AN INTERVIEW WITH STEVEN SELIKOFF

No. It’s frustrating as hell. I am not good at writing. I wish I were. I can’t make words flow. Often I can’t even find the words I am looking for to communicate what is in my mind. I type slowly. I agonize over every sentence. Typing makes my fingers hurt. But I love it anyway. I need it. I guess for me, writing is an abusive relationship. And being called an author is just the unexpected byproduct.

Many years ago, before towns became cities, certain gifted people would wander from campfire to campfire, and tell stories. That’s me. We don’t circle campfires anymore, but the stories in me still need to be shared.

I’m lucky. The stories I share in my latest book wind through instructional text. They turn a lifeless business book into somewhat of a narrative. Since it is a business book, I am able to help and teach people and their success turns into knowledge gained, money saved and money earned. It’s wonderful to hear comments from strangers who read the book and share how it helped them.

1992:
A Model’s Guide To Milan
In the late 80s and early 90s I was a struggling fashion photographer living in Milan Italy. A lot of us were struggling; models, photographers, makeup artists, stylists and designers. We formed a strange idealistic community of temporary expats and artists, trying to gain fame or create the ‘perfect image’ on film. We’d eat wen we could, drink when the alcohol was free, and sit around the White Bear sharing gossip and misadventures with actors, celebrities, and each other. When I returned to the States, I wanted to write it all down but too many well-known names would have been discussed and I realized it would have been a tell all. Not at all what I wanted. I still wanted to share the experiences, so I compromised with myself and wrote a ‘Travel Guide’ instead. It was written for models and people in the fashion community who were going to Milan to live and work. It included tips on everything from riding the trams to places to eat for free when funds were low.
2019:
The Canton Fair Workbook
A low content workbook used to drive conversations between Western entrepreneurs and Chinese factories. The Canton Fair is the largest import/export exhibition in the world. It is huge and can be overwhelming to first time visitors. And the challenge of multi-language cross cultural business discussions with potential suppliers can sometimes seem intimidating. The fill-in-the-blank worksheets and checklists make successful meetings easier. Each worksheet acts as a guide to product discussions. The simple to use worksheets ensure you do not neglect critical negotiation points, and adds clarity to discussions about features, modifications, price, and MOQ. Each book includes 30 sets of worksheets for Canton Fair discussions, and 10 sets of worksheets for follow-up Factory Visits. Perfect if you are looking to produce unique products, white label products, or private label (PL). Whether you import or manufacture for retailers, E-commerce, or Amazon FBA, this workbook will make your Canton Fair experience easier and more successful
2020:
The COMPLETE BOOK of Product Design, Development, Manufacturing and Sales.
A how-to business book that provides complete step-by-step instructions on how to identify unique winning products, validate customer demand, ensure profitability, design, and engineer your product, identify factories, negotiate effectively, manage shipping & logistics, and generate sales across all channels from independent retailers to chains and big box stores.
· For beginners who are new to developing products and selling them
· For experienced product developers looking to remove risks and fill in knowledge gaps
· For inventors with new products seeking information on validation, manufacturing, and sales channels
· For Amazon Sellers looking to take the next step, to introduce unique products, grow into retailers, and expand their business.
In Progress:
Fxxx
A fictionalized retelling of the relationship between Goethe and Felix Mendelssohn that involves a love story, and a courtroom drama.

Write. You can rewrite, edit, correct, or discard it, but getting it down on paper is the first step, and for many, the hardest step. Get it over with and just Write.

I walk. I talk out scenes, ideas, and phrasing. Since I write out of sequence (do other writers do that?) if I am blocked at one point of the book I skip to another.

Time. Finding time to write. Then losing track of time while I am ‘in the zone’ writing.
Now that I am writing Historical Fiction I find that research can be difficult at times.

Business Books because I have a lot of knowledge and experience that other people from profit from.
Historical Fiction because I have a story inside me that wants to get out.

There is no typical day or time. I squeeze in writing whenever I can. My routine is to sit in front of my computer, put on music, and write. When writing about Felix Mendelssohn I listen to his pieces. Otherwise, I listen to a variety of classically styled pieces. I’ll let it play over and over again. It acts as a distraction stopper and sets pace for me to type.

Steven@productdevelopmentacademy.com