Steven wrote his book while homeless, and he used money he earned selling papers to get it published
Steven Venus is a Street Roots vendor and newly published author. He saved his Street Roots earnings the past year and used them to pay the publishing costs for a philosophy book he’s been working on for five years.
“It took me two years to write it and three to edit it,” he said.
Saving up to get his book published took some sacrifices.
“Half my earnings went toward food and personal things, and half I put toward the cost of publishing the book,” he said.
By Jan. 10, Steven held the finished product in his hand. “Immortal Law Philosophy” is a professionally published book with a dazzling cover created by his friend, the artist Mellowseed. He describes his book as a very specific, original philosophy he has worked out over a long period.
“I wanted to write a book that talks about how our birthright is immortality. It is equal parts uplifting and brutal,” he said.
Steven credits Street Roots for allowing him the headspace and steady income he needed to keep working on his book until it was finished.
“I couldn’t have written this without Street Roots,” he said. “I wouldn’t have had the time to think and edit. Street Roots is a great starter for a struggling artist, writer or musician. Selling the paper was the best way to make money to get my book published.”
Steven sleeps outside, and he owns a laptop for his work.
“I go to Starbuck’s to write,” he said.
For Steven, writing can be a painstaking process.
“People underestimate what it takes to write a book,” he said. “As a homeless person, I hear people tell me to do something, get a job, but when I say I’m writing a book, they say anyone can do that. But it took me five years. … It’s hard work. You are placing your mind out there to be read and judged.
“Every day is another step,” he said. “You have to do the best you can and create a good product.”
Steven was born in Norfolk, Va., in 1989. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States.
“I’ve been traveling for a long time,” he said, “mostly by bus. In my earlier days, I biked. Once I rode 400 miles on the East Coast.”
Steven is working on another book about psychological warfare tactics. Meanwhile, he continues to save money to bring his books into the light of day. He sells Street Roots near Pioneer Square and also at the Starbucks at Southwest Sixth Avenue and Salmon Street.
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