Gary Slaughter was born and raised in Owosso, Michigan. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he served six years at sea on navy destroyers.

Over the course of his distinguished business career, he became an expert on the management of corporate information technology. He traveled extensively, lecturing and consulting to clients both in the United States and abroad. During this time, his list of IT publications grew to more than four pages.

But, he always dreamt about his early years in Owosso. Sharing in the hard work on his grandparents’ farm. Exploring the old canning factory and the waterworks. Taking all-day tours on city buses for only a nickel. He carefully observed life on the Owosso home front where German prisoners of war worked at local factories and farms -- and where Gold Stars hung in the front windows of far too many homes. These impressions never left him.

Finally, seven years ago, he did what many of us have imagined ourselves doing. He put his business career on hold and sat down to write the “Great American Novel.” For that decision, the many loyal fans of the Cottonwood novels are truly grateful.

People in the book business are impressed as well. Both Cottonwood Summer and Cottonwood Fall were nominated for the Great Lakes Book Award. In 2007, Cottonwood Fall was named finalist for the Benjamin Franklin Award for Popular Fiction. And early reviews of Cottonwood Winter: A Christmas Story indicate we are looking at another award-winning book.

Gary and his wife make their home in Nashville, Tennessee. They have three grown children.