Pump Up Your Book Chats with Kyle Scott

The Federalist Papers banner

ABOUT KYLE SCOTT

Kyle Scott, PhD, teaches American politics and constitutional law at Duke University. He has published three books and dozens of articles on issues ranging from political parties to Plato. His commentary on contemporary politics has appeared in Forbes, Reuters.com, Christian Science Monitor, Foxnews.com, and dozens of local outlets including the Philadelphia Inquirer and Baltimore Sun.

To find out more, please visit http://kyleascott.wordpress.com

Find him on Twitter at : ScottKyleA

Find him on Facebook at : http://www.facebook.com/kyleasc

The Interview

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

In a time when our politics seems to be characterized by an insurmountable partisan divide it is important to recognize that we have seen and overcome even greater divides. The Federalist Papers capture one of the most divisive times in our nation’s history and show us what it took to move forward.

Q: Does your book have an underlying message that readers should know about?

There are several lessons for contemporary politics that The Federalist Papers has for us. But it is important to read them because they don’t say what you probably think they do. There are some shocking statements and lessons that most conventional treatments won’t draw attention to.

Q: Besides books, what else do you write? Do you write for publications?

I contribute regular columns on current events to Examiner.com, Liberty, and UK Progressive. Weekly I make op-ed contributions to national and regional publications including Foxnews.com, HuffPo, Forbes, Houston Chronicle, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Washington Times.

Also, I routinely publish peer-reviewed articles in academic journals.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

Just do it. Stop thinking about it and get to it. You’ll figure it out while you do it. You can always go back and make changes. Also, there has never been a perfect book or article written, and you won’t be the first to do it. But don’t use your perfectionism as a crutch or as a mask to hide your fear of putting yourself out there. Every time I write a book I do, or don’t do, something to help keep me on track. I’ve given up caffeine (which might have been counterproductive), beer, and haircuts (twice).

Q: Would you like to tell us about your home life? Where you live? Family? Pets?

My two kids and wife make for a happy home. My one dog makes for a lot of mess. In addition to maintaining my writing schedule I teach political science and run a family business. Keeping one foot in the business world and one in the academic helps keep me grounded and provides a fresh perspective when one is needed.

Q: What is the most frustrating part of being an author?

Getting people to understand me the way I want to be understood.

Q: What is the most rewarding?

Having a voice. Communicating with a large audience provides me with a sense of purpose that is unmatched by any other activity.

Q: If you had one wish, what would that be?

To be the father and husband my family deserves.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world other than where you are right now, where would that place be?

On vacation, anywhere, with my wife and kids.

Q: Your book has just been awarded a Pulitzer. Who would you thank?

My wife and kids for putting up with my non-stop schedule.

The Federalist Papers ABOUT THE FEDERALIST PAPERS: A READER’S GUIDE

The Federalist Papers constitute a key document in the understanding of the American government. Written by John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, these 85 texts were published between 1787 and 1788 to convince the state of New York to ratify the Constitution.

Today, the Papers are studied in courses on American government, American political thought, and constitutional law. However, the size and organization of the full text, notwithstanding its complex political concepts and context, make it difficult for students to apprehend. The Reader’s Guide will be a key tool to help them understand the issues at hand and the significance of the Papers then and now. Organized around key issues, such as the branches of the government, the utility of the Union, or skepticism of a national regime, the work will walk the reader through the 85 Papers, providing them with the needed intellectual and historical contexts.

Designed to supplement the reading of The Federalist Papers, the guide will help elucidate not only their contents, but also their importance and contemporary relevance.


Leave a Reply