Long May She Write: Ellen Emerson White The author talks about smart women, the rewriting of her own work and how her new novel was a risk worth taking
“I am the idiot savant of writing,” Ellen Emerson White says, not ten minutes into our conversation. “I never write with intent. I don’t outline.”
What she does do, however, is release wit all over the page. Often profound wit.
White’s first book was published when she was a sophomore in college. She’d written it the previous year. Her second book came out when she was a junior. And her third book almost didn’t come out at all.
“They hated it,” she says flatly. “They” were the editors at Avon Books, and “it” was a 1984 title called “The President’s Daughter,” about a 16-year-old Massachusetts high school student whose mother runs for president — and wins. White wrote two sequels to The President’s Daughter throughout the ’80s — “White House Autumn,” in which the President survives and assassination attempt, and “Long Live the Queen,” where Meg, the President’s daughter, is kidnapped by terrorists.
Now, nearly 20 years after that last sequel, White’s back with another book about Meg Powers and her family, “Long May She Reign,” a 700-plus-page, probing look at Meg’s — and her family’s — survival after the trauma. It’s deeper than her previous books, more introspective, and on many levels, much more daring.
White’s books are marketed to the young adult set, readers between the ages of 12 and 17. But White’s always seen her work as being less YA, and more adult-ish. Consider her subjects: a stubborn and plucky high schooler risks her own life to prove her best friend was murdered (“Friends for Life,” 1983); an Army nurse saves lives and struggles to survive the trauma of the Vietnam War (“The Road Home,” 1989), a sometime actress stumbles across a nefarious arson scheme to level low-income housing in Manhattan (“All Emergencies, Ring Super,” 1997). “No Gossip Girls” or “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” are these.
What makes her books so attractive is she writes smart characters — especially smart women characters. Long before Hermoine Granger dazzled kids and adults across the Earth with her cleverness and skill, there was Meg Powers and her ambitious, driven mother, Katharine. And the world is surely a better place for it.
“I just fell into writing,” White says. “My parents bought a typewriter at a yard sale when I was about 13, and I was always writing.”
But her intent was to be a district attorney or do something else in law enforcement. She even did some studying at New York’s John Jay School of Criminal Justice.
While studying at Tuft’s in Boston, she spent her free time writing fiction. When she was 19, an agent she’d queried after reading The Writer’s Market called her work “interesting,” and wanted to meet her. White had to have her parents drive her to the agent’s home office in Connecticut because she didn’t have a car.
“And you could tell he just knew I had no idea,” she says, thinking about the memory. “I mean, I showed up at the door in a Plymouth Valero station wagon and my parents went off to read the New York Times.”
But the agent sold the book.
“To Avon,” she says. “You’ll note Avon begins with A. And my agent made a point of telling me, ‘Make sure your parents look at the contract.’”
White took all the money from that first three-book contract and blew it on skiing lessons. And she’s been writing — and skiing — pretty much ever since, save the rare foray into teaching.
White’s made it her signature to craft tales about feisty, savvy, smart women. And she does impeccable research. “In The Road Home,” for example, Rebecca Phillips’s father sends her Red Sox scores while she’s stationed in Vietnam.
“Those are the actual scores from that timeframe,” White says.
And when she goes back and looks at the original descriptions of the White House and living life with Secret Service agents, and compares it with new information that wasn’t available when she first started writing, she says she’s surprised at her accuracy rate.
“I kinda go, ‘Hey, well done, me,’” she says, admitting she’s never conducted interviews with anyone or tagged along with any of the professionals she’s had inhabit her pages.
Working hard is nothing new for White. She spent the better part of the last three and a half years crafting “Long May She Reign.”
“A 14-hour day was a short writing day,” she notes. “18 hours was more the norm.”
At the same time, she says, she did have fun with it.
“It was a fun book,” she says. “Everyone [in it] is allowed to be smart, because you’re dealing with the White House and with Williams College,” which are the book’s two main settings.
Translation: there are lots of smart women around.
There’s the President, who White describes thus: “I believe she runs the world, but she’s kind of a nervous, insecure person.” White thinks of Katharine Powers as being Barak Obama-esque … a rising star in politics, youngish, with children. “She’s really something of a rock star in the political world,” she says of her creation.
But any woman trying to do it all — have a career and raise a family — will relate to the pressures she faces.
“And I get her now in a totally different way,” White says. “When I was writing the first books in the series, I was much closer to Meg’s point of view on things. But now, likely because I’m closer to Katharine’s age, I see her and what she does in a whole new light. In a lot of ways, this is the President’s book and Meg is just along for the ride.”
