Check Out A.J. Schenkman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to A.J. Schenkman.

Hi A.J., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love of Nashville and the wider state of Tennessee started when my parents, my brother, and I went to see Civil War battlefields in the state. We went to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Chattanooga. I also believe we went to Battle of Nashville Monument Park. “Tennessee’s strategic location made it a prime target of the Union armies during the Civil War.

It was, in fact, the only Confederate state that came entirely under Union control before the war ended.” I have always had a love of the Civil War but from the perspective of the common soldier as well as women and children.

This is where the inspiration for the book Unexpected Bravery: women and children in the Civil War originated. Johnny Clem, the youngest Sgt. In U.S. History at age 12. Finally, my students. I am a 7th-grade social studies teacher. My students are a great source of inspiration.

I started writing for magazines, and newspapers and finally started gaining the attention of publishers. My latest two books are with Rowman and Littlefield.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My greatest struggles have always been with myself. Mom always said, “I sell myself short.” So no, it has not always been a smooth ride. If you want to become a writer, be prepared for a lot of rejections, talking in front of a lot of people, research, hard work, and finally reviews.

You need to have thick skin. These reviews can come by way of your editor or the public, As far as struggles with myself? I wish I believed in myself more. This is what I meant by mom’s comment.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would say I have always loved history. The Civil War and the American Revolution have always been my two favorite topics. It is changing a little bit because I have become really amazed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

People tend to like my writing because I cut through all the dates and battles to bring out the stories of real people.

This is whether it is about Stonewall Jackson’s sister Laura, who was a loyal Unionist, tearing her own family apart, or FDR’s love for his dog Fala. So, I specialize in the American Revolution and the Civil War.

I am most proud of how far I have come. I never thought I would be a published writer. I tell my students because of an eye problem, I had trouble reading in the 3rd grade. I also had a lot of trouble writing. My teachers used to call me to fragment king. This did not deter me. Mr. Bill Phister my English teacher I credit for believing in me and helping me with my writing, I also learned about the Korean War from him because he served in it.

What sets me apart is my ability to make history interesting. This is according to the many reviews of Unexpected Bravery. Many people complain history is fact and battles. I look at the people.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as contentment. My goal in life has never been to make a lot of money. If you are not happy then the money is meaningless. Also, you need to have a purpose. I find I have a purpose in teaching and learning from my students. If you don’t feel good about what you do and you don’t have a purpose, then you might as well not get out of bed in my opinion.

I was a volunteer first responder for over a decade. I made no money and risked my life. One day while getting coffee, a woman came up to me and said “God Bless You!” I was president of my fire company at that time. Her family had been wiped out by Hurricane Katrina.

This woman was on a fixed income, retired, and her whole family had to come live with her. The fire company donated a ton of toys for her grandchildren, clothing, you name it. I felt success for myself and my fire company. I made a difference in my community. It also gave me purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajschenkman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorajschenkman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Author/Author-AJ-Schenkman-104758858390130/