Interview with writer Charles Denyer

Writer Charles Denyer joins me today. We’re chatting about his political history non-fiction book, Number One Observatory Circle, the Home of the Vice President of the United States.

Bio:

Charles Denyer is a federal cybersecurity and national security expert, and a noted vice-presidential historian. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, along with a Master of Information Systems from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Nuclear Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, three children, and their happy crew of dogs.

Professionally, Charles specializes in a wide variety of security and compliance initiatives, such as FISMA, DFARS, 10 CFR Part 810 National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) compliance, FIPS, FERC, NERC, U.S. National Security Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), CMSR | SSP, GLBA, FFIEC, NIST SP 800, HIPAA, ISO 27000 series, payments industry, and more.

He is also actively involved in numerous professional associations and organizations for a wide range of industries and business sectors, such as the American Nuclear Society (ANS), ISACA, and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), just to name a few. Expertise includes information security, cyber security, national security and homeland defense, and conducts independent research projects on specific subject matter for various entities.

Learn more at: http://oneobservatorycircle.com/

Welcome, Charles. Please tell us about your current release.

It’s the first ever publication written on the home of the Vice President of the United States of America.

Built in 1893, the handsome and stately Queen Anne-style home is surrounded by a forest-like setting, complete with lush greenery, wildlife, and the serene sounds of nature, yet sits just footsteps away from the bustling traffic on Massachusetts Avenue.

From never-before-seen photos to candid conversations with former Vice Presidents, family members, political power players of their time and others - Charles Denyer brings to life untold stories and memorable moments of the three-story, green-shuttered mansion covered in layers of off-white paint and the people who were privileged to call it home.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was just outside of the Pentagon on 9/11 and as I walked back to my apartment, I passed by this beautiful home and was adamant I learn all I could. When no book was present, I decided to author one.

Excerpt from Number One Observatory Circle, the Home of the Vice President of the United States:

Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale chuckled as he spoke about kids foolishly attempting to jump the fence onto the grounds of the residence, only to find themselves spread-eagled on the ground by a cadre of Secret Service agents. “It didn’t work out for them, and I’ll bet you they didn’t know what hit them . . . it was not what they planned on,” laughed Mondale in reference to a party William had thrown one evening.

What exciting story are you working on next?

A book on Camp David.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In high school.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

No, just part-time, as I work in national security and cybersecurity.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I only write 250 words at a time!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Police officer.

I appreciate your time today, thanks for stopping by!