Pecha Kucha & English Language Teaching, by Thomas Jerome Baker, Reviewed

An odd choice of book for a non-specialist and a fiction writer, perhaps. But, this work has something to offer to more than the teachers of English who are its intended readership.

Pecha Kucha, for those unfamiliar with the technique, is a patented form of Powerpoint presentation. It was developed in Japan and has rapidly spread over the globe as a means of getting information out to many different types of people. In this book, the method is discussed as it applies to the teaching of English as a foreign language. But the principles and advantages of the technique seem applicable to many other fields.

I read this in the hope that it might give me insights into the making of promotional material for my books. I’ve long considered making videos to market my work, but the process has always seemed too complex and time consuming. However, this method, using software with which I’m at least slightly familiar, shows promise. I’ve no doubt that it will require some learning, patience and application from me, but I also have little doubt that it will help me produce short videos that will be effective and interesting. In fact, I’ve already started on that process, inspired by accounts detailed in this book.

The author, who works in Chile as a TEFL teacher, illustrates the ebook with many samples of the Pecha Kucha technique in use. He suggests it as an effective way of engaging with students and enthusing them to the topic. There’s humour here, as a well as expertise. And the candid style of writing makes the book accessible to all.

If you’re a teacher, or if you’re looking for ways to enhance your book marketing, you’ll find this an instructive and inspiring work. I recommend it.

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What’s Your Greatest Weakness, as a Writer, and Why?

"Study drawing shows the allegorical figure of Romance nude. She bends her head to read a book on her lap. Romance was one figure in a painting, The arts, in the north end lunette of the Southwest Gallery in the Library of Congress' Jefferson Building." Graphite drawing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And, How Are You Overcoming It?

Last week, I looked at strengths. This time, I want to take a gander at weaknesses. We all have them. I know what my major weakness is, one of many, but this one is the most important: I spread myself too thinly.

What do I mean?

I do this in many ways:

1.      I divide my time between many activities instead of concentrating on what's most important.

2.      I can't settle on any given genre, spreading my ideas into many different types of writing so that I find it difficult to label myself as a practitioner in any one field.

3.      I support too many different campaigns, giving my voice and action to a multitude of worthy causes.

4.      I read many differing titles, failing to concentrate on a specific topic or genre.

Okay, I hear many of you choosing one or more of these instances and arguing that these are not necessarily bad things. And, I agree. Variety is essential to anyone who creates. A wide-ranging interest is vital to the development of knowledge and intellect. Compassion is a response given by a caring heart and restricting it may seem selfish. Ideas can either be adapted and crammed, made to fit a specific genre of writing, or they can be given the freedom to express themselves in whatever form seems most appropriate for the story.

Let's deal first with those things that are outside the narrower field of writing, those things that fall within the normal life choices of us all, regardless of what we do for a living.

The causes are always a personal matter. I feel as if I get involved with many, but, in reality, I tend to concentrate on 4 main areas. (a)The environment and those things that impact on the future of the planet. (b) Poverty and it's destructive effect on those under its heel. (c) Religion and its negative input to society in general. (d) Education for all, especially women. Of course, these interests tend to spread and merge with others and bleed off into associated topics. And, yes, I do find myself sometimes pulled into a fight for farm animals, wild animals, even pets. It would be possible for me to spend my entire waking life fighting for causes in one way or another. But I feel I wouldn't be doing the best possible with the few talents I possess, so I have to consciously curtail and restrict those activities. They do, nevertheless, consume large amounts of my time and energy. Will I stop? Of course not. It's who I am and I'm willing to put up with that for the sake of those things I care about. Could I do more? Of course. Will I? Probably not, simply because I have a limited amount of time and energy at my disposal and there are other aspects of life I wish to become involved with.

Reading is another personal choice. The experts and pundits would have us believe that we, as writers, must read all we can of the contemporary genre(s) in which we write. I have some sympathy with the point of view. But I'm interested in many different things and my reading time is as limited as all other aspects of modern life. Let's have a 72 hour day and the need for no sleep and I might get close to reading some of what I'd like to sample. But the reality is that we are, again, limited by time and energy and therefore must select those books that we feel are most likely to entertain, inform, educate and inspire us. I currently have a 'to read' list over 130 titles in length, all sitting on my shelves. I had made a decision to read them all before I bought, borrowed or accepted as gifts, any new books. But, in writing this piece, I find myself subject to a small epiphany. I shall go through that list and extract all those titles that I was going to read in reality because they 'ought to be read'. They can go back on the shelves, to be read at leisure once I no longer have the urge to write. So, they can accompany me in my coffin and I'll read them by the light of slow putrefaction. I'll read those that I actually want to read and the rest can wait. I'm curious to see how that will reduce the list. See, this exercise has already produced positive results, for me at least.

