Authors Road: A Literary Journey Across America
In 2011, a unique project was launched under the auspices of Willamette Writers to document the lives and insights of American literary figures. Led by George Mason and Salli Slaughter, the project known as Authors Road is a traveling odyssey dedicated to interviewing major published writers and experts on deceased authors.
The mission is captured through video and audio interviews, which are shared on the non-commercial website AuthorsRoad.com. In addition to the interviews, the site serves as a digital archive for writer biographies, travel narratives, and photography from the road.
The Journey and the Gear
To facilitate their cross-country travels, Mason and Slaughter utilize a specialized vehicle setup. They drive a truck named Rocinante Tres, a name that pays homage to both the horse of Don Quixote and the camper-truck used by John Steinbeck during his writing of Travels with Charley.
Towed behind the truck is a fifth-wheel trailer called Hardscribble Hacienda. This name is a tribute to Hardscribble House, the home of writer Hugh Mulligan.
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Milestones and Impact
The expedition began in Oregon, winding through California and Arizona, including an extended stay in Patagonia. By the summer of 2014, the project had achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of literary documentation.
The duo traveled over 40,000 miles across 20 different states. During this time, they conducted interviews with 45 individuals and shared their findings through more than a dozen free presentations delivered at bookstores, libraries, schools, and various civic groups. Their efforts have also been highlighted in numerous media articles and interviews.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2011 under Willamette Writers.
- Principals: George Mason and Salli Slaughter.
- Reach: 20 states visited and over 40,000 miles driven by summer 2014.
- Output: 45 interviews conducted and shared via AuthorsRoad.com.
- Vehicles: A truck named Rocinante Tres and a trailer named Hardscribble Hacienda.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| States Visited | 20 |
| Total Mileage | 40,000+ miles |
| Interviews Completed | 45 |
| Public Presentations | 12+ |
| Digital Platform | AuthorsRoad.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of Authors Road?
The primary goal is to meet and interview major published American writers and experts on dead writers, sharing these audio and video recordings on a non-commercial website.
Who are the people behind the project?
The project is led by George Mason and Salli Slaughter, operating under the auspices of Willamette Writers.
What is the significance of the name Rocinante Tres?
The truck is named after the horse of Don Quixote and the camper-truck used by John Steinbeck while writing Travels with Charley.
Where can the interviews and travel stories be found?
All interviews, writer information, travel stories, and photos are hosted on the website AuthorsRoad.com.
How did the project contribute to the community?
Beyond the website, the project provided over a dozen free presentations to schools, libraries, bookstores, and civic groups.