Some of it was written in real time based on events taking place that made its way into the book.

James Eric Riley – 10 August 2024

The Back Flap

These students aren’t just bad, they’re dangerous. And then there’s the principal.

For Los Angeles teacher Eric Riley, summers off, holidays, and health benefits are all that matters. Why else get into teaching in your forties? With a wife and two young daughters, and a mountain of debt after suffering a broken leg, teaching represents a steady paycheck and time off he’s never experienced.

Riley surviveshis rookie year as a teacher, only to be assigned a class with a special designation: Emotionally Disturbed. He starts the new position, after taking a mandatory training session on the latest approved methods of physical restraint – the delicate name for self-defense when dealing with violent students.

One day, a student attacks Riley – and Riley puts him down hard on the floor. The school principal orders Riley to be placed on administrative leave. During a series of preliminary hearings regarding his status, he realizes that the official version of the incident is changing. When his union and legal representatives appear to be incompetent, he secretly contacts staff members at his school. They break into an administrator’s office and uncover statements and records regarding his suspension that implicate the principal, the district, and even the teachers’ union.

From classic teaching moments to administrator run-ins to a district boardroom showdown, one teacher finds out what he’s good at.

About the book

What is the book about?

A reluctant teacher gets assigned to a troubled urban school.

When did you start writing the book?

December 2008.

How long did it take you to write it?

The first draft took about a year and a half. Some of it was written in real time based on events taking place that made its way into the book. But there are long periods of time when I wasn’t writing – just thinking about it.

Where did you get the idea from?

My adventures and misadventures as a teacher.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Not really.

What came easily?

Writing and dramatizing the real events taking place.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Lots of real-world people.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Stephen King influenced me with his action sequences, believe it or not. Sebastion Junger and Jon Krakauer have some great action and descriptive passages in many of their nonfiction books.  But the book that had the most influence on me is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. There’s something for everybody in that book.

Do you have a target reader?

I wouldn’t want to exclude anyone. Teachers who’ve been through what I’ve been through are certainly target readers.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I write some and pace some. I work at a desktop. The ability to cut and paste is invaluable. I remember typewriters.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t outline. Chaptering the book was about the last thing I did. That might seem unusual.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I do a lot of editing as I go. It slows things down, but that’s okay.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I did hire a professional editor. Highly recommend it.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I like silence. Music would distract me.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I had some zoom sessions, reading my back-cover blurb.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I remember reading what Hugh Howey did with Wool, so I’ve thought about self-publishing for a long time.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a plan.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I just think it’s the best option out there. I like having creative control over everything. But get professional help, especially editing and cover design. It gives your book a chance.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Where do you live now?

Independence, Kentucky.

What are you working on now?

I’ll write a follow-up to Teacher.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Teacher from Amazon US or Amazon UK.