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Brad Meltzer   ('The Book of Fate') Brad Meltzer ('The Book of Fate')

'The New Fate of A Nation'

Brad Meltzer is an American author of several New York Times best-selling books including 'The Tenth Justice,' 'Dead Even,' 'The First Counsel,' 'The Millionaires,' and 'The Zero Game.' He released his sixth novel titled 'The Book of Fate' this past September 2006.

Meltzer is also a comic book writer, penning a six issue story arc for DC Comics' Green Arrow #16 - #21 (October 2002 - April 2003), and the controversial 2004 miniseries Identity Crisis. He took over the writing duties for a 12-issue stint on the new monthly Justice League of America series, due out with issue #0 on July 19th, with issue #1 following one month later.

In September 2006, Meltzer met with the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm new ways that terrorists might attack the U.S. Meltzer brainstormed with the CIA, FBI, and various psychologists.

Taking it from the top, please tell us the literary differences between writing best-selling books and penning comic book arcs and such? "There are none. Yes, one has pictures, so it forces me as a writer to "shut up" more, bit in the end, the same characterisitcis of character and story apply. The only real difference is snobbery."

Please tell us a bit more about your recent work on 'The Justice League' "It's my dream since I'm 7. The world's great heroes and I get to pick who's on the team. What's more fun than that?"

In the late '80s you graduated from North Miami Beach Senior High School, then graduated from the University of Michigan in the early '90s, before moving immediately on to Boston, Massachusetts! Aside from all the running around, why the pit stop here in our beloved Michigan ... and what did you love most about your time spent here? "The Midwest is the gem of the country -- kind, real people -- and I loved it for that. Plus, it made me appreciate warm weather. Why else would I hide a Michaigan reference in every book?"

Knowing that you were also the co-creator of the cancelled TV series 'Jack & Bobby,' in reflection why do you think that it was yanked so quickly from our screens and not given the chance to evolve? "Because my mother was the only one watching it. Really!"

It's been said that you have met with the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm new ways that terrorists might attack the U.S.! How did such a meeting first evolve and what ideas did you come up with? "Can't tell you the ideas -- but they called and asked me, so off I went. Sounds corny, but it was a true honor."

With regard your new book, 'The Book of Fate,' just when did the premise for Oval Office corruption first come to mind for you to be a story in the making/writing? "'The Book of Fate' came from a simple letter I got in the mail from former President Bush. He wrote to say he liked one of the novels—and then put up with me when I asked if I could come out there to see what life was like. As for former President Clinton, I’d met him when The Tenth Justice was published, so was happy when he signed off on me visiting his staff in Harlem. As for what the visits gave me, it gave me every one of the true details in the book that makes you think “that’s exactly how it is.” Because that’s exactly how it is (though the book is all fiction!). My favorite was, former Presidents’ being required to plan their own funerals right when they leave office (what a nice was to say thanks)."

Being that there have been many books/films containing such premises before, and that there will be many more to come, what precautions did you take to not write scenes that had been and come before (either in films or books), and how did you 'freshen' the whole shady business up anyway?! "I tracked down all the former Presidents I could find. It's amazing what they've seen -- and haven't told anyone!"

How did you go about getting your knowledge of what the political people discuss behind-the-scenes, relating their stories never-heard? "I just listen. It's amazing what people will say."

In all honesty, having read the book and enjoyed it; and although the fluidity of the plot was well streamed, I myself found it to be a tad bit long. That said, I keep hearing that this book my not be quite the 'hit out of the park' that even you anticipated. Is this a true statement, perhaps and if so, what is the reasoning behind such a quieter appreciation towards your writing? "Do you really think I should've sat around and thought, "Of course my novel will debut at number 1 on the bestseller list."? Only a fool or an ass thinks that. I'm just happy people have been enjoying the book. :)"

What's next for you re: both novels and comic books? "Onto the new novel. And of course, Justice League in comics."

If you could have written any novel in time, which would it have been, why ... and would you have kept the title the same?! "'To Kill A Mockingbird.' Same title. Only a fool messes with perfection."

Lastly, I like Penguins ... do you?! "Only a heartless bastard doesn't!"

Thanx again for doing this for us today, and we wish you all the best for the future. "Thanks, pal. Really. Brad."

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Brad's new Book 'The Book of Fate, and you think you know all there is to know about the man, just answer this easy question: As part of the "Read Together, Florida" literacy campaign, Florida Governor Jeb Bush's Family Literacy Initiative and the Volunteer Florida Foundation selected one of Brad's books as the book they are promoting throughout the state to encourage reading, especially among young people. Which book was it?!

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these new AUTOGRAPHED Books! Just send us an e:mail here before December 15th with your answer and the subject title 'CONTEST: BRAD MELTZER SIGNED BOOKs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net

www.BradMeltzer.com

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