Even though I conceived House of the Rising Sun long before, I didn’t start writing in earnest until 2016. The bulk of the first draft was written on early weekend mornings, or late at night, against a backdrop of constant media coverage of the U.S. Presidential election. It may seem impossible now, but for most of the year the idea of Donald Trump becoming president was considered absurd. His MAGA rallies seemed more like amusing sideshows than a serious bid to be chosen for the most powerful political office in the world. Because of this, the media covered Trump’s campaign much like the might cover a freeway pileup where all the cars were driven by clowns: It’s a serious story and people are getting hurt, but why would you ever turn the camera away?
I wrote many scenes in House of the Rising Sun with the idea that Donald Trump was President, even though I didn’t believe it would happen. A lot of those scenes have played out in some form or another since I wrote them. And sometimes you have to wonder which reality is the real one.
If you’ve made it to this page, there’s a good chance you’ve now finished House of the Rising Sun or at least read the last page. I’m curious what you thought about the novel and invite you to post any feedback in the comments below.
-RC, 7.27.2020
Richard,
I’m currently on page 152 of HOTRS. Your author’s note at the beginning and the end…Wow! And look where we are today 11/6/2020!
I taught Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank for a number of years to 9th graders and I can’t help but think of that situation as I’m reading. It’s just a difference of about 70 years.
I’m spending the day with my nose in your book instead of the news. If we have a president, I don’t know who it is. After last night’s incendiary speech by the current president, I’m taking the day off from the news.
Now, back to see how this story might end.
Sincerely,
Dee Richardson
Hi Dee,
Thanks for reading. I hope you’re enjoying it. Alas, Babylon is the first post-apocalyptic novel I ever read (in high school!) and I still think about it even today. If you’re still reading you may have run across a reference to it, in fact.
Sorry I didn’t see this comment before, but at least we know who the next president will be!
Let me know if you have any thoughts about book. I’d love to hear feedback, good or bad.
Take care,
-RC