1. What inspired you to write your book and how did the idea come to life?
The Holocaust has been part of my inheritance. Some 95% of my family perished during that period. I grew up in an era that was highly anti-Semitic both politically and socially. Having been born at the end of the war in 1945, America was the land of refuge for many Jews who were completely denied reentry into their countries of origin in Europe, in spite of the fact that they had been once loyal citizens and served in the armed forces of their countries. The state of Israel was yet to exist, and the British exerted strict immigration embargos. America had opened it’s arms to my remaining family and saved their lives. Otherwise, I would not be here to relate my narrative. Wdowinski had a profound influence on my early life, And somewhat onward. During the McCarthy era, FBI visits and searches occurred frequently in our neighborhood. My parents spoke multiple languages, which was essential for survival in Europe spanning the two world wars.
As a precocious kid, wanting to know what my parents we’re talking about, I acquired proficiency in three languages before English. Unfortunately, the language barrier place me in what they called the class for the what they traumatically labeled the class for the mentally retarded for a short period…until I acquired sufficient English…with a Brooklyn accent. Special education didn’t exist at that time. This journey inspired me to write this book and will influence my next one. As I grew, Wdowinski reinforced my historic Judaic tribalism, and intermixed with deep woven threads of love and gratitude for America. Wdowinski’s larger than life presence lent its air of legend and mysticism during our family gatherings. Eventually through my research and studies, I came to see him as we all are, both gifted and flawed in our own ways. I made a promise both to him and to myself to see his story to fruition. So, four doctorates and post-doctorates, and a lifetime later, God gave me the gift of fulfilling the promise.
2. Can you share your initial goals for publishing your book?
We have 10 acres of land in Vermont that we want to convert into a piece and healing center for the War-torn children of Palestinian and Israeli families. Every cent of proceeds from this book will go toward it. The plan is to have some farm animals and dogs who will be cared for by these children. God fills these innocent animals with love, so the hope would be for the children to share love with them, and then learn to do it with one another. I believe we can only plant seeds. But I believe that seeds of love are worth planting wherever and whenever we can do so. I am 80 years old now. But these are my goals.
3. What made you choose Gatekeeper Press as your publishing partner? How did the experience meet or exceed your expectations?
It was partly by chance. The 800 pages of this book reflects over 50 years of research and writing. That’s 50 years or 5/8ths of my life. The regular university academic presses wanted to cut it down to somewhere between 200 to 300 pages, probably because of their commercial interests. Gatekeeper Press offered me the best of all worlds.
4. How would you describe the process of working with Gatekeeper Press, from manuscript submission to publication?
I have published before, but mostly in the academic arena. This was a new experience for me. It was something that I had to learn about, that was different in a number of respects. As in all publishing, there were ups and downs, but I found the experience educational, and rewarding. I am grateful for the efforts that everyone at Gatekeeper Press has made to make this book a possibility.
5. What challenges did you encounter during your publishing journey, and how did Gatekeeper press assist in overcoming them?
The personnel at Gatekeeper Press were diligent in both their communications to me, and their responses to mine. Communication becomes the key to any of these challenges that may arise to make sure that both the author and publisher around the same page, sort of speaking. Frustrations will arise on both sides, but goodwill and communication policy antidotes. Thank you, Gatekeeper Press.
6. Were there any aspects of the publishing process that surprised you or differed from what you initially expected??
When it came to the advertisement packages that I added, I was surprised that the burden of work fell out of my shoulders. This is the only surprise that I had experienced during the entire process, probably due to my and inexperience.
7. How do you hope readers will receive your book, and what do you hope readers will retain from it?
I hope readers will walk away with lessons that will relate to their own lives and experiences, and perhaps histories and legacies. We are all kaleidoscopes within ourselves, patterns and shades of positives and negatives. How many of us read about a life and reflect inwardly, about our own actions and interactions with others. Consider the divisions that occur today in our country. Look at the hatred, the divisions, the greed, the push for power and fame, thy ill treatment of others. The subject of my book is no different from you or I, when it comes to overcoming our baser aspects, and turning to our better angels. I hope the readers we’ll find enlightenment from the narrative.
8. What was your favorite part of the publishing experience with Gatekeeper Press?
I found my personal interactions with individuals from gatekeeper press as my favorite publishing experience. There is nothing more rewarding than learning about other people’s lives. Even if they reveal little, they offer much if we are willing to listen and entertain what they tell us. I just wish that there had been more of this sort of interaction. I hope, in turn that I may have given some small thing in return.
9. Would you recommend Gatekeeper Press to other authors? Why or why not?
I would recommend Gatekeeper Press to other authors who are used to working from a geographical distance. I would also recommend, that the authors keep in mind as they work independently, the importance of ongoing good communication with their contacts
10. What advice would you give to aspiring authors considering self-publishing their work??
Examine your motives for publishing. Look at your resources of money and time. How do you want to allocate them? Do you have a research and writing plan? How does it interact with your everyday life plan and goals?
Discover more about The Forgotten Man: A Journey Through the Ashes and purchase a copy here.
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