White describes the new book as very much a post-9/11 novel. Conceding that she had some things in her own life she wanted to “write through,” she’s crafted a story where frustration and perseverance and hope come shining through in the form of two incredibly different, strong and courageous women.
Six months after escaping from the deserted mine shaft where terrorists left her to die, Meg Powers is struggling to rebuild her life. Heading off to Williams College, the shy, reserved Meg not only has to deal with all the typical freshman angst, but must come to terms with her own mother’s steely resolve that America “cannot, have not, and will not negotiate with terrorists.” As Meg comes further of age, she even faces an age-old quandary for a lot of smart women out there: does she want a boyfriend who can keep up with her, or one who will let her call the shots? And White even ventures into the murky territory of how a driven political climber like Katharine became a parent – and whether it was even part of her plan.
“So much of it’s organic,” she says about writing her characters and novels. “They just sort of do what they do, and I look at things and even I get surprised.”
White’s approach to her own work has been twofold: to write things that matter to her and to work with great editors. She easily credits her editor at Feiwel and Friends, which published “Long May She Reign,” for pushing her and making the novel stronger. Feiwel is also re-releasing updated versions of White’s earlier books from “The President’s Daughter” series next year. White’s tweaked the stories to be more current, and readily admits that they’re stronger and better versions of the originals.
There’s no question White’s work has grown and changed over the years, although she readily admits there were a few “pay the rent” books in her repertoire. “Long May She Reign” showcases a side of White that seamlessly blends what she calls “the whole Irish ‘dark night of the soul’ thing” with clever passages, believable characters and situations, along with a sharp, observant eye toward politics and pop culture. Through it all, White’s wit and sympathy shine through, enabling longtime fans to feel like they’re catching up with old friends, and showing new readers that hers is a voice worth hearing.
All books referenced in this story available at The Savvy Gal’s Amazon Store
Travel and Say Hello to Houston
Think Houston is just a hick town full of cowboys who speak in a Texan twang? Then, baby, you don’t know Houston. America’s fourth-largest city is a hip, happening metropolis, ready to serve up international cuisine, give you ready access to world-class shopping and offer you an endless array of cultural activities.
Situated just inland from Texas’ Gulf Coast, Houston is a savvy traveler’s dream. Its international flavor extends through every square mile; if you want a fun city mini-break to make you feel like you’ve gone ’round the whole world without needing a passport, Houston is where you come.
Hot hotels and what they’re close to:
Base yourself at the Alden Hotel downtown if you’re looking for laid-back luxury. This boutique gem in the heart of Houston’s downtown theater and club scene may be small, but it has some big advantages. First off, you can’t beat the staff for great service. And you’ll be hard pressed to find a better location anywhere in Houston. Not to mention, there’s the a+ bar, where they do kicked up classics (think pomegranate martinis, for one) and 17 restaurant, where the artichoke risotto is to die for and the wine list is one of the best in the city.
Being downtown puts you along Houston’s seven-mile light rail line, which will give you immediate access to the Bayou City’s museum district. From the world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which boasts one of the largest permanent collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts anywhere on the planet to smaller venues such as the Center for Contemporary Craft and the Menil Collection (where you’ll find works by Picasso, Magritte, 13th century artists, and more), the museum district is a culture vulture’s dream. The light rail line also runs through Houston’s famed Hermann Park, home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, as well as the recently upgraded and renovated Houston Zoo.
If funky and fun is more your style, then you’ll love Hotel Derek, located just blocks from Houston’s main shopping mecca, The Galleria. Hotel Derek is a boutique hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Modern furnishings and airy rooms overlook Houston’s cityspace, and its restaurant, Bistro Moderne offers classic French fare with a Texas twist.
Shop ’til you drop:
It’s hard to imagine anyone needing more shopping than what is available at The Galleria, where you’ll see Tiffany and Jimmy Choo rubbing elbows with Nordstrom and Ann Taylor; and with more than 400 stores, you can spend days indulging your inner fashion diva.
But, if you want a more unique experience, head about three miles east of The Galleria, on Houston’s main drag, Westheimer, and look for a little shop called More Than You Can Imagine (713.668.8811). This is budget boutique at its very best. Owner Vicki Rizzo has created a resale haven to showcase killer designer duds at prices to fit every purse. Looking for a Vera Wang cocktail dress? Vicki’s got it. Need a pair of Manolos to make you feel like a million bucks? Yep, she’s got those, too. In fact, she’s got so much, you can easily spend half the morning troving through her treasures (and you can pop across the street to Crescent City Beignets (713.520.8291) for a cup of coffee when you’re finished.)
