Trey Gowdy Discusses His Novel 'The Color of Death' and Faith

The Genesis of 'The Color of Death'

• 💡 Trey Gowdy discusses the decade-long incubation of his novel, 'The Color of Death', inspired by a real-life case.
• ✍️ He credits Suzanne Scott of Fox News with providing the confidence and encouragement to pursue fiction writing.
• 📚 Gowdy contrasts writing non-fiction, which is fact-checked, with fiction, which allows for creative freedom but faces different critiques.

Inspiration from a Real Case

• 🎯 The novel's core idea stems from the unsolved murder of Dana Satderfel, a young mother killed in a beauty salon.
• ⏳ It took a decade to solve her case, which involved a 17-year-old high school student, highlighting the long wait for justice for victims' families.
• 💔 Gowdy sought a way to honor crime victims without forcing their families to relive the trauma, leading him to avoid true crime documentaries.

Gowdy's Writing Journey and Motivation

• 🗣️ Despite initial self-doubt about his writing skills, Gowdy developed his craft through clerking for a federal judge and writing his own speeches.
• 🖋️ He emphasizes that writing is his favorite activity, allowing for solitary, comprehensive thought processes.
• 🏆 Gowdy reveals that writing fiction was more challenging than non-fiction, driven by a fear of failure rather than a desire for success.

Character and Themes in the Novel

• 😔 The protagonist, Assistant DA Colm Truesdale, becomes apathetic after losing his wife and daughter but excels professionally.
• ⚖️ Truesdale's professional life becomes his calling, especially when he encounters a case mirroring the brutality he witnessed in his personal life.
• ✨ The character of Belle, a waitress inspired by Gowdy's wife, represents the light and spiritual authenticity that the protagonist is drawn to.

Faith and the Courtroom

• 🙏 Gowdy shares that his deep faith was tested by the horrors he witnessed as a prosecutor, particularly after three children were murdered in one week.
• 🏛️ He left the courtroom because it was negatively impacting his faith, leading him to run for Congress, a path he did not initially desire.
• ❓ Gowdy believes it's important to continue questioning God during difficult times, as stopping the questions signifies giving up.

Collaboration and Future Projects

• 🤝 Gowdy expresses gratitude for Suzanne Scott's encouragement and her role in inspiring the book.
• 🚀 He has ideas for two more novels, indicating a potential series if Scott approves.
• 🌟 The conversation touches upon Gowdy's admiration for Mark Levin and their shared connections within their professional circles.