer to the question would be to direct readers to Taj’s timeline, which documents several of the story’s factual plot points. Also take a look at Taj’s video interview, where he discusses numerous real-life aspects of his journey.  

Naturally, any price is a bargain for this astounding story☺. That said, for fast service and a competitive price, order it online through Amazon, or check with your local bookstore.     

• Purchase autographed copies by clicking here. Proceeds from autographed copies sold online through this website go to Taprish, an NGO that helps remote villages in India.

Camron is a fiction writer; Dave is a screenwriter. Once Taj agreed to let his story be told, Camron and Dave planned to write the book together. However, as sometimes happens in life, the story had other plans. Dave was offered a full-time job writing for a prominent business group, a situation that he couldn't turn down. With his time suddenly limited, and since Camron caught an early vision of Taj's story and the style in which it needed to be told, Camron marched ahead and wrote The Orphan Keeper while Dave served as a story consultant. With the book now finished, Dave is busy working on the screenplay.

In short, about a year. Writing was slow in the beginning, but as the interviews with Taj continued and the layers of his story peeled away, the pace quickened. Near the end, Taj insisted on a visit to India to see firsthand where his story took place—and the trip proved invaluable. Revisions were made and Camron nervously delivered the finished manuscript to Taj a little more than a year after he'd started. Taj stayed up most of the night to read it and he loved it.

It's difficult for Taj, as he spents so much time in India. However, Camron will be Skyping with as many book groups as his schedule will allow. If you're reading the book as a group and would like to inquire about the possibility, click here.

Yes, certainly. To arrange a speaking engagement, contact Dawn Stuart at Books in Common, 541-318-6288.