Further down on Westheimer, heading back toward the museum district and downtown, are a host of hip boutiques. Pixy and Ivy always has fun, flirty fashions. And a visit to Houston isn’t complete without a stop at Vintage Oasis (713.529.2234), where the classics meet the contemporary in the form of clothes from the 40s through the 80s.
You also won’t want to miss a stop at Rice Village, an outdoor shopping extravaganza where big brands sit side by side smaller boutiques.
Get cultured
Houston wins hands down when it comes to smart, savvy fun. The city’s arts scene (including museum district mentioned above) also incorporates all the major art forms: ballet, symphony, theater and opera. The Houston Ballet is known for offering contemporary twists on classics (this year’s Cinderella is guaranteed to put a whole new slant on this most familiar of tales), but if you want something else for your dance card, consider the Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre or DiverseWorks, which showcase more contemporary styles.
Houston’s theater scene has everything from big-time Broadway shows in beautiful halls to cutting-edge works in intimate spaces. The Alley Theatre is one of the finest repertory companies in the country, and routinely mounts works by well-known playwrights, as well as world premieres. (The 2007-2008 season will see the premiere of The Gershwin’s An American in Paris, a musical about the making of the classic film.) There’s also The Ensemble Theatre, known as one of the best African-American theatres in the U.S., Main Street Theater and Stages Repertory Company.
The Houston Grand Opera has spent the last 50 plus years taking opera out of the realm of some stuffy, 400-year-old art form and making it accessible and fun. Catch The Daughter of the Regiment this fall, one of the funniest romantic comedies ever written, and don’t miss next spring’s Billy Budd, a tale of betrayal and adventure on the high seas.
And for music, you have your pick of the Houston Symphony and Da Camera of Houston for classical; Society for the Performing Arts for a diverse array of styles from around the world; the Verizon Wireless Theater for pop; Sambuca restaurant and Red Cat Jazz Cafe for Jazz; Scott Gertner’s Sky Bar for Latin beats (check out the free salsa dancing); not to mention, nearly every cafe or bar in town offers some kind of live music somewhere, sometime.
Eat, drink and be merry
With more than 11,000 restaurants to choose from, you can eat your way across Houston and never have the same cuisine twice.
Make sure you stop for Happy Hour at one of The Tasting Room’s three locations around town. Here’s where you’ll find great wines and gourmet appetizers in a hip atmosphere, just right for mixing and mingling. For wine with a little more edge, wander over to The Corkscrew on Washington Avenue near downtown, where you’ll find a more casual experience with an equally impressive wine list. Both venues offer wines from smaller, boutique producers, while still paying homage to well known brands, so you’re sure to find your old standbys, as well as some new favorites.
International cuisine? You better believe Houston has it. Molinas has some of the greatest casual Mexican in town (you can’t eat here without ordering Jose’s dip … queso with fantastic meat sauce … you’ll love it), while Hugo’s on Westheimer at the edge of downtown has Mexican and Latin cuisine in a luxury environment. Be sure to take a visit to Cafe Montrose, where you can experience authentic Belgian dining in a cozy, intimate dining room. For the same feeling with Italian food, it’s worth finding Michelangelo’s on what’s called lower Westheimer, where the fare is fantastic, and a tree grows right in the middle of the dining room.
And, because you are in Texas, you should experience steak. All the chains are here: Smith and Wollensky’s, McCormick and Schmick’s. But for a true Texas experience, it’s Pappas Bros. Steak House all the way. This is an old-school steakhouse, where the cuts are huge and of quality, the wine list goes on for days and the experience is like being in a classic supper club.
Easy access
Houston’s two major airports, Hobby (HOU) and Bush Intercontinental (IAH) mean you can fly into Houston from virtually anywhere, likely nonstop, depending on your airline. Houston’s home to Continental Airlines; Southwest has a tremendous presence here, too. But, the airports are served by all major U.S. carriers, as well as dozens of international airlines.
Houston is a driving city and its freeway system is straightforward and easy to navigate. In fact, having a car means you can take in the full scope of the city, from the beaches of Galveston to the South to outlet mall shopping in Katy to the west and the charm of Old Town Spring, a shopping and eating spot north of the city.
Simply irresistible
From its funky neighborhoods to its big-city feel, Houston is a place where going global takes on a whole new meaning. You’ll feel like a true citizen of the world after you stay here and why shouldn’t you? Houston offers the whole world — from its dining to its shopping to its hotels and arts — in one great city where there’s always plenty of sunshine and everyone offers a tremendous Texas welcome.