Finally, my inability to settle on a specific genre. Will I tailor my future writing to, say, thrillers, or perhaps that most popular genre, romance? Maybe I'll concentrate on science fiction, or its brother, fantasy. Should I dive into the dark world of horror? Maybe I could dig up some crime. A bit of mystery? History calls from afar. A bit of sex in the form or erotica might spice things up a little.

But, actually, I'm not the sort of writer who can even begin a story with an idea of genre. When an idea takes me, I start to write and the genre emerges from the tale as I tell it. I am, at heart, a story teller. I love character and those threads of event that characters cause during interaction. I cannot envisage sitting down and writing out a plot. Oh, believe me, I've tried. Plot is a device, an artificial construct on which a story may be built. It's suitable for many types of stories. But not for the stories I develop. I write organically, I write by the seat of my pants. A plot would simply get in the way and, in any case, I'd deviate from it as soon as the first character decided he or she didn't want to go in that direction. So, I guess I'm stuck with being a multi-genre writer. I accept that means I'll never be known in any given field; I'm unlikely to be considered a commercial prospect by any publisher. I understand that my chances of making a million with my writing are significantly reduced (as if that chance ever really existed anyway. Even if it did, it was never a motivator for me). But I write because I must and I write because I love it and I write because I have things to say. If I don't do that in my own way, with my own voice, what's the point?

So, those are my confessions, which, they say, are good for the soul. This has been a useful exercise for me. It might help you; it depends on the sort of writer you are and what motivates you, I suppose. Why not share your thoughts in the comments? I love to know what others think.

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Cutting Through the Academic Crap, by April Taylor, Reviewed.

Are you a university student, or the parent, best friend, trusted sibling or confidante of such a student? If so, I strongly advise you to read this little book. It took me 40 minutes, that’s all. So, it’s hardly an imposition, is it?

Written in a friendly, approachable style, it details the methods, pitfalls, techniques and crucial points in the process of writing that all-important dissertation. I learned a good deal I didn’t know about this specialist academic topic and was prompted to read the book because my daughter is currently attending university and will be required to produce a dissertation in her final year.

The book is presented in easily digested bites, each of which deals with a specific aspect of the whole. Breaking it down in this way makes a difficult subject more easily understood. The author has personal experience of the needs, having two degrees herself. She demonstrates empathy with the lot of the student and uses some vernacular with which the student should be familiar. But she provides her advice in an authoritative manner without that off-putting arrogance and superiority that defines so much academic writing.

Students who follow her advice and take account of the various pitfalls and distractions she highlights will stand a very good chance of not only completing the dissertation on time, but also of gaining maximum marks. Such a chance to increase the success of all that hard work and study that exemplifies the lot of the student must surely be worth the short time and attention that this essential little book deserves.

So, if you’re studying for that degree, or supporting someone involved in that demanding task, I unconditionally recommend the reading of this book: BEFORE you start.

BTW: this is an ebook, available on Smashwords , Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com  

Reading Fiction Stimulates Brain Activity

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It's probably too early in the research to reach too many conclusions, but it looks as though reading fiction may do serious good to your brain. Have a read of this article - http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/13325.aspx from the Washington University website and see what you think.

The Republic, by Plato, Reviewed.

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This classic, in the true sense of the word, was written by Plato some time after the execution of his admired narrator, Socrates, in 399BC. The supposed dramatic setting for the narrative is around 420BC.

Taking the form of a discussion between Socrates and friends, the work is a philosophical treatise founded on the theme of justice. It touches, along the way, many other aspects of life and thought and can be seen to be a foundation stone in the building of Western thought, politics and ideas.

That Plato wrote in an era when slavery was not only accepted but was an everyday normality, and where women were perceived as inferior beings, permeates the text for a modern reader. There are many places where I felt like grabbing the narrator, and his fellow conversationalists, by the metaphorical lapels and shaking them out of their complacency over these two issues. But that is more a reflection of my attitudes about these issues than of the quality of the writing.

