Despite having ended an over-three-decade-long teaching career, Robert Foley has shown an unrelenting passion to impart wisdom through his authored book The Consequences of Playing God: Tales from Lingor High School released by Xlibris in 2012. The retired educator has likewise tried his hand at poetry with his compilation titled These Little Poems of Death and after Life also released by the leading Indiana-based self-publishing company.
The Xlibris Blog acknowledges one of our multi-published gems who form part of the industry’s game changers. Robert gives us an overview of his laudable titles, literary background and inspiration, as well as his future endeavors.
Literary style influenced by love of reading
I cannot pinpoint any particular writer who has influenced me; actually, I have developed what I think is a unique style that is probably the sum of all my reading experiences. Favorite writers range from Joyce Carol Oates to Dostoievsky and Charles Dickens.
About his books
Consequences of Playing God: Tales from Lingor High School is a book of interrelated stories that composes a single novel. Collectively, the stories explore the problems confronting education in America today in a highly satirical manner; but, like all satire, there is a compelling social point that underlies the narratives: the source of our children’s problems is the system itself, archaic, in love with itself, and giving more emphasis on politics, personal power, pettiness than to the children most in need of its services. There are sequences in this novel that may seem outlandish, but I swear that they are based on the realities I encountered in my career.
Writing inspiration
My writing was inspired by my 34-year teaching experience. There were successes to be sure, but I saw countless numbers of troubled youth who “slipped through the cracks” and never reached their true potential in society. I never took any notes in 34 years of teaching, but the stories were powerful enough to haunt me, and somehow I felt they had to be written down. Hence, “Tales from Lingor High.”
Message to intended readers
To paraphrase Arthur Miller, “Attention must be paid.” We can change the system, we can prioritize developing the humanity in our young people, we can help them to reach their potential, but all of us – teachers, administrators, politicians, parents need to put their petty squabbles aside and concentrate on the future; otherwise, Lingor High School is doomed.
Thoughts on self-publishing
I enjoyed having full control over the final book, as published. Having spent many years as a director of a performing arts center, I recognize myself as somewhat of a ‘control freak.’ Vain as it may sound, I was not going to let anyone edit, cut or censor my message in any way. You haven’t asked, but I will say that my least favorite part of publishing is marketing. I enjoy immensely the process of creation; I loathe the idea of “selling myself.”
Advice to aspiring authors
Write – every day.
Other projects, book marketing events
There will be no sequel to this book – ever. It is self-contained and, I am ready to move on to new projects. I do most of my own marketing. I would love to hire a press agent, to get this book as widely exposed as possible because I believe it is unique, and I believe the message is important and relevant to today’s world. Every teacher or educator should read it and ponder. But the costs of press agents are prohibitive. I talk it up whenever I can, and I have faith that this book will find its audience. I am always open to suggestions.
More about the author
Robert Joseph Foley spent teaching in an urban school district and for most of those years was an active representative of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers. He has previously published a poetry collection These Little Poems of Death and after Life and is currently working on securing production for two as yet unpublished plays. He currently works as a freelance writer and proofreader for several independent publications.
Our sincerest thanks to Xlibris author Robert Joseph Foley for sharing with us his blog contribution.
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