Have you ever wondered how history’s dark secrets inspire modern fiction? Ready to uncover the violent past of America’s most iconic locales? I’m Reenita Hora, your host of the True Fiction Project, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Ed Moser—a former writer for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, presidential speechwriter, history tour guide, and author with a knack for unearthing gripping tales. In this episode, Ed takes us through the scandal-filled history of Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square, as detailed in his nonfiction book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood, which exposes 230 years of crime. Ed reads an excerpt from his novel, The Old Town Horror: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale, which transports us to a bloody investigation taking place at The Carlisle Mansion, in Alexandria Virginia.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (01:32) Ed reflects on his professional journey and working on The Tonight Show
- (04:25) Ed shares that there have been violent events over 230 years around the White House
- (06:47) How the events of the past become fiction in the present day at the Carlisle Mansion
- (08:52) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood
- (11:44) Excerpt from The Old Town Horror, set in modern Alexandria, Virginia, where a bloody investigation taking place
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Moser’s novel The Old Town Horror draws from real historical events in Alexandria, blending past and present for a thrilling narrative.
- Moser’s research reveals a surprising history of violence, including murders and espionage, in iconic Washington, DC locales like Lafayette Square.
- Moser compares writing for The Tonight Show and the White House to making sausage, as both involve blending material from multiple writers.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
GUEST RESOURCES:
THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale
Lafayette Sq. Tours of Scandal, Assassination & Spies Meetup
THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale – Amazon
Lafayette Square Tour of Scandal, Assassination & Intrigue
HOST RESOURCES
BIO:
Ed Moser is a former writer for Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show”; operator of a history tours group; speechwriter for the President of the United States; a former editor for Time-Life Books; tech/science writer/editor/manager; and biotech writer.
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