About The Author

My name is Duane Lance Filer and I like to write far out stuff. I grew up in Compton, California and had one of the greatest, richest childhoods one could have growing up in an “inner” city. My mom Blondell and dad Maxcy raised the 7 Filer siblings (Maxine, Kelvin, Anthony, Stephanie, Dennis and Tracy) in the same Compton home we still own today. I miss old Maxcy and Blondell but I’m sure they are smiling down from heaven and proud of their children. My mom and dad were involved in the west coast civil rights movement, and during the 60’s and 70’s I got to witness and was involved in some wild and crazy events during this important time in American history.   Since birth, I’ve possessed an extraordinary memory; an insatiable imagination; and a fascination with writing.  I started writing in high school, through college, and during my work years.

My first short story was written for Mrs. Pierce’s 7th grade English class at Walton Jr. High in Compton.  At Compton Sr. High School, Mr. Alvin Taylor’s Black History Class inspired me to “write what you know.”  My next stop was at California Lutheran College (now University) where creative writing professors Ted LaBrenz and Dr. Jack Ledbetter encouraged me to continue to write my off-the-wall short stories.  After college, I continued to learn the craft of writing at the Watts Writers Workshop in 1973-74 (God bless Harry Dolan); the Open Doors Writing Program for Minority Writers at 20th Century Fox (1980-82); and the Institute of Children’s Literature.

 I worked for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for 29 years and retired in 2013.  I am and have been married to Dr. Janice Filer for 40 years.  My daughter Arinn is a dedicated teacher and my son Lance is an attorney – both in the Southern California area.  I am so proud of my kids!  Besides my brothers and sisters, I have a goo-gaggle of cherished in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles…and many, many great friends. 

My latest book is “If You Don’t Know Diddley You Don’t Know Squatt” – released in 2025 by Gotham Books.  I write every day and will have more Diddley stories to come as well as children’s books, screenplays, and an adult short story collection.  In addition to writing, I paint wild stuff; write music reviews – many of which you can find on this website – and I play a funky bass guitar.