Millennial History by Steve Jackson is a thought-provoking exploration of the foundations of the American nation and the challenges it faces in the modern era. Steve Jackson, a retired history and government teacher, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table. In this interview, we learn a little more about Steve and his experience thus far being an author.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I have a plethora of material to draw from so this, as well as organization, has never been an issue. My biggest challenge is a typing disability. I wrote my books by hand into spiral notebooks then had to find people to type them before submission to an editor. I fired two typists who were doing my first book. My second book typist had issues as well. This has been the most frustrating/challenging piece of the creative process.
If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite President for a myriad of reasons. He overcame crippling childhood asthma and blindness in one eye (from a short career in boxing) to go on and become a rancher, a police commissioner in NY, the leader of the Rough Riders in the Spanish War, and ultimately one of the top five rated Presidents in US history. He also had an intellectual side and was second to Thomas Jefferson in terms of the amount of books read. The bottom line is that he got a lot accomplished and worked across the aisle with Congress. So who would I choose to play a bombastic man that combined the mental and the physical and who was not afraid to take on all comers? Russell Crowe, who has a remarkable resemblance to Roosevelt in terms of both appearance and personality. Look at his body of work—Gladiator, Master and Commander, Cinderella Man and A Beautiful Mind. The movie would be entitled Bull Moose and I am sure Roosevelt would have approved the hiring of Crowe to play him by using his famous word of approval, “Bully!”
When did you begin writing?
I had to check my diary to answer this question. In terms of book writing, 2006 was my first year. I had been suspended from school for almost three years—wrongly as it turned out—so in this year I began an outline of my first book that warned about the potential perils of the educational world.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
My first book was born out of duress at my job site. A vindictive school board attempted to terminate my employment as a public school teacher based largely on lies, rumor and innuendo. Rather than physical retribution, I decided to caricature my accusers and my book became a parody on one hand, on the other hand a warning to young teachers of what might befall them in a classroom. My second book was a labor of love and a good intellectual challenge. Running just under 500 pages, it took exactly two years to the day to arrive in the market place.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
I utilized my court documents, my diaries and my classroom experiences to crank out my first book of 212 pages in just under three months.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
I liked a number of authors but I have to admit that seeking revenge against my school district motivated me to become a writer. After traumatic experiences, many people have pursued new careers. Add my name to that list.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Being a history teacher involves story telling. Being able to string together those threads into a larger narrative is most satisfying to me.
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
History A-Z.
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
Because I am in the fourth quarter of life and typing is debilitating to me, a third book is unlikely. But, I will continue to add historical blogs to my website at millennialhistory.com.
You can purchase Millennial History on Amazon!