I started reading this tome, which requires a good deal of concentration, before Xmas and the season rather interrupted the serious read. But I became determined to finish the book before starting on the editing of the novel I'd written the preceding November (NaNoWriMo challenge for those interested). The reason was that it immediately became clear that The Republic deals with many of the themes I included in my novel and I wanted to see what this seminal work had to say on these ideas.

The ideas expressed are remarkably contemporary in many cases. I was surprised by references to personality, character, political systems and religion that I'd previously considered to be relatively modern. There were times when I completely forgot that this book was written almost 2,500 years ago.

What I found most disturbing, however, were some of the theories and philosophical ideas that have clearly been responsible for the way we think and live today in the Western world. That some of these ideas have been distorted, misunderstood, partially comprehended or, in some cases, deliberately taken out of context, to justify certain modern political decisions became clearer as I read. I understood, for the first time, some of the classical references I've come across in life and many of the underlying reasons for our current way of life became obvious. It's clear that many of our current leaders are steeped in the arguments put forward in this narrative. The teaching of the classics is, of course, fundamental to the education supplied by most private schools. That it isn't generally included in the curricula of state schools is equally clear. I'm not a lover of conspiracy theory, but it's difficult to avoid the conclusion that there has been a deliberate policy of discouraging the reading of such books as this, lest the general populace become aware of what leaders have always known.

It's impossible to do justice to this text in the space of a simple review. I can only suggest that those who have the intellectual stamina and the necessary curiosity about the nature of thought and life read this book. There is much that the modern reader will deplore, disagree with and denigrate. The benefit of living long after the work was completed provides us with a greater understanding of many things that must have been mysteries to Plato and his contemporaries. But the fundamentals of his thesis on politics, rule and the actions of leaders and the general populace are sound.

Those who love the superficial and the easy will find this book indigestible but those who like depth, provocation of the grey cells and stimulus for the imagination and curiosity will find this a singularly rewarding read. I thoroughly recommend it.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Didactic

Didactic: adjective - with the character or manner of a teacher, intended to instruct, with instruction as its ulterior purpose.

Noun - didactic author or treatise; the art of teaching.

We all come across and know about didactic literature, even if we don’t necessarily know the term for it. With its academic tone, intended to educate, it carries connotations of heavy-handedness.

‘The novel was so obviously didactic that most readers were immediately put off reading it.’

‘Are you actually trying to bore them, George, or is your didactic prose somehow supposed to attract people to your words? You might have more success if you concentrated less on teaching your readers and more on telling the story.’

Nothing suitable on Zemanta, so here's a picture of an Iris I took in the back garden a week or so ago.

Writing: 3500 Words in Two Sessions

Started off this morning with 2,500 words of the epic fantasy. This was after a short session of email response and some breakfast with Kate who was on her way to school to take her 'A' levels in English Lit and Media. She's out celebrating with a group of fellow students and the English teacher now, having done what she can in the exams. One more to go, next week.
Spent some time in the garden, cutting back a vicious pyrocantha to allow a bit more room to turn the car, once I've made the hardstanding for the turning. Had to rest after that.
Had another session in the afternoon, working on new blog posts. Then, following tea, another session of writing on the fantasy, creating another 1,000 words. So, not a bad day's work in all.
Time now for rest and relaxation in readiness for tomorrow's session.

The picture shows a fisherman's hut on the coast of Crete.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Between or among

Image by stuartaken via Flickr

Between or among

Between: preposition - reciprocal action or relation involving two or more as individuals, reciprocally, on the part of; motion or communication from each of two or more bodies, places, etc., to the other or others, to and from; confinement or restriction to two or more parties; in the interval separating two points of time, events, etc.; intermediate to, partaking of the nature of two qualities; in or through the space, line, or route separating two points, objects, etc. or bounded by; in the space bounded by two points etc., dividing, separating, connecting, uniting. Adverb - in or into an intermediate position or course, intermediately in amount, order, occupying intermediate space, intervening; in the interval or at intervals. to go to and fro as a mediator;

Among: preposition - in the assemblage of, surrounded by and grouped with; surrounded by the separate members, components, or particles of, amid; in company with; in the number or class of, in comparison with; in the general practice or views of; divided between, shared by.

