Podcast interview about "Why They Stay"

Why do they stay?

On this week’s episode, listen to Anne Michaud, reporter for the Wall Street Journal and author of the wildly popular book, “Why They Stay.”

Drawing from multiple sources that span the Roosevelts’ marriage to the more recent scandal involving Hillary Clinton’s closest aide Huma Abedin (wife of sexter, Anthony Weiner), "Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives", argues that when it comes to the ‘power behind the throne,’ women in the limelight weigh the risks and rewards.

Listen now at https://lnkd.in/djYkP9g as Anne shares more about the reason behind starting her book, the 5 traits that these women have that could have influenced their motivation and reasoning behind why they stayed with their husbands, and her key takeaway from doing this book.

Anne also previously wrote a nationally syndicated op-ed column for Newsday from 2008 to 2018. She has won more than 25 writing and reporting awards and has twice been named “Columnist of the Year,” by the New York News Publishers Association and the New York State Associated Press Association.

Get a copy of her book at her website: http://annemichaud.com

(Stay tuned for the 2nd edition coming out with a Trump + Melania chapter on February 2021!)

Today on Amazon: #1 in Women and Politics

Here I'm pasting this information directly from Amazon.com, which ranked Why They Stay first on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in this category: 

• #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Feminist Theory

What does this ranking mean? I haven't a clue. But I think it's a good indicator that people are reading and enjoying this book.

If you haven't picked up a copy yet, by all means, visit here to purchase a paperback, ebook or audiobook. If you'd like to enter a contest to win a free audiobook, click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, and add your email address. The narrator, actor Sara Morsey, is a pleasure to listen to.

If you HAVE read or listened to Why They Stay, I would love to hear from you. Comments? Reactions? Criticisms? I truly enjoy discussing these topics, and I'm not all that thinned-skinned. Happy to discuss. Please email me at ogunquitpress@gmail.com.

Many thanks for your generous support,

Anne

Book Review: 'Skillful prose makes the dishy profiles an engaging read.'

KIRKUS REVIEW:

WHY THEY STAY

Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives

A journalist explores the motivations and emotional constructs of nine political wives who chose to stay in their marriages—in some cases, only for a while—after being confronted with their husbands’ infidelities.

Why do wives of prominent politicians stand by their men after they have been betrayed, especially when that disloyalty has been publicly revealed? This is the question Michaud, a former columnist for Newsday, sets out to answer in her gossipy debut book. She establishes a rather esoteric scale by which to evaluate these women’s decisions—something she calls the White Queen Quotient.

For those unfamiliar with 15th-century British history (or the eponymous TV series), the original White Queen was Elizabeth Woodville, who “apparently knew that her husband Edward IV had mistresses—and even one special mistress, Elizabeth Shore. But the rewards of being queen kept her bound to her royal husband.”

Michaud then creates five attributes by which she establishes her subjects’ White Queen rating: Submitting to Tradition; Longing for Security; A Personal Sense of Patriotism; Responsibility for Family’s Emotional Health; and Ambition to Build and Bequeath a Legacy. From Eleanor Roosevelt (whose heartache was kept relatively private) to Huma Abedin (assistant to Hillary Clinton and former wife of Anthony Weiner), Michaud, using numerous secondary research sources, details the family histories and accomplishments of each of the women and their erring spouses.

There’s not much new here about the six American couples studied, but U.S. readers will likely be less familiar with the one Israeli and two British couples dissected. Skillful prose makes the dishy profiles an engaging read.

Unfortunately, Michaud sometimes veers into judgmental speculation and indulges in unsubstantiated assumptions. For example, after discussing the humiliation of wives facing the press during their husbands’ standard confessionals, she writes: “The publicity allows the women who stay to inflate their sense of themselves as loyal, and to bask in other ego-pleasing fantasies.” Of Abedin, the author offers: “Huma had to choose: Anthony Weiner or Hillary Clinton. In the end, it wasn’t Huma’s injured wifely feelings that ended her marriage so much as her professional pride and ambition.”

 A lively political book that focuses more on pop psychology than objective analysis.

Read the original review here on KirkusReviews.com.

IndieReader names 'Why They Stay' a 2018 Discovery Award winner

It’s an honor to receive a 2018 Discovery Award from the discriminating IndieReader organization. Judges said the book is “a riveting in-depth account of nine real-life power couples and gross infidelity. Author Anne Michaud thoroughly, and satisfactorily, examines the million dollar question posed in the book’s title.”

Here’s the previously published full review from IndieReader:

Synopsis:

Politics from a fresh angle, WHY THEY STAY offers a slightly cynical yet deeply affecting take on nine powerful relationships, examining philandering husbands and the fallout from their actions in largely US politics.

