Author Interview with Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession

After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected.

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Interview with Andy Kutler

Who is your biggest influence on writing?
My father, who was such a brilliant wordsmith. As the Hamilton song goes, he built palaces out of paragraphs. And most of all, the man was relentless. When I was a kid, I came home from school every day, and without fail, I could hear the pounding of typewriter keys – yes, an electric typewriter then – coming from my father’s basement office.

Favorite food?
In Bayeux, France, in Normandy, there is a tiny bakery off one of the side streets. It’s one older woman, her small kitchen workspace, and a small counter. The pain au chocolat coming out of that oven every morning will bring tears to your eyes.

When did you start writing?
Professionally, as a Senate aide when I was 23. And my writing then was awful. Thankfully, I had incredible mentors early in my career. But it wasn’t until I hit 40 that I published my first creative piece and started blogging for The Huffington Post. I was 45 when my first book was published, and within five years added two more. Who says there’s no second act in life?

If money were no object, where would you like to live?
 Love the community where we currently live, though humidity in the Washington, D.C. area is beyond intolerable. I might invest in a larger house someday, with a real office that I wouldn’t have to share with a litter box and family of centipedes.

What’s next for you?
I’m diving into my first non-fiction project, following in my father’s footsteps. It’s a comprehensive work on World War II, told through a 21^st century lens, and I’m aiming for a younger audience. The scope of material, the research, the sourcing – it is hands down the greatest writing challenge I’ve taken on so far.

About the Book

Honorable Profession
A Novel of American Politics
by Andy Kutler

Published 29 December 2021
Black Rose Writing

Genre: Contemporary Fiction (Political)
Page Count: 295
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.

After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill’s deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan’s higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.

Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | B&N

Excerpt

A waiter removed the unfinished salads and set down their main courses. Tilapia for him, penne pasta in arrabbiata sauce for her. Neither reached for a fork, and Anna sat expressionless, her eyes burning into him. Finally, she moved her plate aside and rested her chin again on her folded hands.

“Forty minutes now, we’ve known each other. Every political instinct in my body is telling me to laugh off your question. Tell you you’re misreading things and assure you I’m going to Washington because I believe I can do more good there, and better serve the people of my state.”

It was like he hit a nerve. “I didn’t mean to suggest you don’t care about people. You have—”

“I’m far from perfect, Dan, and I have my share of shortcomings. But dishonesty isn’t one of them. I’m going to Washington because I believe I can do far more good there, and for far more people.”

She paused, taking a long sip from her wine as she contemplated her next words.

“And yes, you’re right, there’s more to the story. But sharing that with a stranger would be more than reckless. Just like it’s unwise, if not self-destructive, to continue this conversation.”

“And yet we’re still talking.”

“And yet we’re still talking.”

“Vic is a phone call away.”

Anna leaned forward again, her eyes exploring his. “What is this between you and me? Or do you not have any idea what I’m talking about?”

He knew exactly what she was talking about. “I – I don’t know.”

About the Author

Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.

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