Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Originally a fifth generation American, I live in Melbourne, Australia with my wife where I have lived for 35 years. I have spent many years building our family tree. Over this time I had discovered many family members that I had never been formerly aware of. During my research I received a parcel from a distant relative in Nova Scotia who came across my Great Grandfather’s Biographical manuscript that he had written in 1952.
What I read was a most amazing series of tales from stories of his Grandfather, the Baron of Lithuania’s personal tailor, his father a Lithuanian Peddler and their arduous life in The Old Country. Through a series of misadventures, Harry has to escape The Russian Empire and onto the streets of 1890’s New York and later to the Indian Reservations near Pocatello, Idaho. It was a gripping manuscript and I was dedicated to sharing Harry’s tales before they vanish in the sands of time.
Over the next 3 years I researched each of Harry’s tales to ensure dates and facts were accurate. Newspaper clippings, interviews and family history helped to discover more about Harry than his book revealed. As the book evolved, more stories came to us, allowing me to add additional stories Harry forgot or left out of the original manuscript.
Now with the book published, I am looking forward to the next book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Peddler’s Journey is my first book. This was a project of passion, to share the story of a 15-year-old boy coming to America in 1890 from The Old Country and the struggles, success, failures, love and family obligations that is the story of so many that never had the chance to record their story. Once I read Harry’s manuscript, I was determined to research, write and publish Harry’s stories as he would have wished back in 1952 when he wrote his tales. Only today, with self publishing, can stories be shared with the greater population. Harry’s story is your grandparents, great grandparents stories that had been lost in the sands of time.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When crafting Harry’s manuscript I found it imperative to get into Harry’s mind, to understand him, to feel his spirit. Fortunately, my 90-year-old father was still around. We sat down for days as he told me about harry’s, his good points and bad points. Did he have an accent? Was he caring? Questions kept flowing from my mouth. When I added more stories recently discovered they were written from Harry’s lips.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Non-Fiction, historical events and biographies. I am so happy to now be a published Author of one of the very books I like reading. I worked on the twists and turns that make the book an easy read but very compelling.
What are you working on now?
I m now working on the sequel to A Peddler’s Journey, The Peddler’s Wife; Ida Jacob’s Story. A feminist viewpoint parallel to Harry’s Tales. Will be a more intimate and empathetic view.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has been amazing, with over 150 website visits originating from my page. It allows me to share photos and stories promoting the book. Also I have set up a professional web page to promote the book in the manner I wanted it shown. Our publisher has been fantastic in setting up the format or the artwork, pagination, proofing, setting up the printers for on demand print to client. They did all the legals, trademark, copyright and Library of Congress submission and of course, Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes and Noble and Book Depository submissions and management.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a story….Develop the story into a summary, then a brief, finally start writing. Write as much as you can, then edit, edit, edit and then edit some more. Giver it to someone to read and get honest feedback, then edit six more times!! Use imagery, pictures speak tomes! Find a trustworthy publisher. I have my favorite and can share in an email.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There were many who read Harry’s manuscript and said what a great book this would make. What a great movie this would make. Only one took action! Take action, commit and do it!!!
What are you reading now?
A Peddler’s Journey! Unfreedom of the Press and a host of Biographies.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The Peddler’s Wife; Ida’s Story. It will be a 2 year journey of deep research to bring to life the diaries of Harry’s Wife.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Biggest Novels I can find! Clouds of Glory, The Robert E Lee Story; Benjamin Franklin Bio by Walter Issacson and Columbiano by Australian writer, Rusty Young and A Peddler’s Journey.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeffrey Slater Website
Jeffrey Slater Amazon Profile
Jeffrey Slater Author Profile on Smashwords
Jeffrey Slater’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile