Our guest today is Steven Verrier, author of the books, Raising a Child to be Bilingual and Bicultural, a prizewinning book published bilingually in Japan, and several short plays for the student market. His novels, Tough Love, Tender Heart and Plan B, were published in 2008 and 2010, and his recently-published nonfiction book, Class Struggle: Journal of a Teacher In Up to His Ears, is sure to raise eyebrows over the coming months. Currently Steven Verrier is living with his wife, Motoko, and their five children in San Antonio, Texas, and New Brunswick, Canada.
Thank you for this interview, Steve. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
I’ve been writing since my teens. My writing interests have included songs, short stories, articles, plays, and both fiction and nonfiction books. It’s a nonfiction book that brings us to the table today – one titled Class Struggle: Journal of a Teacher In Up to His Ears.
Can you tell us briefly what your book is about?
It’s an account of my third year of teaching English at a San Antoniohigh school I’d describe as dysfunctional. A lot of schools can be described the same way, I know, but my first two years at “WebsterHigh School” convinced me I’d better keep an account of my third year there. Class Struggle is that account, and I’m happy to say much of the wackiness at “Webster” comes out in the pages of the book.
Who is your intended audience? Have you been able to crossover into other audiences as well?
In the book’s blurb I indicate potential readers include teachers, students, and parents. But I also indicate the book is right for anyone who likes roller coaster rides. There’s no limit to the potential audience. Education is an area that touches everyone.
Why did you choose your particular genre?
The nonfiction part speaks for itself. I wrote the book in journal form so I could easily add to it whenever something came up relevant to the story I was telling. I had notebooks with me whenever I was at school, and I was taking notes or adding entries constantly – whenever a student did something remarkable, whenever something took place illustrating what was right or wrong in modern urban education, or whenever a good example of educational dysfunction popped up.
Do you ever experience self-doubts with your work?
Never, as far as the work itself goes. But you never know how publishers or agents are going to react.
Where do you write? Do you have a favorite place?
I just need a quiet, undisturbed place. Give me any such place for a few hours and things will work out.
What kind of research did you have to do during the writing process?
Not much. I lived the book. When I needed further background to better understand something I observed, I did whatever research was necessary.
Who is your publisher and how did you get accepted by them? Did you pitch your book yourself or go through an agent?
Global Authors Publications is a small publisher. I queried the publisher and didn’t need an agent.
How are you promoting your book thus far?
By word of mouth, interviews such as this one, contacting bookstores …. Some events will be forthcoming, but I’m just trying to get the word out any way I can. Anyone who’ll listen is fair game.
If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?
Be visible. Be accessible. And don’t expect the world to come knocking right away. It may take a lot of books to get to where you want to be.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a series of dystopian novels that I hope will bring a larger readership. I’ve finished the first and made a few pitches – and I’m prepared to make many more.
Thank you for this interview, Steve. Can you tell us where we can find you on the web?
Thank you. I can be found at www.stevenverrier.com. I hope your readers enjoy Class Struggle.
You can order your copy of Class Struggle at the Barnes & Noble Book Store at 4485 Virginia Beach Blvd or Books-A-Million at 3312 Princess Anne Road.
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