Both words have possibly more meanings than most people appreciate. However, the confusion in usage arises only in certain circumstances: i.e. which should be used when referring to two objects and which belongs with three or more things. But this is to over simply the matter. The distinction doesn’t rely on whether you’re referring to two things or to three or more; it’s whether you’re referring to one thing and another, or to a collective or undefined number.

‘The gossip spread among the journalists faster than wildfire.’ But, you could also write, ‘The gossip spread between the journalists like wildfire.’

‘A five bar gate rested between the gateposts.’ Means something entirely different from, ‘A farm gate rested among the fence posts.’ In the former, we have a gate in situ with the posts at either side to support it. But in the latter, we have a gate as a separate item awaiting use along with some fence posts.

There is also a question of the mood conveyed by the two words: ‘The lovers walked among the bushes.’ indicates a meandering stroll. But, ‘The lovers walked between the bushes.’ is suggestive of a more formal promenade with bushes at either side of them.

One other aspect that needs a few words is the use of ‘between’ when used to measure something in relation to the objects the measured item lies between. So, the ‘distance between the posts’ does not include the width of the posts themselves but merely the space intervening. When something falls between two or more other things, those other things are not part of that something, but the defining boundaries of the space into which the something falls.

Zemanta could find no suitable illustration for this one, so here's one of my own, taken on the Wolds, near Bridlington.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Eager

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Eager:  adjective – impetuous, full of or demonstrating keen desire or appetite; impatiently longing.

'Barnaby was so eager to impress Shirley that he almost killed himself as he jumped over the wall and landed in a ditch some twelve feet down.'

Author Interview with Patricia Rockwell

Patricia Rockwell has spent most of her life teaching.  From small liberal arts colleges to large regional research universities—and even a brief stint in a high school, her background in education is extensive.  She has taught virtually everything related to Communication—from a fine arts speech-theatre orientation to more recently a social science research approach.  Her Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees are from the University of Nebraska in Speech and her Ph.D. is from the University of Arizona in Communication.  She was on the faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for thirteen years, retiring in 2007.

Her publications are extensive, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals, several textbooks, and a research book on her major interest area of sarcasm, published by Edwin Mellen Press.  In addition to publications, she has presented numerous papers at academic conferences and served for eight years as Editor of the Louisiana Communication Journal.  Her research focuses primarily on several areas of communication:  deception, sarcasm, and vocal cues. 

Dr. Rockwell is presently living in Aurora, Illinois, with her husband Milt, also a retired educator.  The couple have two adult children.  SOUNDS OF MURDER is her first novel.

Tell us about “Sounds of Murder” in a few sentences. 

It’s a cozy mystery.  Pamela Barnes is a Psychology professor and acoustics expert at a small southern University who discovers one of her colleagues strangled to death in the departmental computer lab.  When she stumbles across a recording of the actual murder, she feels compelled to track down the killer.  She does so by studying the acoustic output of the recording and attempting to identify the sounds made during the murder.  Then she searches for potential killers who might have made the same sounds.  Oh, and she gets in a lot of trouble along the way.

 How did you come to write this particular book?

I used to be a college teacher and researcher myself—actually in the field of Communication, but much of my research involved sound.  My dissertation evaluated the accuracy of acoustic technology and human coders to differentiate between liars and truthtellers based on their voices alone.   I always loved mysteries and vowed to write one when I retired and had time. 

 If you have a favorite character in your novel, why that particular one?

Pamela is the main character and probably my favorite, most likely because she is most like me.  I also have other favorites among the characters—many of them based on academic types I knew during my years of teaching.  There is one sharp-tongued widow professor named Joan who is sassy, classy, and enjoys a night on the town.   I rather like her.

Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?

It is set in the present day at a small, regional university in the South in the mythical town of Reardon.  I specifically don’t indicate which state, although I drop a lot of clues.  I set it in a place I knew.

 How can people buy your book?

It’s available in print and Kindle form at Amazon.com. 

 What qualities make a successful writer?

If you just mean writer (and not bookseller which is an entirely different matter), I think persistence, organization, and the ability to brainstorm are important qualities.  This may be my first novel, but it’s not my first book or published work as I have many scholarly works published.  I know from experience the effort and time that goes into what may seem like something very simple.   I think of many short papers that I published that I worked on for years and years.  I think of the many times I started from scratch and totally reorganized many things I wrote that eventually were published. 

 How do you set about writing a piece? 

Actually,  with “Sounds of Murder” I joined the NaNoWriMo event, which is an annual novel writing contest that is held online each November.  Contestants are encouraged to write a novel in 30 days and the keyword is “finish” the book.  You can always polish it later, but first you have to finish it.  I found this technique to work well for me.  So well, in fact, that I tried it again the following year and completed the second book in the Pamela Barnes acoustic mystery series.  I will be writing the third such book this November.  I have it outlined and will follow my regular routine of writing a chapter a day.

 Beginning writers make many mistakes:  what do you think is the most harmful?

Failure to revise.  I would include in that, not having someone or several someones read it and give constructive criticism.  I’m lucky to have a couple good editors whose opinions I value and they read my work many, many times before I’m satisfied.

 To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?

As you can probably imagine, coming from a teaching background, I’m fanatical about grammar and spelling.  When I’m revising and find a mistake in my own work, I’m extremely hard on myself.

 How much revision of MS do you do before you send it off?

A lot.  As I said, I have several editors or “readers” who are very critical and whose opinions I value.  Although I don’t “send any MS off, because I have my own publishing company, that doesn’t mean that I don’t expect my own work to be polished and perfect.

 To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?

I don’t know if “useful” is the word I would use.  I know it exists.  As a matter of fact, my own publishing company, Cozy Cat Press, was formed specifically to produce one genre of novels—the cozy mystery.  We are a niche publishing company—and we make it clear to potential authors who might consider submitting their work that we are only interested in publishing cozy mysteries.    As far as I know, we are the only publisher that publishes only cozies.  There are quite a few publishers that publish only mysteries.

 How do you know where to begin any given story?

That’s a hard one.  I try to start with an exciting moment, a scary, or frightening moment that leads directly into the mystery.   Most cozies are plot driven and typically fairly short so there isn’t a lot of time for elaborate character development.    I have learned from my critics how important it is to start off “with a bang.”

 What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?

Not sure what you mean by “displacement” although I assume you mean anything that distracts me from writing when I want or need to write.  Actually, it’s not much of a problem for me as I’m very organized and highly motivated, so when I intend to write—I write.

 Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?

My husband is super supportive.  I have a writing buddy—actually a co-publisher—who is also an incredibly supportive co-writer and friend.  The rest of my family and friends—not so much.  I try not to let it bother me.

 Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest?

I can’t really answer that from the writer’s point of view as I didn’t make very many attempts with traditional publishers before I became disgusted and decided to form my own publishing company.  Now that I’m a publisher and receiving submissions myself, I would say that to some extent presentation is important.  However, no matter how “pretty” the book is, if it isn’t readable, it doesn’t really matter.

 How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

One month.  As I said, I follow the NaNoWriMo formula.  I start November 1 with Chapter 1 and I end November 30 with Chapter 30—doing a chapter a day.  So far, it has worked great for me.

 Who or what inspires me?  

Other authors—particularly cozy authors. 

 IF there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?

I find book marketing is FAR more difficult than book writing.

 Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?

It’s really like giving birth.  You watch the little creature grow and develop in the womb of your mind and then it’s born onto the paper and eventually flies off a reader’s home—just like a first-grader going to school.

 Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?

I think you have to love writing (which is the gift part), but you can always work on getting better (the skill part).

 What single piece of advice would you give to writers still hoping to be published?

It’s really hard.  Personally, I’d find a small publisher (like Cozy Cat Press—and there are many others) where you won’t get the expensive bells and whistles, but you will get a lot of tender loving care.  Or do as we did and form your own company—but, boy, that is hard.  Let me tell you.

 What are you writing now?

I’m just getting ready to write the third book in my Pamela Barnes series.  I’ll start it November 1.  I have an extremely complete outline ready and I work on revising it daily.

 Do you have a website or blog that readers can visit?

I’m an avid blogger.  I have one devoted to communication-related issues:  http://communicationexchange.blogspot.com    and one a personal diary blog:  http://subjectivesoup.blogspot.com.    Also, our company website:  www.cozycatpress.com

 Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?

Actually, I’m quite happy with my environment.  I have a small study on the second floor of our house.  My computer and two printers are there.  It overlooks our living room, so I can chat with (or ignore) my hubby when he’s watching golf on TV.

