Author DeeJay Arens of Bemidji, an author who grew up in East Grand Forks, won first place in the 2013 New Generation Indie Book Awards in the gay/lesbian category for his novel "The View from a Rusty Train Car."
A graduate of East Grand Forks Sacred Heart High School and theater student at UND, Arens is supervising producer and part owner of Saarens Productions in Bemidji. He is an actor, director and filmmaker and his debut movie, "Slip Away," premiered in 2012.
Arens is an alum of Grand Forks Fire Hall Theatre. He also works as a vocational vendor and member/owner services manager for a natural food cooperative.
"The View from a Rusty Train Car," published by Writers AMuse Me Publishing, is a coming of age story that examines a young boy's emotional turmoil when he realizes he is in love with the boy next door in a world where that love is not allowed.
Award ceremonies will be in New York City at the end of May. Arens' book also is being considered for a 2012 ForeWord Book of the Year Awards.
