Today we welcome David Michael Slater as we travel to Reno, Nevada USA to discover how Jorge Luis Borges, being a teacher, unplanned stories and Richie Rich come together to create the foundation of David’s writing life. Buckle your seat belt and let’s get this ride started …
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I lived in Portland, Oregon for 20 years, but have been in Reno, Nevada for the past eight.
In which genre do you write?
I’ve written fiction for children, teens, and adults, along with some nonfiction for adults. Lots of different genres.
How many published books do you have?
Heading toward 25!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?
I did not grow up dreaming of being an author. But in graduate school I read some short stories by Jorge Luis Borges, and they just blew me away. I decided to try to write some myself, and things just kept going from there.
What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?
I don’t plan out my books. I just start the story and when I run into a dead end, I just start revising from the beginning. That usually gets me a bit further into the story, and when I end another roadblock, I start over again. I just repeat this until I find my way to the end.
What are you currently reading?
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?
I’m a full-time teacher. I teach 7/8th grade English in a middle school in Reno.
What is the most enjoyable thing you’ve found through writing?
I love the thrill of reaching the end of story that I never saw coming.
What is the most amusing, crazy or inspiring thing that has ever happened to you?
Getting a publishing offer never gets old! My adult novel, Fun & Games, was recently optioned for film and a screenwriter is working on the script right now. That’s pretty exciting for me.
You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What song do you listen to before speaking? Or, what do you do to prepare yourself?
I don’t get too nervous. I just always have my thoughts written out ahead of time.
What do you miss about being a kid?
The time and freedom to be 100% engaged in whatever excited me.
If you were trapped in a cartoon world from your childhood, which one would you choose and why?
I used to love reading Richie Rich comics. I’d love to live his life for a while!
What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?
Rocketman. I am a die-hard, life-long Elton John fan. And I was so happy that the movie was great.
If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?
Just one, for my cat, Ruby: Do you actually love us, or do you just tolerate us?
Which of your personality traits has been most useful and why?
I’m pretty even-keeled and also stubborn — both are important traits if you want to endure the constant rejection that is part of must authors’ lives.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on my first (I think) YA book, a fantasy called Sparks.
Tell us about your most recent book.
Book four of the Mysterious Monsters series was just released. (There will be six books total.)
The Mattigan kids don’t believe in things that go bump in the night. After all, their dad is famous for proving such things are impossible. But, when their long-lost Grandpa Joe shows up with his Mysterious Monsters journal, begging for help, the siblings find themselves drawn into a search for Bigfoot.
Along the way, they’ll have to deal with meddling babysitters, suspicious psychics, a YouTube disaster, and their furious father. To solve this mystery, Maddie, Max, and Theo must rethink what’s possible ― and make lots of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
Thanks for joining us on MTA David. It was incredibly interesting learning more about you, your books, and your writing style! David was our “neighbor” at the Barnes & Noble book signing this past June 2019 (for my daughter Lillian’s debut book, Where Would You Fly). He and I chatted about traditional schooling vs homeschooling. It was wonderful to have you as our book signing neighbor and wonderful to interview you here David! I’m incredibly excited to hear about and follow the journey of Fun & Games to the big screen! Very cool! –Camilla
Where we can find the book?
You can get it wherever books are sold.
US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GR61eC
UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/31qc9m8
Connect with David:
Website: www.davidmichaelslater.com
Social media links: @DMSauthor
If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!
And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …
