Can you share a little about your recent book.
The MANUAL TO MIDDLE SCHOOL is for boys making the big jump up to middle school. The move from elementary to middle school can be difficult for many guys. Too big to be little yet too little to be big, they face the perfect storm of changing bodies, rushing hormones, and learning challenges. Many new to middle school guys find themselves struggling with grades, behavior, relationships with family, friends, and teachers. Boys often grow frustrated and embarrassed as they strain to figure out what to do and what not to do in their new world… called middle school.
For me, the best part of this book is that I wrote it with my two sons. When we started writing together Cole was moving into middle school and Reed as moving out to high school. Our dinner conversations were all about younger brother asking older, “What’s middle school really like?” These proved to be our inspiration. It also helped that I was working with middle schools around the country so I was able to interview over 300 teachers, administrators, and parents about what they saw as the biggest struggles new to middle school guys face daily. I’d return home armed with fresh content that the boys and I would filter it through the real-time middle school boy experience.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I write because I believe to those who are given much, much is expected in return.
In 2012 I walked away from an auto accident that should have ended my life. In the moment of impact, with glass breaking and airbags deploying, I thought, “I’m going to die. Who will raise my boys?” I felt cheated out of the role of one day walking the boys through the rights of passage shared between a father and his sons. Who would teach them to shave? How to change a tire? Meet a girlfriend’s parents for the first time? “That should be me,” I thought as my rental car crushed in around me.
A moment later I stood bruised but not broken on the side of the freeway, staring at a totaled rental car. While thanking the Lord for protection beyond explanation I resolved to move from being a decent dad to parenting with purpose. Starting that night I created a cloud file for my sons titled, If anything ever happens to me. In the file I wrote instructions to life, “how to” tutorials, introduction to people they should meet, and reminders of their mother’s favorite things.
Months later I shared this file with my mentor and he rattled my mind with his reply. “This isn’t a file for your sons only Jonathan. This advice is for countless boys who need a positive male role model to walk beside them.” He told me, “This needs to be a book.” Little did I know how right he was.
The theme of my writing has been about transforming boys to become confident and capable men. That theme recently expanded to include girls as my bride Erica and I completed two manuscripts titled, The GIRLS’ GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE and The GIRL’S GUIDE TO CONQUERING MIDDLE SCHOOL. We had a blast writing together and hope the work will help transform girls to become kind, confident, and capable young women in the making.
Looking back to that hot Texas day, on the shoulder of a freeway, I walked away from a wreck and into the gift of time shared with my sons and bride. I do my best to steward the value of this gift every day. And so I write, in return for how much has been given to me.
How long have you been writing? And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract?
My first book was published in 2014. It took about 18 months to write, shop, edit, and illustrate.
How long does it take you to write a book?
My writing tends to take a bit long because it includes hundreds of illustrations. A good accounting is about a year for each book.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I pound the keys after my boys go to school and before they come home. Once they burst through the door I try to be done. I’ll also write while they are in music lessons. After dropping them off at the studio I’ll sit in the corner of a little café down the street and type as much as I can before rushing back to pick them up.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I don’t think I have any interesting working quirks but my family does, and they point them out to me regularly. So, I guess I do. Apparently, I listen to the same music soundtrack on repeat, over and over again. They all know who my favorite musician is… this week. They also say I like my office arranged in a very specific way and that I know when they have moved things around. Besides that, and as long as my old dog is laying on the floor beside me, I think my writing environment is pretty low maintenance.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
The greatest joy of my writing career is first and foremost working with my family. After that, it’s the lives impacted by the books. For example, a few years ago a celebrity friend included me in a documentary film project he produced about bullying. I got to meet with the “tough” guys he was mentoring, introduce them to The MANUAL TO MAHOOD, and practice a couple How To instructions from the book. Shortly thereafter, my friend died unexpectedly. At his funeral one of the guys he was mentoring pulled me aside and said, “You’re the How To Pound a Nail guy, aren’t you. After you met with us my mom asked me to hang a heavy mirror for her. I didn’t think I could until I remembered what you taught us about finding a stud in the wall and pounding a nail. I hung that mirror no problem. It really made my mom proud of me. Thanks, man.” This may not sound like much to some people, but for this young man the simple act of knowing how to pound a nail helped him gain his mother’s respect and avoid the embarrassment of not being able to successfully hang a mirror. Isn’t that what everybody wants? To gain respect and avoid embarrassment.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
That last day of rereading my own work before sending it to my publisher. I tend to question every word and can’t believe that’s what I poured myself into for a year. But I’m usually good again by the time the advance release copies arrive on my desk.
Which of your books is your favorite?
I regularly find myself in the pages of Run With The Horses by Eugene H. Peterson
Who is your favorite author to read?
Inheriting my grandfather’s library of Oswald Chambers early writings is one of my most cherished collections.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
Your writing will never be good enough for you. So finish your manuscript and submit the darn thing. The editors will make it better.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
If people are reading your work rejection is guaranteed. Between the ease of posting online and “everybody gets a voice” haters are only a click away. Erica once kicked me out of a funk by reminding me, “Not everybody is going to like you all the time. I love you but nobody is that good. Get over it and move on.” Ya, she’s a tough one and I love her for it.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
I finally got to share my 8th-grade dance, parachute pants, pretty girl in a red dress story in The MANUAL TO MIDDLE SCHOOL book. It’s on page 54 if you want a good laugh.
Where do you get your ideas?
Who needs help and how can I assist?
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Self-doubt and fear of rejection lend itself to the excuse of not finishing. Get’er done!
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Go to an agent with a manuscript proposal that is well composed. Do your research on what you’re asking them to pitch to publishers. An agent is far more likely to take you on if you have original work or a unique way of presenting a tried and true topic.
Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Ciwrpg
Jonathan Catherman has worked in private and public education for 23 years. As a sociologist and educator, Jonathan is dedicated to understanding what mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets best influences the character and leadership development of today’s emerging generation. An international bestselling author, award-winning cultural strategist, education consultant, and founder of 1M Mentoring Jonathan speaks worldwide to diverse audiences of all ages. His contagious energy and passionate speaking style engages and inspires while his clear vision and practical instruction clarifies what leadership principles and structural relations empower greatness in people and organizations. For his success in the development and delivery of youth mentoring resources and programing Jonathan was awarded the 2016 President’s Volunteer Service Award and Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service Award. Jonathan and his bride Erica have been married for 20 years. Together with and their two sons the family enjoys the warmth and hospitality of North Carolina where they call a small community near Charlotte home.
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