Consequences of compromise underpin new fiction "The Devil May Dance" from CNN anchor Jake Tapper

The underlying theme of "The Devil May Dance: A Novel" is the consequences of the compromises people make, author, CNN anchor and chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper told a National Press Club Headliners audience Thursday.

The story, set in 1962, mixes a member of Congress and his wife, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, and the rest of the Rat Pack into a mystery.

Tapper, who has worked as a journalist in Washington since 1992, said he's seen many people come to town thinking they will do good, but they soon learn they must compromise to get anything done.  Although the book is a work of fiction, Tapper said he wove in real life events. For example, Frank Sinatra had helped John F. Kennedy get elected and he wanted President Kennedy to come for a stay at his house in California. Kennedy's brother, Robert, was concerned about this because of Sinatra’s mob connections. In the book, a fictionalized Robert F. Kennedy sends Congressman Charlie Marder and his wife Margaret to California to determine if a visit to Sinatra would be a problem.

Tapper said he wanted to accurately capture the time and people of that time.  "Everyone is the hero of their own story, so you want to be fair but accurate," he said.

Despite a packed schedule as CNN anchor with a daily show, Tapper says he carves out time to write every day. “I enjoy it," he said. "I spend at least 15 minutes a day writing.  Everyone can find 15 minutes a day.”

"The Devil May Dance" is a sequel to Tapper’s 2018 best seller “The HellFire Club,” which is being made into series by HBO Max. He said the pilot script is written and HBO Max is looking for a producer and a team. “Hollywood takes a long time," he said. 

He said he plan to write more novels "if people keep being books." Tapper said he envisions a third Marder book set in the 1970s, when Marder's children are older and can play a role in the book.

Ranging away from the book, moderator Mike Balsamo, a National Press Club board member, about the impact of the Discovery acquisition of CNN. Tapper said the result will be a stronger brand, positioning CNN for long-term survival.