Houston will make you change your mind about everything you thought you knew about Texas.
An Ocean State Gem: Old World Charm and New World Fun in Newport, R.I.
Like many historic New England sea towns, Newport, Rhode Island came of age in a time when tall clipper ships sailed the world, bringing back exotic cargoes of spices, whale oil and other treasures from oceans away.
Today, you can still find those glimpses of the past in a fun and laid back present day environment. Newport isn’t some stuffy old yacht town, it’s a vibrant city blending seafaring history with a dynamic view toward the future. And it’s easy to spend a weekend — or several weeks — exploring its charms.
A view of the endless sea
High on the hill, overlooking the Cliff Walk, a three-mile stretch of walking path offers stunning views of the Atlantic on one side and the beauty of Newport on the other. Here you’ll find the absolutely beautiful The Chanler at Cliff Walk Hotel. This is the only address you need for your seaside stay.
The historic Victorian mansion is now a 20-room boutique hotel, where Old World charm is seamlessly combined with service and every modern amenity. Each of the hotel’s rooms has its own personality, and all but three have breathtaking views of the ocean.
You’ll feel the vibe the minute you walk through the doors into lobby; a sense of: “Let your worries fall away; this is a whole other world.” And it is. In fact, you’ll feel you’re a whole world away from the ordinary here.
Up at the top of the stairs on the second floor is the room you want: the Renaissance room. A huge king size bed, panoramic views of the water and Easton’s Beach, a sunken Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom, a fireplace and sitting area and three flat-panel TVs are only the beginning of its charm. French doors lead out to a semi-private, simply huge balcony where you can sit for hours watching the waves.
Want something more intimate for a romantic weekend away? Ask for the Martha’s Vineyard room, a cozy enclave off the ground floor of the main house, complete with a Jacuzzi on the deck. This is a room where quintessential New England charm reigns supreme: white wood furnishings, lovely fireplace. It’s routinely used as a honeymoon suite.
The Chanler is also home to The Spiced Pear restaurant, where old New England cuisine gets a modern kick. Live jazz happens every Friday in the bar, and you’ll love the extensive — and terrifically priced — wine offerings.
Exploring the town
Newport has something for every taste and activity. Since you’re on the water, you can laze at the beach or grab a charter and sail the waves.
Some of the best golf in the country is at Newport National Golf Course , which spans more than 200 acres and offers stunning views of The Sakonnet Passage, Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. Tennis fans will be equally impressed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where you can see not only the history of the sport, but also reserve time on the court.
A visit to Newport is incomplete without a visit to the Newport mansions. Built in the 1860s through the early 1900s, these were the summer homes to the likes of the Rockerfellers and Vanderbilts. All the New York industrial magnates once had summer homes here and, today, nearly a dozen of these “cottages” are open to the public. Don’t let the term cottage confuse you; homes like The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms (and all the other beautiful homes) are mirrors of gilded splendor. Huge, gold leaf adorned ballrooms, dining rooms with rich mahogany tables seating two dozen, music rooms with views of the sea, sweeping lawns leading to the ocean await you behind those doors.
The mansions are located in the basic vicinity of Bellevue Avenue, one of Newport’s main drags. The other main roads are Thames Street and America’s Cup Avenue. All along Thames, you’ll find several wharves. Formerly housing shipping company offices and warehouses, the wharves now are a mecca for shops and restaurants. From big names to small boutiques with New England flair, whether you’re shopping for antiques, clothing or the perfect reminder of your New England stay, you’ll find it along the wharves.
And as for food, Newport is a culinary jewel in New England’s culinary crown. The historic White Horse Tavern has been in operation since the 1700s and still serves up fantastic New England fare. If you want a more contemporary twist, visit The Mooring in Sayers Wharf, where executive chef Brian Mansfield and his team serve seasonal delights made with the freshest of local ingredients. (Specifically check out the Hawaiian fish of the day; flown in from the waters around the Aloha State, it’s always paired with New England herbs and accompaniments; you’ll talk about it for days.)
Getting there
You can’t fly directly into Newport, but Rhode Island’s main airport, T.F. Green, is about 25 miles north in Warwick (the airport is called Providence of PVD by the rest of the country). A car rental is almost a must, but every major service has an outlet at the airport. From there, you’ll head south and enjoy gorgeous water views over the bridges taking you into Newport.
For additional information on Newport activities and calendars of events, visit www.GoNewport.com.
Photo credit: Onne van der wal / www.vanderwal.com.
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