Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an engineer-turned-teacher-turned analyst. Straight out of grad school, I worked as a project engineer for nearly four years but was laid off after a market downturn. I then got my teaching certificate and taught for the next 13 years. During that time, I taught in two different school districts and at two schools, met my wife and got married, had a son, and won the Jeopardy! Teachers Tournament.
I wrote three books based on my kids and classroom experiences, and I also wrote one book about fantasy football.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Learn Me Goodest, the third in the Learn Me Good series. As with the other two in the series, this book was inspired by the funny stories and quotes my students provided me with day after day.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I still write out my ideas longhand, in a spiral notebook, then type them up. I prefer the feel of a pen in my hand to the keyboard under my fingers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Douglas Adams, of Hitchhiker’s Guide fame, is a big influence, as his humor made me want to write funny books. I also really enjoyed Ready Player One, with all of its pop culture references woven in.
What are you working on now?
My most recent projects have been YouTube videos with my son Andrew. We just made a series of May Gladness videos, since we didn’t get to participate in March Madness this year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a Facebook fan page, and I do a lot of promoting and interacting there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. Write the story as it comes to you, even if it is not in order. Don’t worry about having a perfect beginning. If a middle or end scene comes to mind, get those ideas down on paper. You can always rearrange blocks later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t eat yellow snow.
What are you reading now?
I just finished an AWESOME thriller by Riley Seger called Home Before Dark. I just started another by Lucy Foley called The Guest List, at the recommendation of my wife.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully getting more sales! 🙂
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
#1 – How to Get Off a Desert Island for Dummies
#2 – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
#3 – The Stand
#4 – Jurassic Park
Author Websites and Profiles
John Pearson Website
John Pearson Amazon Profile
John Pearson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account