First Lady Comes Clean

Have you ever purchased a book everyone is talking about, started reading it and in the first few pages get hit with several of what George Carlin used to call the seven words you can’t say on television? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think a story line is enhanced by the use of words most people would not say in front of their mother.

First Lady of the United States, a political mystery by Anthony Scott, has taken fiction writing to a new high by avoiding the use of those seven words and any other words mom would have washed your mouth out with soap for saying before you were ten years old. Scott avoids using swear words and creates some interesting euphemisms for things other authors go into graphic detail describing. It is a refreshing work and one you can confidently suggest reading to anyone from your golfing buddies to your friends at church.

We caught up with Scott and were able to ask him about the book and the experience of writing a novel.

You wrote First Lady without using any swear words. Was this intentional?

Scott – Very much so. When I started writing the book, I was reading a novel by one of my favorite authors. I noticed that he used a lot of swearing in his writing that I felt was not necessary to get the point across to the reader. There were times when it actually detracted from the points he was trying to make. As I wrote, I realized how easy it was to not use swear words. I did not want a reader to notice the cuss words and miss the plot. Besides, I wanted to give the first copy of the book to the pastor of our church and I know he would have to Google the “seven words you can’t say on television.”

First Lady is about a former First Lady who wants to be President. It sounds like a current candidate for President. Is there something we should know?

Scott – The first question I usually get is “Is it about her?” The answer is simple. This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental (laughing). I think that’s what it says on the disclaimer page. If you get right down to it, this is the first time a former first lady has run for President. If you ask my wife, I told her about this idea for a book in 2000, so there wasn’t a First Lady running at the time. Of course, I hope she does read the book.

What’s it like writing a book?

Scott – It was fun when I was actually writing. I took the time to do research to make sure the details were accurate. The opening scene of the book is when the Presidential campaign plane is shot from the sky after taking off from Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. We drove around the airport looking for the most logical place where someone would be able to fire a shoulder launched rocket at a plane. It was a little strange driving around talking about being able to hide while you shot at the plane. What was worse was finding several places to do it.

What other research did you do?

Scott – I spent a lot of time on the internet. It is scary what you can learn. I learned about Stinger missiles, the Secret Service, the FBI, New York City, Washington and lots of other things that I used in the book. One day I was doing some research and I clicked on to some website. The screen went black and a window opened that said, “This is a restricted site. Any further attempts to enter will violate the law. You can be punished by imprisonment or fines or both. Please do not attempt to enter this site again.” I couldn’t click off fast enough.

Who do you think will enjoy reading First Lady of the United States?

Scott – It is a mystery with a political base. I think anyone who likes a good mystery will love the book. It is also about the relationship between the two investigators and how they work within the system to solve the political crime of the century. It makes you think about how far someone might go to win the White House. What we tried to do was make the reader think and remember details. As you read the book you are going to say to yourself at times, “now that makes sense.” I hope the ending makes people go “Wow!” Oh, I would love for Oprah to read the book. I have a signed copy waiting for her.

As you were writing, did you have pictures of any movie stars for the characters?

Scott – The cast is set, all I have to do is have the screenplay written, sell the movie rights and get the stars to sign contracts! One of the characters, FBI Deputy Director Carl Sampson was written for Fred Thompson. I have always liked Thompson in movies and his personality fit so well with Director Sampson. If he doesn’t get nominated and elected, he has a job waiting for him.

Do you have any other ideas for the characters?

Scott – My wife and I sit in our spa and talk about the book every night. We like Annette Bening as the First Lady. I can see John Travolta as the lead investigator, Mickey Hammer. Whenever we watch TV or a movie, I try to envision actors or actresses in roles.

You mentioned Oprah reading the book, who else would like to hear has read it?

Scott – Wouldn’t it be great to hear that all of the living First Ladies had read the book? I would love to pick up my phone and hear Laura Bush, Roslyn Carter, Nancy Reagan or Hillary Clinton on the other line saying how much they loved the book. I think both Hannity and Colmes would like it. It has a little something for everyone in it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Other than buy the book? I hope people enjoy reading it.