From Journalist to Librarian to Novelist: Jeff Salter's Literary Journey... Somerset Author called to novel-writing at age 56.

By Michael R. Grigsby, Editor | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate

Image Courtesy of Jeff Salter, (C) 2025 All Rights Reserved

Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)--- In the rolling hills of Pulaski County, where family roots run deep and history whispers from every knob, Jeff Salter discovered something unexpected in his mid-fifties: novels waiting to be born.

The Somerset resident, who spent three decades as a public library administrator in Louisiana, never imagined he would become a prolific fiction writer. Today, with 19 published novels, five novellas, and nine short stories to his credit, Salter has carved out a distinctive place in the literary world through what he calls "hybrid" or "blended" genre fiction.

"I thought I would continue writing poetry and reviewing books for library journals," Salter reflected on his 2006 move to Kentucky. "But surprisingly, I discovered there were novels inside me waiting to be released!"

Early Foundations

Born in Mississippi and raised primarily in Covington, Louisiana, Salter's love affair with books began at an early age. Growing up in a household where both parents read widely, he was surrounded by storytelling from his earliest memories.

"I was in fourth grade when I cut some tablet pages into smaller pieces, found two nice pieces of white cardboard, and stapled together what was my first 'chapbook,'" he recalled. That early story about a trip to Mars hinted at the imaginative spirit that would later flourish into full-length novels.

After high school and two years of college, Salter served in the Air Force, stationed in locations ranging from Texas and California to a remote tour inside the Arctic Circle in northwest Greenland. These varied experiences, he believes, provided him with a broader perspective than those who never left their hometowns.

Professional Foundation

Salter's path to fiction writing was built on a solid foundation of professional writing experience. His journalism background included 150 bylined newspaper articles and about 100 bylined photographs, while his library career generated numerous articles and reviews in professional journals. He co-authored two non-fiction books about librarianship, with his 1988 work "On the Frontlines: Coping with the Library's Problem Patrons" becoming a bestseller that went into three printings.

Along the way, he published approximately 140 poems in various venues, including literary quarterlies, earning around 30 contest awards, several of which came with cash prizes.

Kentucky Calling

The move to Somerset was facilitated through family connections—his wife's paternal family had settled on their current 25-acre property in 1803, and the land had remained in the family's possession ever since. When Salter became eligible for early retirement at age 56 or older after 26 years of library service, he felt called to relocate so his wife could be near her aging parents.

"This region—with all its family connections and rich history—has given me several ideas for stories," he noted.

Fiction Breakthrough

Somerset proved to be the key that unlocked Salter's potential as a fiction writer. However, success didn't come immediately. He completed and revised seven novels before his seventh novel, "Overnighter's Secrets," was accepted by a publisher in 2007.

Salter's approach to storytelling is distinctly character-driven. He describes his writing method as following interesting characters and writing down what they do—only a slight exaggeration, he insists. This "pants-ster" style of writing, as opposed to extensive outlining, allows his stories to evolve organically.

"Many of my stories have arisen out of seemingly insignificant prompts," Salter explained. His tribute to the Greatest Generation, "Called to Arms Again"—set in Somerset and featuring characters inspired by people he knows—was sparked by observing raised garage doors in a retirement neighborhood and wondering what would happen if thieves tried to exploit elderly residents.

Literary Diversity

Rather than confining himself to traditional genres, Salter creates what he calls "blended" works. His catalog includes action-adventure stories, time-traveling cowboy tales, screwball comedies, ghost stories, and Christmas novels—all unified by his emphasis on rich characters and engaging storytelling.

Currently, he's working on Volume 4 of his action-adventure series, set in 1986, which features President Reagan's fictional "Ghost Cavalry Battalion"—elite teams performing covert operations before the era of cell phones and widespread internet.

Community Connections

Salter has become an active member of Somerset's literary community, participating in the annual "Local Authors" event at the Pulaski County Library since 2014 and connecting with fellow writers through the Pulaski Writers' Alliance and social media. He has featured area authors on his blog "Four Foxes, One Hound" over the past 14 years.

Writing Philosophy

For Salter, the storyteller's role is to create immersive experiences. "I want readers to have felt they were involved in my story, invested with my characters, and pleased at how I wove it all together," he said. "If my story is humorous, I want readers to laugh; if my scene is sad, I want readers to cry."

His discipline comes from years of deadline-driven journalism and editorial collaboration. During one particularly productive period from August 2009 to July 2011, before social media began consuming more of his time, Salter completed four full-length novels in 24 months.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges of marketing independent fiction—including the closure of two publishers that left nine of his titles "orphaned"—Salter remains committed to his craft. He continues to believe his work stands alongside many bestsellers, though he acknowledges the difficulty of breaking through without national recognition.

"Don't get discouraged," is the advice he would give his younger writing self. "Save all your stories and poems, no matter how juvenile they may seem. Keep writing!"

At his Somerset home on land that has sheltered the same family for more than two centuries, Jeff Salter continues to discover new stories waiting to emerge—proof that sometimes the most unexpected chapters of our lives can become the most rewarding.

Jeff Salter's books are available through various digital and print platforms. More information about his work can be found on his blog "Four Foxes, One Hound.

Amazon Author Page Click here

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