Deputy mayor offers pointers on writing

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Deputy Mayor David Salkin, who is a published author, visited the fourth-grade writing class at the Laura Donovan School recently to discuss the writing process and steps involved in writing a novel.

Salkin has sold two novels to Penguin Books, "Crescent Fire" and "Necessary Extremes."

Salkin explained the creative process, the mechanics of writing, proofreading and research, as well as the publishing process itself. He encouraged the students to be creative and not be discouraged, referencing his own stack of rejection letters before being published himself.

Salkin answered questions from the youngsters, some of whom wish to one day be authors themselves.

He said he plans on continuing his writing career, between running his own business in Freehold Township, sitting as deputy mayor, and spending time with his family. Finding the time to write is the difficult part, he said.

Mayor Eugene B. Golub said the Township Committee is proud and honored to have a published author on the Township Committee.