www.davidmichaelslater.com
Today I'm excited to be visiting with David Michael Slater, author of books for both children and teens. His newest YA title, THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE, second in the SACRED BOOKS series, was released on 10/5/09. His wordless picture book, THE BORED BOOK, came out 9/22/09.
I've been asked numerous times in the last few weeks how I feel about the exponentially increasing attention being paid to the "The Sacred Books Controversy" (cue the Heretic Theme Song). I'm not sure how to give an honest response. I certainly never dreamed of getting my books noticed because people want to burn them. They were supposed to be celebrated for their unique combination of wit and wisdom and clever, thought-provoking plots.
Stop smirking.
But now, after publishing nearly 20 small press books (picture books, teen and adult novels) in the last nine years--not one of which garnered any attention remotely close to this--what I can say? I'm thrilled. I'm handing out cans of lighter fluid and asking only that folks buy them before they burn them. This is the real measure of how far I've fallen. But hark: in the span of six weeks they've gone from Beaverton to Boulé, and now requests have come in for copies from The Jim Lehrer Show, The Progressive, Publishers Weekly, and the AP. Soon the chains might even notice them (gasp!). Taking umbrage at this point would be disingenuous. So, I'm not taking it. 'Tis the season anyway to remember that it's better to give than to receive.
I had the chance to ask Mr. Slater some questions about his life and writing...I hope you enjoy his responses as much as I did!
1) If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?
Wow. That's hard because I became very attached to most, if not all, of my characters. I must admit, though, that first one to pop into my head is Milo from SELFLESS because he's the most entertainingly obnoxious personality I've ever met (well, sorta met).
2) You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?
Hmmm. Gandalf maybe. Hanging with a wizard might be dangerous, but surely fun.
3) What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?
Had a few: LORD OF THE RINGS; WATERSHIP DOWN; THE DARK IS RISING series.
4) When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A soccer player.
5) Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.
As you might guess...favorite: English; least favorite: math.
6) The book you wish you had written.
Wish I had the idea for the Percy Jackson books. Greek gods alive today? Genius!
7) Your five favorite reads from 2009 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2009).
The OCTAVIAN NOTHING books. Not sure they really are for teens, but they blew me away. Also JIM THE BOY and THE BLUE STAR by Tony Earley.
8) You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?
I'd put a prologue in THE BOOK OF NONSENSE that shows a scene you learn about later taking place in the ancient past.
9) You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)
Sure: National Respect for Teachers day. And you better believe we get the day off from school!
10) You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)
Chocolate. Chocolate. Oh, and chocolate. Don't even need to leave home!
11) What is your ultimate vacation destination?
The Galapagos Islands to see the Blue-footed Boobies.
12) The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?
Reading, naturally!
13) If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?
Well, I teach high school now, so I suppose I'd be doing that.
14) You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)
I have a screenplay in development called MOCHA COLA HIGH. I'd love a bit part in it!
15) You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?
Probably my thoughts on how to improve schools. Or maybe why my books should be required reading in every school in the country. Hey! Two birds with one stone!
16) A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?
THE BOOK OF NONSENSE. I'm not up on the newest young stars, so you choose (a boy and a girl).
17) The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?
I don't think it's anything new at all. I think teens are, and always have been, attracted to fantasy in general because they imagine so many more possibilities than they generally find in their every day lives. Fantasy is an escape, but a mind-expanding escape.
18) You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)
Easy: the Holocaust never happened.
19) Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?
Yes, 'cause I'd choose not to believe them.
20) A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?
Don't take rejection to heart. Never give up. Know that persistence is every bit as important as talent if you hope to be published.
**Thanks so much to David for visiting with us today and answering my questions! TRT was honored to review the first SACRED BOOKS novel, THE BOOK OF NONSENSE - you can find our review right here.
Also, if you haven't heard anything about the brouhaha over Mr. Slater's books, check out this article on OregonLive.com.
Be sure to check out David's website listed above. You can also read his Blog or visit him on Facebook, or email him directly at david@davidmichaelslater.com.
He has been so kind as to offer up 10 ARCs of THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE to lucky posters today, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for him in the comments section. He'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Visit with David Michael Slater
Posted by Jen Wardrip at 7:43 AM
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11 comments:
Wow, I must say, your series sounds very interesting. Personally, I find the act of burning books utterly repulsive, but that's just because small mindedness is disgusting to think about sometimes.
