After spending about seven years in the dwindling world of journalism, I went back to school to become a teacher. Somewhere in that time, I began my first novel, "180 Days." Much of it comes from my experiences in the classroom and viewing what my students go through on a daily basis. The book is written in a conversational, journal format from the perspective (and pen) of 13-year-old Anna Shields. She needs to find her voice in a very scary first-year of high school. Perhaps you can help just by listening... I live in the scenic side of Pennsylvania with my wife, Andrea, and amazing sons, Ike Thomas and Abel Graham. Another book is in the works (no connection to '180 Days'). Its planned completion is sometime in the future. Stop rushing me! Follow me on Twitter @TheMrBarnesShow