Nancy French's Author Journey: Unveiling Secrets

Have you ever wondered what secrets your family history might hold? What would you discover if you dug deep into your past?

Nancy French, author of Ghosted, takes readers on a journey of uncovering family secrets and confronting painful truths. In her memoir, the Nancy French author explores her complex family legacy, marked by violence, abuse, and unconventional spiritual practices.

Join French as she navigates her path to healing and self-discovery, from her rural upbringing to her career as a conservative writer and beyond.

Uncovering a Complex Family Legacy

Nancy French, author of "Ghosted," begins her journey of self-discovery in the rugged terrain of Monteagle Mountain. As she delves into her family's history, the acclaimed writer uncovers a legacy marked by defiance, lawlessness, and enigmatic riddles that shaped her early environment and outlook on life.

French's ancestors were molded by the harsh realities of mountain life and the Great Depression, fostering a culture of creativity and resilience. However, this heritage was also tainted by sorrow, the influence of a notorious white supremacist group, and ineffective spiritual practices.

Growing up, French witnessed a stark contrast between her secluded rural upbringing and the urban lifestyle she would later experience. Her childhood home was a reflection of her family's way of life - guns were always within reach, and a heavy skillet was perpetually positioned atop the cooking range. This rugged existence stood in sharp contrast to the suburban Los Angeles life she read about and dreamed of, complete with air conditioning and functional cars.

A Childhood Marred by Turmoil

French's early years were deeply entangled with domestic violence, addiction, and dysfunction. Within her family's stone home, warmed by a wood-fired stove, violence and extremes became elements of normalcy. The family's past was marked by episodes of violence and threats, including a disturbing incident involving a relative's role in his spouse's demise.

Unconventional spiritual practices were woven into the family's ethos. These included an aunt who used a spherical object for divination, the inheritance of a mystical "gift," and spiritual gatherings marked by Native American ceremonies. These practices starkly contrasted with the family's public dedication to church attendance and adherence to Christian values.

Confronting a History of Abuse

French's history with men is marked by troubling incidents and abuse. She reveals a cycle of maltreatment and deceit she suffered, including sexual abuse from a religious authority figure during her childhood. Conrad, a charismatic young clergyman, manipulated and violated her trust, leaving her grappling with enduring psychological impacts and feelings of self-reproach and shame.

The story of spiritual salvation and forgiveness common in her surroundings allowed her abuser to go unnoticed. Even upon the revelation of the abuse, no steps were taken to protect her or others. This neglect intensified her sense of being unseen and unimportant, infusing her self-perception and religious beliefs with a deep-seated sense of guilt and disgrace.

Navigating Relationships and Politics

French's relationships with men in her youth and young adulthood were marked by instability and betrayal. Her efforts to establish fresh bonds were overshadowed by anxiety and uncertainty arising from her past encounters. Her college sweetheart, Jacob, added complexity to her situation with his controlling behavior and unpredictable outbursts.

As she entered her professional life, French applied her writing skills to craft speeches and documents for clients with conservative political leanings. She honed her ability to craft compelling conservative messaging and rhetoric, becoming the go-to writer for commentators and political figures. However, as her own political beliefs evolved, she found herself grappling with the changing nature of conservative politics.

French noted that the Republican Party had embraced language and personas that were divisive, conflicting with her values. Her work became shallow, and she experienced a loss of the "edge" she once had. The tension peaked during a disagreement over content with her client, Ethan. Her disillusionment with the Republican Party deepened when she witnessed its support for figures like Donald Trump and Steve Bannon, which stood in stark contrast to her deeply held conservative values.

Exposing Abuse at a Christian Summer Camp

French's investigation into abuse at a Christian summer camp became a turning point in her career and personal journey. She uncovered systemic abuse and cover-up at a prominent Christian summer camp in Branson, Missouri. Despite facing potential legal challenges and financial hardships, her determination was steadfast as she persisted in her unpaid efforts.

The investigation reopened wounds from French's own childhood abuse. She grappled with the remnants of her persecutor's warnings, wrestling with regret and sorrow. Parallels between the systematic neglect she uncovered and her personal trauma underscored the investigation for her, making it a profoundly personal journey.

Reconnecting With Family Roots

In an effort to heal and grow, French embarked on a journey to reconnect with her family roots and document her parents' stories. She conducted extensive interviews at her parents' home, asking them about their earliest memories and life details. Her dedication to documenting their stories with meticulous care remained steadfast despite the challenging environment.

French's exploration of her lineage led her to reconsider her deeply held convictions. She uncovered startling discoveries about her ancestry, including brushes with violence and previously unknown incidents. She also discovered the hidden truth about her Uncle Jasper's struggles with mental health, which had been obscured by invented stories.

This journey provided French with a new perspective on her parents, perceiving their lives, characterized by severe hunger, economic hardship, and aggressive encounters, as 'blessed' through their own lens. She developed a deeper bond with her mother, who recalled bygone days vividly, providing French with a significant link to her ancestry.

Ultimately, documenting her parents' stories was an act of love that established a lasting legacy for her descendants. The process not only preserved the liveliness of previous events but also paid tribute to her relatives, ensuring their deep and heartfelt narratives are cherished by descendants as an important legacy.