Nancy French's Journey: From Ghostwriter to Truth-Seeker

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a ghostwriter for conservative politicians? What happens when a writer's beliefs start to clash with those of her clients?

Nancy French's journey from conservative ghostwriter to investigative author is a fascinating tale of personal growth and courage. In her book Ghosted, French shares her experiences working with high-profile Republicans and her eventual shift towards uncovering hidden truths.

Keep reading to discover Nancy French's transformation and the powerful stories she uncovers along the way.

From Conservative Ghostwriter to Investigative Author

A Mountain Upbringing

Nancy French's roots run deep in the Monteagle highlands, where her family's legacy is marked by defiance, lawlessness, and enigmatic riddles. Growing up in this challenging environment during the Great Depression fostered a culture of creativity and resilience among her ancestors, which would later influence Nancy French's writing career. However, their history was also tainted by sorrow, the influence of a white supremacist group, and ineffective spiritual practices – themes that Nancy French would explore in her future works.

French's early life was characterized by confrontational behavior and a disregard for legal boundaries. Violence was as routine as household tasks, and men were often compared to instruments of combat. The family's notoriety was humorously likened to the kind of pictures you'd see at gas stations, hinting at their nonchalant attitude towards the law.

The contrast between French's secluded rural upbringing and her subsequent urban experiences was stark. In her childhood home, firearms were always within reach, and a hefty skillet was constantly positioned atop the cooking range. This rugged lifestyle was a far cry from the suburban Los Angeles life she dreamed of, complete with air conditioning and functional cars.

Troubled Relationships and Abuse

French's history with men is marked by troubling incidents and abuse. As a child, she fell victim to the manipulative strategies of Conrad, a young clergyman who held a leadership role in her spiritual fellowship. What initially felt like being valued quickly turned into a nightmare as he violated her trust through inappropriate touching and forced kissing.

The psychological impact of this abuse was profound and long-lasting. French grappled with feelings of self-reproach and shame, intensified by the lack of action taken to protect her or others when the abuse came to light. This neglect deepened her sense of being unseen and unimportant, infusing her self-perception and religious beliefs with guilt and disgrace.

Her early romantic relationships were similarly tumultuous. Her college sweetheart, Jacob, exhibited controlling behavior and unpredictable outbursts, which escalated to threats of self-harm and violent confrontations whenever she tried to end their relationship. These experiences left French with a profound mistrust of men, influencing her subsequent engagements and connections.

Conservative Ghostwriter

French's career took an interesting turn as she applied her writing skills to craft speeches and documents for right-leaning clients. She gained a reputation for her sharp-tongued quips and artful wording, becoming the go-to writer for conservative commentators and political figures. Her involvement in this world was deep – she played a pivotal role in Mitt Romney's campaign, lived with Sarah Palin for a time, and was a regular at GOP gatherings.

However, as French's own political beliefs evolved, her work became increasingly challenging. She found herself at odds with the changing nature of conservative politics, particularly as the Republican Party embraced more divisive language and personas. The tension peaked during Trump's presidential campaign, leading to public disputes with both clients and the political group.

French's commitment to authenticity and her refusal to misrepresent progressive perspectives or broadly categorize entire collectives based on isolated incidents marked a significant departure from the expected approach in ghostwriting. Consequently, she faced isolation, economic struggles, and professional consequences for challenging the dominant trend of the political faction.

Uncovering Abuse at a Christian Camp

French's investigative skills were put to the test when she uncovered systemic abuse and cover-up at a prominent Christian summer camp in Branson, Missouri. Despite facing potential legal challenges and financial hardships, she persisted in her unpaid efforts to reveal hidden abuse at the religious retreat.

Her investigation was meticulous and far-reaching. She compiled contact information for over three hundred people linked to "Kanakuk" and reached out to them using various strategies. Her determination led to the acquisition of incriminating visual evidence and communications, totaling sixteen hours of material.

However, French faced significant resistance and threats during her investigation. She was served with a cease and desist notice, and many within the Christian faith circle, including those affiliated with Christianity Today, minimized or rejected her findings. The emotional toll was substantial, with French experiencing periods of overwhelming grief and fear of legal backlash.

Reconnecting With Family Roots

In an effort to preserve her family's oral history, French embarked on a journey to document her parents' recollections. She conducted extensive interviews at her parents' home, asking about their earliest memories and life details. This process not only preserved their stories but also led French to reconsider her deeply held convictions about her family history.

Her research unearthed startling discoveries about her ancestry, including brushes with violence and previously unknown incidents. She uncovered the hidden truth about her Uncle Jasper's struggles with mental health, which had been obscured by invented stories to avoid the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

This journey of discovery provided French with a new perspective on her parents' lives, which were characterized by severe hunger, economic hardship, and aggressive encounters. She developed a deeper bond with her mother, whose vivid recollections provided a significant link to her ancestry.

Ultimately, documenting her parents' stories was an act of love that established a lasting legacy for her descendants. It allowed French to reconcile with her past, gain a more profound insight into her own identity, and nurture an appreciation for the heritage of keen awareness and empathy inherited from her highland forebears.