The research behind Operation Morning Glory is ongoing. When I started writing the book, I thought I knew all about the President, the White House, the Secret Service, government protocol, and Air Force One. I watched Fox News, and they know everything. Right?
Wrong!
Early in the writing process, I knew I needed help. Who could I turn to? Artificial intelligence!
I had time zones to navigate, guns to learn about, military language to understand, and everything else you can imagine. I’ve written historical fiction, so I know how much research is involved. Still, my mind told me this book would be a breeze.
My mind lied to me.
One of the most amazing facts I learned concerns Air Force One. Technically, any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the President uses the call sign “Air Force One.” It doesn’t have to be one of the two familiar blue-and-white presidential planes. I never knew that.
Presidential emergency facilities were another interesting subject. Some information about them is public, but many details are understandably kept secret. President George W. Bush was taken to a secure location on September 11, 2001. The bunker I write about in Southwest Virginia, however, is entirely a figment of my imagination. I’m familiar with the area and its coal mines, so it seemed like the perfect setting.
When the President’s safety is at risk, the Secret Service makes the protective decisions. Other agencies, including the FBI and CIA, may provide intelligence and assistance, but protecting the President is the Secret Service’s responsibility.
In the book, Secret Service agent Kenneth Anderson is very close to Maggie. Agents can develop trust and rapport with the people they protect, but Kenneth and Maggie’s unusually close relationship is part of my fictional story.
I also thought I had read somewhere that an agent should be as tall as—or taller than—the person being protected. I couldn’t verify that as an actual Secret Service requirement. Personally, if I ever need protection, I want someone taller than my five-foot-one-inch frame. That shouldn’t be hard to find!
The White House is fascinating. I had a fairly good idea of the West Wing’s layout from publicly available photographs, diagrams, and maps. We have also seen several television programs about people who work there. Of course, television doesn’t always tell the whole story. That means more research!
I am so anxious to publish this book. I loved working with Maggie in Madam President: Unlikely Candidate, and I’m already thinking about a third book. When I write the next one, I’ll learn even more about our government, presidential protocol, and everything surrounding the President of the United States of America.
Have a blessed day.
Kathy Cretsinger, Author