Scott Berndt

Scott is a proud resident of Saint Paul, MN. It is here where he indulges his passion for history as a public school teacher, drinks an obscene amount of coffee, succumbs to crippling bouts of nostalgia-induced daydreams, and raises two kids with his amazing wife.

Sometimes he does all of this at the same time.

He’s just published his first book, John Cleese Saved My Life! …And Other True Tales Of Pop, Politics, And Prayer. It’s a Gen X mash-up where memoir meets history book. Set in Ronald Reagan’s America, he unravels his adolescence and the political and pop culture forces that shaped his character and transformed his religious faith.

Scott can be found at:
Website: scottberndt.com
Bluesky: @scottberndtauthor.bsky.social

Tell me what inspired you to write your (debut) book?

I’ve wanted to be a writer/author since I was 9 years old. I have always been obsessed with and inspired by music and history. About 15 years ago, I came to the realization that I wanted to tell a story that I could leave behind for my kids and I could do it by leaning on my love of music and history. Write what you know, you know? So, in the end it became what I like to call, “A Gen X mash-up where memoir meets history book.”

How long did it take to write?

Ten years of research and writing and an eight month publishing process. There were times when I was really productive, writing several pages a week, and stretches of time – months – where I didn’t even open my laptop.

Do you have a writing playlist? If so, do you want to share it?

Since my book is firmly situated in the 1980s, I listened to a lot of 80s music to place me in the mindset of my younger self. Here is a playlist of the songs I explore the cultural significance of in my book:
Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
Ship of Fools – World Party
Land of Confusion – Genesis
The Boy in the Bubble – Paul Simon
Jammin’ Me – Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
Sign ‘o the Times – Prince
Undercover (Of The Night) – The Rolling Stones
All She Wants To Do Is Dance – Don Henley
19 – Paul Hardcastle
99 Red Balloons – Nena
Russians – Sting She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer
Allentown – Billy Joel
Pink Houses – John Cougar Mellencamp
Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby and The Range
Pride (In The Name Of Love) – U2
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
Sun City – Artists United Against Apartheid

What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?

Aside from the kind words that appear on the front and back cover, one reviewer put my book in the same realm as Chuck Klosterman, which is a huge compliment. Other reviews have appreciated the depth of research, layered storytelling, and humor in my book.

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

I have been a public school teacher since 2003. Teaching, reading, and writing about history as a career definitely helped me formulate ideas for my book over the years. Because I am so immersed in it, it felt very natural to write a book.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

I drink a lot of coffee when I write. I don’t think one word of my book made it to the page uncaffeinated. Music is good in the background until I get too distracted. I’ll hear a song and then want to watch the video on Youtube…and then a live version of the song….and then a rare television appearance by the artist. Then it spirals out of control and I need to either turn it off or admit that I’m not in the writing zone anymore.

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

I’m just trying to self-promote the best I can – reaching out to people who I think would dig my book. I plan to try to do public readings at local bookstores if they’ll have me! I’m an introvert by nature, so the hustle won’t be easy! So, I really appreciate this opportunity to connect with the Big Bearded Bookseller! Thanks!!!