 Where do you actually write?

At my computer.

When to use Choice, Choose or Chose

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Away from all things computer to celebrate marriage to my wonderful wife, Valerie, for 22 years today.  I’m keeping things going with scheduled blogs dealing with the language we use as writers. I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t reply to any comments for the time being, but I’m having a very well-earned (I think so, anyway) rest from work for a couple of weeks. And, today, enjoying a special meal and a quiet drink with the woman I love.

When to use Choice, Choose or Chose 

choice: something selected, a decision, an option, something special. ‘Mary’s choice of dessert was Death by Chocolate, which was a wise selection given the nature of the rest of the offerings.’

 

choose: select, decide, pick out. ‘I choose to take today off work and instead celebrate my wedding anniversary with my wife.’

chose: is simply the past tense of choose.  ‘Pauline chose to accompany Paul Anka, in his car, rather than Mike, on his bike, to the school prom.’

Interview with Writer, John Pearson

Cover of Learn Me GoodJohn Pearson was a design engineer but is now a 3rd grade maths teacher who says the only thing that hasn’t changed noticeably in his daily life is the maturity level of the people surrounding him all day. He works in Dallas, Texas, with a very diverse, at times frustrating, at times inspiring group of kids. He writes as well, mostly about said kids and his interaction with them. His book, Learn Me Good, is largely the result of his first year. He also enjoys college basketball (Go Duke!), Stephen King books, Lost and 24, and watching Jeopardy – and hopes to be on it someday!

 

SA:  Tell us about Learn Me Good.
JP:  Jack Woodson was a thermal design engineer for four years until he was laid off from his job. Now, as a teacher, he faces new challenges. Conference calls have been replaced with parent conferences. Product testing has given way to standardized testing. Instead of business cards, Jack now passes out report cards. The only thing that hasn't changed noticeably is the maturity level of the people surrounding him all day. Learn Me Good is a hilarious first-person account, inspired by real life experiences. Through a series of emails to Fred Bommerson, his buddy who still works at Heat Pumps Unlimited, Jack chronicles a year-in-the-life of a brand new teacher. With subject lines such as "Irritable Vowel Syndrome," "In math class, no one can hear you scream," and "I love the smell of Lysol in the morning," Jack writes each email with a dash of sarcasm and plenty of irreverent wit.

SA:     What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
JP:      First and foremost, you need to be a storyteller.  Someone who can draw the reader into the world you are creating or describing and then hold their interest.  On the flip side, after the book is written, you need to have perseverance, especially indie authors, in order to get word of the book to the public, promote it, and get people to buy it!

SA:     What is your working method?
JP:      Step one, procrastinate.  :)  Actually, I try to get in a bit of writing when I have free time, which during the school year, is not often.  I write with pen and paper first, then I transcribe it to a computer document, print that out, and make corrections with a red pen.  I went through 7 drafts before publishing Learn Me Good, so revising is a big part of my work.

SA:    What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?
JP:     Underestimating the importance of good editing.  Spelling and grammar IS important, and the lack thereof can really turn a reader off.

SA:     How did you come to write this particular book?
JP:   In 2001, I was layed off from my job as a thermal design engineer, and I was unemployed for quite a while.  I finally decided to go back and get my teaching certification, and in 2003, I became a 3rd grade math teacher at a public school in Dallas, Texas.  Having gone to private school all my life, I was not quite prepared for what I would experience in public school.  The kids really kept me on my toes, and I realized that I just had to put my stories down in a book to share them with others.

SA:     If you have a favorite character in your novel, why that particular one?

JP:      There is a student named Marvin in Mr. Woodson's class who is based on a real troublemaker that I taught my first year.  He was one of my LEAST favorite students, but he's my favorite character in Learn Me Good because I have had some time removed from the REAL child, and the character is just so darn funny.

SA:  What are you writing now?
JP:   I am working on a sequel, tentatively titled Learn Me Gooder.

SA:     How can people buy your book(s)?
JP:      Learn Me Good is available on Amazon in print and for the Kindle, as well as Smashwords and the ibookstore.

SA:  Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
JP:   My blog is learnmegood.com, where I write about education-related topics.

Here is the link to the UK Amazon page for Learn Me Good:

Thanks!

John Pearson