Something Novel – Politics That Aren’t DULL
by Loralyn Mears, PhD
Doug Wilder. Who’s that? Wilder was the first Black governor of the USA and Richmond, VA’s first elected mayor.
Let’s dig in. I’m all about grit and grinding through whatever it hard to do. Masochist? Maybe. But I am thoroughly impressed how my friend not only had a publisher for his first book, but he artfully crafted the real story of one famous politician’s grit and grind.
Inspiration for writing is often right under our noses. Sometimes, you don’t even have to look far. Take my friend Linwood Norman, for example. He just released a gripping historical non-fiction book about Wilder. Norman’s book, “When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia’s Capital City,” gives readers an inside look at the wild world of Virginia politics. It’s not just another boring history lesson. Norman, who served as Wilder’s press secretary, dives into the drama and intrigue that surrounded Wilder’s time in office.
And yes, it was a wild ride when Wilder was in charge. I know. Because I lived in RVA while he ruled it.
Meet the Author
Before we get into the juicy stuff, let’s talk about Linwood. He’s not just some author on Substack hacking away one keyboard stroke at a time. This Richmond native has a master’s degree in journalism and has worked as a reporter for various publications. He even won a Virginia Press Association award for investigative journalism. In short, he knows how to find a good story and tell it well.
Behind the Curtain
As Wilder’s press secretary, Norman had a front-row seat to the political circus. Imagine being backstage at a political circus where the stakes are high and the drama is real. Norman saw it all—the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre. His unique perspective allows him to share stories that others might miss, giving readers a taste of the chaos that defined Wilder’s time in office. And it’s all told through press clippings, interviews, quotes, and a literal description of exactly how it all went down.
A Tale of Two Wilders
Doug Wilder is a fascinating character. Personally, I like him and enjoyed meeting him on a few occasions. He didn’t just make history once; he did it twice. First, he became the first elected Black governor in the U.S. Then, he returned to Richmond to become its first popularly elected mayor in 2005.
It’s like he thought, “Why stop at one record when I can break two?”
Norman’s book doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. It explores Wilder’s achievements and the controversies that surrounded him. Not to mention the not-so-subtle hints of a toxic workplace. Was he a groundbreaking leader or a political bully? Norman dives into this question, showing that Wilder was both a visionary and a strongman – but it depends on who you ask.
More Than Just Another Political Biography
What makes Norman’s book stand out is its storytelling style. This isn’t just a dry political biography. It’s part history, part thriller, and part cautionary tale about the dangers of power. Norman’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there in the smoky backrooms where decisions are made—far from the polished press conferences and carefully crafted speeches. He balances Wilder’s groundbreaking moments with his controversial actions, giving readers a well-rounded view of a man who can’t be easily defined.
Call him an enigma. Call him, “Governor.” But don’t call him, “Doug.”
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
Norman’s journey from press secretary to author shows us that inspiration can come from our own lives and the people around us. It’s a reminder that we can find great stories in unexpected places. Getting my book signed by him a few days ago after it was just released was sooooooo exciting! I’m proud of him and even prouder to be his friend.
For anyone looking to write, Norman’s book is a lesson in turning personal experiences into compelling narratives. It shows that a sharp eye for detail (yes, it takes a lot of attention to retain, collate, curate, and share a zillion press clippings) and a willingness to tackle tough subjects can turn even local stories into something that resonates with a wider audience.
That said, Linwood Norman’s “When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond” is more than just a political history. It’s a reminder that history is happening all around us, waiting to be captured by those of us brave enough to pick up a pen (or a keyboard). So, the next time you need writing inspiration, remember: you might just find it in your own backyard—or in your friend’s secret project!
I interview authors & founders on my podcast … interested?!