IR Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

By James Hendicott

Have you ever wondered why Hillary Clinton stuck around after Bill’s infamous cigar incident? Or why Jackie Kennedy put up with JFK? Perhaps you’ve never even heard of former Israeli leader Moshe Katsav, but why has his wife stood by him through rape convictions? It’s amazing how often the upper echelons of politics have mixed power and sex, and how often the powerful have strayed from their loyal partners, only to see the marriage limp on.

Columnist Anne Michaud’s has watched these personal dramas unfold, and while her book deals in the facts of each scenario, there’s no doubt there’s also an element of well-informed speculation on offer alongside her analysis of each character and the darker moments of their lives.

Take Hillary, the most topical, for example. Like each of her contemporaries in this particular powerful emotional wasteland, she’s analyzed by a number of traits, from how traditional she is, to her patriotism, need for security, and personal ambition. In Hillary’s case, Michaud identifies the ultimate combo, essentially saying the recent Democratic candidate for President resigned herself to accepting Bill’s well-publicized womanizing, but ironically, eventually paid for it when unable to attack Donald Trump for similar behavior in 2016. Oddly, many of Clinton’s other life choices, as examined in detail here, are distinctly feminist in nature. Michaud explores each of these (almost invariably pretty dysfunctional) relationships in a similar way.

Marion Stein’s ten-year refusal to end her marriage with George Lascelles (despite his repeated requests for a divorce and openly flaunted affair, which included a child with his lover), and its subsequent impact on her marriage to British liberal politician Jeremy Thorpe is one particularly memorable example. Stein later stuck with Thorpe throughout an ongoing saga around a gay relationship that took place before homosexuality was legalized in the UK, with Thorpe eventually pushed to resign due to the scandal.

Another deeply affecting chapter examines Gila Katsav, and her husband Moshe Katsav, a former Israeli Prime Minister who was released from a seven year prison sentence for rape only last year. Gila stuck by him, with Michaud citing – amongst other things – patriarchal traditions that have lead to a lot of Israeli men, according to the author’s stats, not seeing forcing sex on an acquaintance as rape.

There’s plenty of pretty horrifying stuff in here, then, with the lesser-known (in America) cases seemingly included for what’s almost invariably a greater shock value. It’s well researched, thoroughly cited, and put together with a notable tinge of darkness to it.

WHY THEY STAY is definitely not a flippant read, but a memorable one, and one from which few of the characters at the heart of the stories come out particularly well. Readers will find scandal, shock and a deep sense of discomfort at times, and many will not like the pretext, but the question is a valid one. Why did they stay? The reasons vary, naturally, but this tells the real-life tales, and gives a sense of how each scenario came to be.

'WTS' hits Amazon Bestseller status in 2 categories: Women in Politics and Feminist Theory

Why They Stay hits its second Top 100 list on Amazon: "Feminist Theory." Previously, it was in the Top 100 for "Women in Politics." Many thanks to WTS readers!

From eBook publisher Pronoun.com:

Congratulations!

Your book just landed on an Amazon bestseller list. You’re now on two Top 100 lists (and counting!)

Nice going. We’re rooting for you!

*New!*

#86

... > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Feminist Theory

View on Amazon

Your other bestseller lists:

#31 in ... > Politics & Government > Specific Topics > Women in Politics

National Indie Excellence Award Winner: 'Why They Stay'

Why They Stay has been named the winner in the Politics category in the annual National Indie Excellence Awards contest. Read all about it.

In addition, Why They Stay was a finalist in this contest in the Current Events category.

Next Generation Indie Book Awards chooses 'Why They Stay' as finalist in two categories

Many thanks to the judges for this honor, which will be officially announced at a June 22 ceremony in New Orleans. Why They Stay was named a finalist in two categories: 1) Current Events/Social Change and 2) Women’s Issues (Non-Fiction).

View all the details here: NGIBA 2018 finalists.

'Why They Stay' honored in national contest for Women's Issues

Independent Publisher Book Awards -- IPPY -- has honored "Why They Stay" with a bronze medallion in the category of Women's Issues. I'm thrilled to be included in the ranks of the winners of this contest, which is one of the most long-standing and prestigious awards in independent publishing: 22 years and counting!

This year, there were 4,500 entrants from 14 countries. Read more here, if you wish. And please join me in thanking the organizers and judges of this contest.

Shelf Unbound names 'Why They Stay' a top book of the year

Why They Stay has been honored as a Notable 100 Book in  the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition of 2018.

Read the details here. Why They Stay has been included in the April/May awards issue of Shelf Unbound magazine. Many thanks to the Shelf Unbound staff for raising awareness of quality indie books.

Reader Views announces literary awards finalists; WTS a finalist in Societal Issues category

I'm honored to announce the Why They Stay has been named a finalist by the widely admired Reader Views awards. It's one of four finalists in the category of Societal Issues (Politics/Society/History/Environment/Current Events).

Reader Views reviewer Kimberly Luyckx wrote of Why They Stay, this "book is an intricate psychological study of political wives who remain in marriages despite their influential partners’ sexual exploits. The book highlights the similarities between these nine wives and gives particulars as to why their public positions make them more likely to remain in such humiliating relationships."

Click here for the full review.

10 semifinalists announced for TV/film promotion -- WTS makes the cut

Book Pipeline connects authors to TV and film production companies and agents. The organization chose "Why They Stay" as one of 10 semifinalists, from a field of nearly 2,000 entries.

So exciting!

Fingers crossed for the announcement of finalists, which should take place by March 15, 2018.

Many thanks to the Pipeline Media Group for this opportunity.

"Why They Stay' a Finalist in Prestigious British Book Contest

I'm excited to share the news that "Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives" has been named a finalist in the Adult Non-Fiction category by The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

The Wishing Shelf judges include two sets of reading groups, one in London and one in Stockholm. Entries are scored for editing, theme, style and cover. Books awarded at least 30 of 40 points made the list of finalists.

Winners will be announced April 1, 2018.

The Wishing Shelf contest, begun in 2013, is run by authors and is open to books published independently or by small presses.

Many thanks to founder Edward Hugh Trayer, aka Billy Bob Buttons, for this honor.

Author Interview: IndieReader Q&A

IndieReader, a leading resource for independent authors, invited me to participate in a question-and-answer forum for writers of top-rated books. Check it out by clicking here.

Honor for "Why They Stay"

The Great Midwest Book Festival, in its 18th year, has honored "Why They Stay" with an honorable mention in the General Non-Fiction category.

Many thanks!

Book Review: "Speaks to the principles and morals of our leaders"

Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives
Anne Michaud
Ogunquit-NY Press (2017)
ISBN 9780997663310
Reviewed by Kimberly Luyckx for Reader Views (Nov. 2017)

Anne Michaud, acclaimed journalist and author of “Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals and
Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives,” details a compelling account of couples in the public
limelight whose marriages are tainted by disgrace, injustice and dishonor. How and why the wives of these couples stay in their marriages is the author’s focus. Michaud offers nine examples of political marriages that endure in the face of sexual scandal and infidelity. The stories that she presents span the period of 1920 to the present day as well as both sides of the Atlantic.

The author compares the women to the medieval queen, Elizabeth Woodville, grandmother to King Henry VIII, whose loyalty to the Tudor dynasty surmounted her desire for a faithful marriage. Michaud describes five specific characteristics she calls the “White Queen Traits” which she says account for the reasons these political wives stay with their immoral husbands. She describes the “White Queen” attributes as: patriarchal tradition, security, patriotism, family responsibilities and legacy building.

Michaud hypothesizes that today’s political marriages are not so different from the centuries-old sovereign unions. In her view, spouses of contemporary statesmen are destined to make the same sort of compromises as medieval queens did due to the unique set of standards and pressures they face. Recent times also bring to light other factors that may play a part in why these women stay. Michaud invites us to question whether or not these wives might be influenced by a general distrust of the media press. Or, as the role for women in politics evolves, could they be jockeying for their own powerful positions in the government?

“Why They Stay” is well written and has an in-depth group of endnotes that denote the book’s
tremendous supporting references. The “stories” are mini histories of time. They serve as
informative synopses of the Roosevelts, Kennedys, Clintons and other prominent families. The
writer does take a bit of liberty in assuming the source of these women’s beliefs and feelings,
whether of conservatism, patriotism or security. At the same time, theorizing and labeling each of the wives with a “White Queen Quotient” makes for an interesting read. While I see the book as more of a political history and social study, others may view it as a tabloid type of journalism. For example, in commenting on Jacqueline Kennedy, the author asserts it was “hardly a patriotic choice (to marry Aristotle Onassis), and for this, Jackie forfeits her White Queen points.”

Anne Michaud’s book is an intricate psychological study of political wives who remain in
marriages despite their influential partners’ sexual exploits. The book highlights the similarities
between these nine wives and gives particulars as to why their public positions make them more likely to remain in such humiliating relationships.