Aside from all of that, I think it's really cool that you're still teaching high school and going on with your life. I bet it gives you really good experiences to bring into your work. And chocolate for every meal...sounds like a dream day to me! :)
Some questions I was thinking about:
Do you think the controversy surrounding your books is good or bad? Is it deserved?
Do you send morals/messages through your work, or is it meant to be just a story that people have to interpret themselves?
Which character was the funnest to write about in the series? Why?
Thanks for the interview, it was very informative! :)
johnrj@mail.com
Interesting interview. I personally have never been a fan of burning books. If people are offended by your work they should not read it. I don't think they should go so far as to burn the books to make that point. I do have one question for you. Can the books in your Sacred Series be read stand alone or is it necessary to read the first in order to understand the second? Thanks for visiting!
cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
FROM THE AUTHOR:
Hi John,
Thanks for chiming in. Here are some replies to your post:
Do you think the controversy surrounding your books is good or bad? Is it deserved?
Honestly, so far it's been good because it's bringing attention to the book. I wish it didn't happen that way, but I've found people who read the series, love it. So how can I complain? Is it deserved? Depends. Sure, if you can't abide anyone tinkering with Biblical stories, then you'll be offended. It's not deserved in the sense that much of the vitriol has come, as far as I can tell, from people who haven't read the book.
Do you send morals/messages through your work, or is it meant to be just a story that people have to interpret themselves?
I have no agenda in writing this series. I'm not trying to correct or change people's religious beliefs. I avoid didacticism at all costs. I much prefer to let readers interpret my work and I try to create stories that invite many perspectives. My real goal is tell a fascinating story that you can't put down.
Which character was the funnest to write about in the series? Why?
Hmm. Don't think I have one. I really enjoy writing about Dex and Daphna when they are at each other's throats.
Thanks for the interview, it was very informative! :)
My pleasure!
Hi Cherie,
Can the books in your Sacred Series be read stand alone or is it necessary to read the first in order to understand the second?
You could read them separately, but I'd recommend against it. Each book does a bit of recap, but the series is, perhaps more than most, tied together. For example, there are hints in book one that don't make sense for two or three more volumes. It's one of my favorite aspects of this project.
By the way, here's the just-released cover for SBIII!
http://davidmichaelslatersofficialblog.blogspot.com/
As one who has known David since he was a very little boy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading his comments. It is people like him who provide so much joy to those of us who were their teachers and family friends.
David - your books are fantastic and the world will soon recognize them for what they are.
Paul
Aw, shucks. Thanks, Dad. Just kidding! Thanks, Paul. Your support is much appreciated.
Any favorite Quote(s) ? :)
i'm always happy knowing a new for me author !
uniquas at ymail dot com
I'm so glad this book became controversial otherwise I would never have heard about it!
What made you decide to be come a teacher? What would you count as your greatest success as a teacher?
Do the controversy about the book affect your work as a teacher?
When did you start writing? When do you find time to write, do you grab any spare minute or stick to a strict writing schedule? Are some of your characters based on past/present students?
Hi Mariska,
Any favorite Quote(s) ? :)
How 'bout this one: "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx
i'm always happy knowing a new for me author !
Happy to be known!
Hi Eva,
I'm so glad this book became controversial otherwise I would never have heard about it!
That's what I'm talkin' about : )
What made you decide to be come a teacher?
Well, as graduation loomed for me and I finally started to consider a) what I was capable of and b) what seemed worthwhile to do if life -- teaching was it.
What would you count as your greatest success as a teacher?
Hmm. Not quitting? : )
Do the controversy about the book affect your work as a teacher?
Not yet, no. I find students less than aware of what's going on in their teacher's lives (I'm pretty sure they don't think teacher's have lives).
When did you start writing?
In graduate school for teaching, a few minutes after reading "The Circular Ruins" by Jorge Luis Borges.
When do you find time to write, do you grab any spare minute or stick to a strict writing schedule?
Oh, spare minutes. Every one I can swipe.
Are some of your characters based on past/present students?
Nope. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! (No, really--not really).
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