Thriller author Sean M. Christopher joins me today to chat about his new novel, The White House.
Welcome, Sean. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Queens, NY and raised on Long Island. I attended an elite private school where I felt out of place because of the contrasts in lifestyles to the other students. I was able to participate in an exchange program in England, where I spent a semester outside London when I was 15 years old. After high school, I attended several colleges refusing to get a real job until I became the oldest living student and was forced to leave by the Dean. I got into banking because it sounded cool but not having an idea what the job entails. I’m still in the profession today. I live in Manhattan and love to eat, travel and attend concerts. I have a passion for music and movies.
Please tell us about your current release.
Days before the presidential election, a terrorist attack occurs at an Ivy League university and amidst the chaos, several students and a professor are kidnapped. One student is the son of Alex Hamilton, a presidential nominee, and another the heir to a fortune. Among those taken is Vanessa Colletti, the daughter of FBI Agent Dominic Colletti—a man who will do anything to get her back.
A race against time ensues, and Dominic isn’t the only one feeling the pressure. Alex Hamilton, the presidential incumbent, has a son missing and an election he’s losing.
President Randall Scott has re-election to win and skeletons in his closet to keep hidden.
Dominic follows a trail of clues leading to the secluded hideout of a mysterious fraternity. Along the way, he begins to suspect that the kidnapping is more than a political move—it’s a part of something bigger. Something that goes all the way to the highest levels of the government.
What inspired you to write this book?
The genesis of the story goes back to when JFK was elected. There has been rumors that the mafia helped him win the election (by pay offs and stuffing ballot boxes) and once he got elected he used brother Bobby to eliminate them and they in return went after JFK.
Unique and Memorable:
- I think my book is very relevant in today’s political climate. People don’t have faith in the electoral process, especially voting and some feel the system is rigged.
- It takes place behind the backdrop of a presidential election – shows life at the White House and what it takes to run for President.
- The Presidential Nominee is a direct descendant of Alexander Hamilton and named Alex Hamilton (who feels he has to vindicate his family’s legacy with a Presidential win).
- Explains life at the secretive and powerful fraternity at Yale University – named Skull and Bones – A fraternity that produced 3 Presidents (in real life).
What exciting project are you working on next?
Nothing at the moment…but I have a few ideas..
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think everyone has the potential to write a book, the hard part is just staying dedicated and seeing it to completion. I thought I had potential in my early 20’s after reading Stephen King and John Grisham novels. I thought I can do that as well (but not at their skill level).
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I work in a Bank in Manhattan in the real estate finance division. I basically analyze construction deals and underwrite business proposals, so I’m comfortable at the keyboard. This novel was a hobby to see if I could actually write a book. It took several years, mostly writing at nights and on the weekends. If it succeeds, I may consider switching careers.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I need to do research before I could write a book. It’s not something I could do off the top of my head like some people.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I spent most of my youth looking to find something that interested me and something I had an aptitude in. Nothing worked, so it took me longer than most people…but after reading some thrillers, I found my passion for writing.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I hope they enjoy the book!