Anyone interested in politics or the dynamics of couples in public positions would definitely find this book of interest. “Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives” by Anne Michaud is a poignant look at modern political partnerships whose message not only speaks to the validity of marriage in leadership positions but also to the principles and morals of our leaders themselves.

Visit Readers Views' website by clicking here.

Authors Website Features 'Why They Stay'

In a year of applying my journalistic sleuthing abilities to the field of book marketing, KBoards is the smartest place I've found for authors to share what works and what doesn't. The best and the bombs -- of which I'm learning, there are many. Often by personal experience!

Now, I have the KBoards community to help me suss out an opportunity before I dive in.

This lovely collection of writers and readers featured my book today on its blog and Facebook page. Here is the link: http://blog.kboards.com/2017/10/05/stay-anne-michaud/

And here's the Amazon reader review KBoards' editors chose to feature:

“Author Anne Michaud has done a great deal of research into the backgrounds of both the politicians and their aggrieved wives to draw compelling conclusions as to why this is so. She is a gifted writer who is able to take a lot of information and sift through it so that we are given the shiniest nuggets of fascinating details to contemplate. And her writing style is superb! I could not put the book down.” — Amazon Reviewer

Many thanks to KBoards for the publicity and for its welcoming, intelligent community of authors.

Today on Amazon: #1 in Women and Politics

Here I'm pasting this information directly from Amazon.com, which ranked Why They Stay first on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in this category: 

• #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Feminist Theory

What does this ranking mean? I haven't a clue. But I think it's a good indicator that people are reading and enjoying this book.

If you haven't picked up a copy yet, by all means, visit here to purchase a paperback, ebook or audiobook. If you'd like to enter a contest to win a free audiobook, click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, and add your email address. The narrator, actor Sara Morsey, is a pleasure to listen to.

If you HAVE read or listened to Why They Stay, I would love to hear from you. Comments? Reactions? Criticisms? I truly enjoy discussing these topics, and I'm not all that thinned-skinned. Happy to discuss. Please email me at ogunquitpress@gmail.com.

Many thanks for your generous support,

Anne

Popular magazine and website 'Breakaway Daily' features 'Why They Stay'

‘Why They Stay’ Lifts Curtain On Political Power Couples

BY BREAKAWAY MAGAZINE

“Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives” is a nonfiction book that examines the psychology of why wives stay with their politician husbands after cheating scandals. It is a topic that has baffled many American citizens and political enthusiasts for decades. Author Anne Michaud profiled nine wives, including the ones that first come to mind including Hillary and Bill Clinton, Jackie and JFK, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, Silda Spitzer and many others. She also reached across the Atlantic to profile women in Britain and Israel, in the desire to come up with some more universal observations about politics, power and marriage.

Anne Michaud is an award winning veteran political journalist who has covered many politicians including Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner.

“I was always curious about why their talented, accomplished wives stayed with them … at least long enough to try to resurrect their political careers,” Anne tells Breakaway Daily.

“In Why They Stay I described five traits that unite the nine women. Together, these traits make up what I call the White Queen Syndrome, harkening back to the dynasty-making ambitions of a female ancestor of Henry VIII of Britain. I examined each of the nine women’s upbringing and historical context,” Anne describes. “This is far from a dry tome, however, and is highly readable.”

Anne currently writes a regular column for Newsday, a 225,000-circulation daily newspaper covering the affluent New York City suburbs, and professional journalism organizations named me “Columnist of the Year,” in 2015 and 2013.

Why They Stay is available in paperback, ebook and audio from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo and Audible.

For more information about author Anne Michaud visit her official website at AnneMichaud.com.

Author Interview: Q&A in Writer's Life Magazine

Interview by LaDonna N. Smith

Q: This is your debut book, correct? How does it feel to be a published author?

A: It feels as though I’ve released something that was inside of me for a long time. I’ve wanted to write a book since, I was in fifth grade. I’ve had a 20-plus-year career in journalism since then. So this dream has been patient. 

Q: Tell our readers a little about your book “Why They Stay" and the inspiration behind it?

A: I’ve worked as a political reporter for newspapers and a contributor to magazines. I covered three politicians in particular – Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner – that inspired me to take on the research for this book. As each stumbled over his own sex-related scandal, I would watch their wives, who were accomplished, intelligent, admirable women. I wondered what kept them in these marriages and inspired them to defend their husbands in public.

Q: Can you give us a glimpse into your writing/research routine. How did you gather information for your book? Did you interview anyone, or read other books, etc?

For more of this interview, click here.

SocialBookshelves.com highlights 'Why They Stay'

Here's the link. You know what to do.