The Newsmaker

Book excerpt: When journalism prodigy, Carson Stewart’s life comes crashing down in an ethics scandal, he sets out to rebuild his reputation in a desperate act that tests his journalistic integrity. Accepting a freelance job, Carson wields his cynical pen to break a story featuring Clara Becker, a popular U.S. representative. His course is interrupted, however, when he meets an attractive, and cunning congressional aid who is not afraid to shed light on the condition of Carson’s integrity and purpose. Entangled in deception, Carson finds counsel from his only friend and mentor, Joe - a well-read, yet mysterious bartender. Joe’s Place provides the solid foundation where an unsteady Carson finds footing. With his situation spiraling to rock bottom, it is this unlikely mentor and the scorned congresswoman who provide Carson a way out, if he will accept it. Carson is presented with the “Three Laws of Life,” which ultimately force his pen to consider rewriting more than his article. The Newsmaker is a fable about leadership choices, and the value of mentors whose guidance directs the wayward to good places. It is also a story about unconditional love, and the power to change life’s direction for a greater purpose.